December 2009
North West housebuilder leads the way on smart meters
The government has announced a programme which will see smart meters installed in all homes by 2020 in a bid to cut carbon emissions by encouraging householders to pay more attention to the amount of gas and electricity they use. The department for energy and climate change wants energy suppliers to be responsible for the installation but leading North West housebuilder Arley Homes is ahead of the game.
Arley has installed intelligent electricity and gas meters in all properties at its Chanters Green development in Atherton. This high-tech device is one of a range of measures employed by the developer in order to reduce unnecessary waste and help homeowners bring down their energy bills.
All 28 new homes at Chanters Green have a smart meter installed in the external meter box to record and relay data to the householder’s energy supplier automatically, removing the need for a home visit. The usage is recorded every half hour and the information can be viewed online and in monthly bills.
Buyers will then have the option to have a visual display unit attached to the meter and mounted inside their home, enabling quick and easy access to view how much electricity and gas is being used, and take steps to reduce it.
John Cosgrave, managing director of Arley Homes, is keen to raise awareness of the small things people can do which, together, can make a big difference to the environment. He said: “It is important for all of us to consider our energy consumption and try to reduce it where possible. By installing these intelligent metres we raise awareness and create an opportunity for people to focus on the simple things they can do to make a difference such as switching off lights and appliances on standby.
“Employing simple and sustainable measures to help reduce energy use is not only good news for the environment but can also help to save homeowners money in the long run. New homes also have the added advantage of incorporating many of the latest standards in insulation, water conservation measures and brand new appliances, further reducing the pressure on natural resources.”
Arley Homes has teamed up with dual fuel provider First Utility which is offering a free VDU to buyers who sign up for one year’s energy supply.
Chanters Green is an elegant development of 28 traditional two-storey properties, in a mixture of five different house styles, cleverly designed to blend the contemporary with the traditional. Buyers have the choice between two and three bedroom, detached or mews, each with allocated off street parking or garage, and a garden.
Situated on the corner of Gloucester Street and Formby Avenue, Chanters Green has been beautifully landscaped to be a welcome addition to the existing street scene. It is located close to the A579 and has excellent links to the M61 motorway, Wigan and Bolton town centres.
Prices start from £124,950 and Arley offers a range of incentives to buyers including assisted sale, part exchange and five per cent deposit paid. Select plots at Chanters Green are also available with up to 100 per cent mortgages. For more information about this development or to contact Arley Homes please go to www.arleyhomes.co.uk or call 01925 651155.
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Press contact:
Deborah Garritty/Heather Butler,
Bell Pottinger North (01625) 506444/411/435
dgarritty@bellpottingernorth.co.uk/hbutler@bellpottingernorth.co.uk
