A NEW smart meter loan service is being launched to help people reduce their energy bills. People in Topsham can now borrow a smart meter from Exeter City Council for up to three weeks.

A NEW smart meter loan service is being launched to help people reduce their energy bills. People in Topsham can now borrow a smart meter from Exeter City Council for up to three weeks. The device will monitor and help identify ways of reducing home electricity consumption, with savings of up to 20 per cent possible. The device, which clips on to the domestic electricity meter, allows householders to see exactly how much electricity they are using, as well as the cost of running individual appliances. It can help bring about a greater awareness of where energy is being used and wasted in the home.The new service is being launched as part of the Exeter Big Switch Off campaign to encourage residents, businesses and schools to save energy and cut energy bills. Councillor Kevin Mitchell, Exeter City Council's Lead Councillor for Environment and Leisure, said: "Millions of pounds worth of energy is wasted each year by lights and appliances left on in homes when they are not needed. "With fuel prices on the increase, smart meters are an incredibly simple and effective way of helping residents to cut their fuel bills, as well as reducing the city's carbon dioxide emissions."The smart meters can be borrowed free of charge from the Exeter Visitor Information and tickets office, in Dix's Field. For more information call (01392) 665700 or visit www.exeter.gov.uk/smartmeters.