A Blackburn charity is supporting a campaign to encourage people to get smart meters.

Blackburn with Darwen Healthy Living, who are based at Bangor Street Community Centre are aiming to share more information on the benefits of smart meters to people in the borough.

The aim is to help people track what they are spending on energy.

Chief Officer at Blackburn with Darwen Healthy Living, Dilwara Ali said: "Smart meters send your gas and electricity readings direct to your supplier, so you shouldn’t have to take and submit meter readings: no more emptying that cupboard or relying on others to take those readings. 

"Only your supplier can see how much energy you are using, and smart meters use a secure smart meter network, so you don’t even need an internet connection in your home.

"All this means you’ll get more accurate bills based on the energy you’ve actually used, not an estimate."

Smart meters come with an optional display so people can see at a glance how much gas and electricity they’re using and how much they’re spending each day, week and month.

Customers could also ask their supplier if they can provide them with an accessible smart meter display instead, which has larger buttons and can read information out loud.

Dilwara said: "You can still have a smart meter if you rent your home as long as your gas and electricity bills are addressed to you. Just let your landlord know before you get one.

"If you don’t pay for your energy bills, you can ask your landlord to get a smart meter installed for you."

People who are on prepay can also get a smart meter.

The smart meter display can help show them when they are running low on credit and when they need to top up.

Those with a smart meter on prepay mode can also top up anywhere anytime including on their mobile phone, in a shop or online.

More than half of homes in Great Britain already have a smart meter. Some homes can’t get a smart meter yet but will be able to get one before the end of the rollout.

Dilwara added: "Your energy supplier will be able to tell you whether you can have a smart meter.

"They may also be able to tell you when it can be installed. You’ll find all the contact details on your energy bill. 

"If you have a disability or rely on energy to help with a health condition, it may be a good idea to add yourself to the Priority Services Register."

The Priority Services Register is a free service that offers extra support including restoring power as quickly as possible if there’s a power cut.

To find out if you qualify for support call 0800 169 9970 or search online for ‘Priority Services Register’.