20 July 2021 Government and Ofgem announce plans for smart technologies to help consumers cut their bills and boost energy efficiency unleashing smart technology across the grid could create up to 24,000 UK jobs and boost exports plans could also reduce cost of managing the energy system by up to £10 billion a year by 2050 Cutting-edge smart technologies will ensure the lights stay on and energy bills are cut, as demand for electricity intensifies and fossil fuels are phased out in the UK, in new plans laid out by the UK government and Ofgem today (Tuesday 20 July). Smart and flexible energy systems will be needed if the UK is to meet its world-leading commitments to tackle climate change by 2050. Meeting an increasing demand for electricity, as fossil fuels are phased out, will require a system which ensures the supply of clean energy from renewable sources is guaranteed even when the wind is not blowing or the sun is not shining.