Local MP Harriett Baldwin has backed a national initiative which will help homeowners to save money on their utility bills. New smart meters are being introduced which show exactly how much gas and electricity is being used. The technology behind the meters has been in part developed by local defence research and technology company, QinetiQ. The Department for Energy and Climate Change is launching a national campaign to encourage people to sign up to have a new smart meter installed. The meters help consumers understand what they are spending and help them to take control over their energy use and consequently their bills. Smart meters also send meter readings to suppliers automatically, seeing an end to estimated bills. Harriett commented: "The brilliant brains of Malvern have come up with another innovative idea to help us see where we use the most energy.” "Home-grown technology is helping people to monitor their energy usage in real time and keep their bills under control. "I hope that by the end of the decade, every home in the country will have one of these meters. "For the many West Worcestershire residents who are off-grid I can also recommend the Malvern Hills and Wychavon collective energy buying scheme that can drive down the cost of buying home heating oil and gas by buying in bulk. "August is usually a good time to fill up your tank as prices can often be lower in the summer.”