Smart Meters

Today at the County Council's full meeting, I proposed a motion calling for a scheme to introduce 'smart meters' for hire or to buy from local libraries. This was to make it easy for residents who wish to find out how much electricity they are using in their homes to then be able to reduce their fuel bills. This not only helps households during the recession, but helps to reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty. Too many of our electrical appliances, particularly televisions on 'stand-by', guzzle up energy without us realising it. By plugging in a 'smart meter' you are able to find out how much electricity is being wasted unnecessarily.

The BBC thought it was an excellent idea and I was interviewed on Radio Oxford this morning giving the merits of this scheme which was introduced in York last year with much success. A resident from North Leigh, nr. Witney was also interviewed telling us how much it had helped reduce his energy costs.

But, surprise, surprise, the ruling group voted it down despite their national leader's support for the meters. There is always a problem when it comes to trying to get the County Council to take on an idea - they rarely want to do it and always put obstacles in the way. This would have been a real opportunity to try to get families to help themselves during this recession, but sadly we will have to wait another day.

Two of our motions did get through (with a struggle and with amendments). One was to get supermarkets to reduce their packaging - not before time! The other motion we put was in favour of keeping the opt-out clause for the EU working time directive for Oxfordshire's firefighters. This is to enable our retained firefighters to continue to work without being penalised especially in rural areas. Both of these motions involve writing to relevant ministers - so not too hard a task to do. Let us hope they take notice so that today's long day of debate has not been in vain.