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More than 4 million fear they`ll be made redundant Consumers took on more mortgage debt in July Debts called in by parents Teenagers `scared of debt` Rising household costs could pressure people in debt Pensions debt may impact workers` retirement funds Welsh young adults `at highest risk of debt problems` Over 50s can`t afford to enjoy retirement because of debts Budget: tackling the nation`s debt Short-term debt: `no need for price control` The cost of clearing debt Education debt Tackling the national debt Number of mortgage deals on offer exceeds 3,000 Almost 5 million take on debt to pay household bills OECD: household debt more than 120% of disposable income Petrol price falls help people in debt Amount of mortgage debt taken on at lowest level in ten years Northern Ireland sees significant IVA rise Overdraft debt `becoming more expensive`

`Smart meters` could reduce energy debt

13/05/2009

The Government has unveiled new plans for all British homes to be fitted with `Smart meters` - which monitor and display household energy usage.

The installation of around 26 million electricity meters and 22 million gas meters by the end of 2020 will give billpayers the ability to monitor their usage, giving them more control over how much they spend and hopefully putting an end to estimated bills.

Estimated bills have caused problems for many energy users, particularly as prices have risen, because they often mean billpayers are not paying the full amount for their usage, and often only find out when they are already in debt on their account.

A spokesperson for Debt Advisers Direct said: "Currently, it can be difficult for billpayers to keep track of exactly how much energy they are using, and to assess whether their payments cover that usage.

"But with the introduction of Smart Meters, we could see a substantial reduction in the number of people who fall into debt on their energy bills."

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Debt Advisers Direct offer free debt advice and a range of debt solutions, including debt management plans, debt consolidation loans and IVAs (Individual Voluntary Arrangements).

More than 4 million fear they`ll be made redundant 16/12/2010 - According to R3`s quarterly personal debt tracker, more than 4 Consumers took on more mortgage debt in July 26/08/2010 - Consumers took on £2bn more mortgage debt than they repaid Debts called in by parents 26/08/2010 - According to research, `the bank of Mum and Dad` is Teenagers `scared of debt` 19/08/2010 - Nearly two thirds of teenagers are `scared` of debt, according