A NORTH Tawton renewable energy organisation has been awarded a grant to spread the word about smart meters to residents in the area.

The Devon Association for Renewable Energy (DARE) will use the grant from the Smart Energy GB in Communities fund to provide impartial information about the new meters, particularly to older people without access to the internet.

Every household in the country is being given the opportunity to upgrade to a smart meter, as part of a national smart meter rollout. They display how much energy households are using, in pounds and pence, replacing traditional meters in homes. Giving information in real time, they are particularly useful in allowing householders to see how much energy a particular appliance uses.

DARE will be aiming to answer people’s questions and offer impartial advice about the meters, seven million of which have already been installed in the UK. The organisation stresses that it is completely impartial and not involved in the installation of smart meters themselves.

Kirsty Tooke, executive manager at DARE, said: ‘The aim of this project is to target the over 65s that are without personal internet access, as this sector of the community are often the ones left in the dark and are not fully confident about new technology. We are of course happy to help answer anyone’s queries and provide them with information about the smart meter rollout.

‘We will provide guidance and reassurance regarding the rollout and try to allay any fears they might have so that they can fully embrace the changes taking place.’