Sunderland Central MP Julie Elliott is calling on residents to think smart about their energy use this summer.

New figures from British Gas reveal that more than 8,400 smart meters have already been installed in homes across Sunderland.

Thousands of other residents, however, have yet to make the switch from traditional meters to smart energy ones.

“Smart meters put people in control of their energy use and that’s why it’s positive to hear that many homes here in Sunderland have already embraced this technology,” said Ms Elliott.

“I’d encourage everyone to find out more about the benefits of smart meters.”

• All homes and businesses in Britain are being offered smart meters by the end of 2020. To find out more about having smart meters installed for free visit britishgas.co.uk/smart