A call, from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, for the Government to be more involved in bringing smart electricity meters into use is being backed by Labor Party.

It should be noted that existing meter system would be replaced by the smart meters. The present meters are about 70 years old. A microchip can be fitted in the older devices, which can help restrain a household's energy use, by enabling users to use appliances when electricity is plentiful and cheap.

It has been pointed by the findings that with the adoption of this technology, domestic power could be saved up to $123 million a year.

Labour Party energy spokesman Charles Chauvel said that there is a huge chance for the Minister of Energy to introduce system for smart meters to help customers run their power use and their power bills.

"Already in the seven or eight months that we've had this Government in place, Gerry Brownlee's missed a whole lot of opportunities in the industry and I hope he doesn't pass this one up."

Mr Chauvel said that this year the Government must consider the matter.