Customers can get "best deal" on utility bills with swipe of their phone

Bill payers in Britain will be able to see how much they spend on gas and electricity and shop for cheaper prices using their smartphone, under new plans outlined by the British government.

QR codes, which are similar to barcodes, will be included on utility bills and allow homeowners to immediately access information on prices from rival suppliers.

The plans were unveiled by energy secretary Ed Davey in response to calls for the government to provide cheaper energy and more transparent information on pricing.

“We’re determined to make energy markets work better for consumers,” said Davey.

“With so many of us using smartphones and tablets nowadays it would be strange if we weren’t using the latest technology to help us save money at home,” he added.

Bill payers will be able to "compare the best deal for them at the simple swipe of their phone” once they have downloaded a QR reader app.

Ministers have rejected claims that it will only benefit younger or more tech-savvy consumers and neglect some of the most vulnerable sectors of society.

Anyone with the app on their phone will be able to use it to scan any QR codes, allowing them to help family of friends that don’t have access to the information.

The codes are expected to be introduced later this year.