smart_fridge.jpgThe British government's Carbon Emission Reduction Target project aims to reduce emissions by 33 million tons come 2020. As such, the six largest energy suppliers in Britain are taking steps to meet this figure. Npower, for example, partnered with tech company called RLtec to create a refrigerator installed with a new technology called Dynamic Demand. In a nutshell, this technology allows the power company to remotely control the electricity the fridge uses.

There's an in-built computer on every "smart fridge" with a switch that the power company triggers. During high-demand hours for electricity, the fridges are automatically switched off to maintain a balance in the grid. The companies involved claim that the appliance is well-insulated and does not need a regular flow of electricity to maintain the temperature needed for food to be well-preserved and for ice to remain solid. Government study reveals that if every fridge in Britain uses the Dynamic Demand technology, that will equate to a reduction of two million tons of carbon dioxide.

But would you really want to lose control over an appliance in your own home? I know I wouldn't. The first 300 smart fridge units will be distributed in Britain within five weeks' time, with 3,000 more ready to be dispatched. As Douglas Carswell says though, it's important that consumers have the choice to opt out as they see fit if, in case, the idea of using smart fridges should prove to be successful.