Some 6,000 'smart' electricity and water metres have so far been installed in parts of Valletta, Gzira, Ibrag, Swieqi, Madliena, Mosta, Zebbug (Gozo) , Mdina, Kirkop and Senglea, Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt said in Parliament.

He said that the installation of the meters is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.

Enemalta launched the installation of 'smart' meters in April as part of a €70 million project aimed at eliminating unbilled consumption, which includes theft of electricity.

The corporation has recovered more than €3 million over the past five years from customers who tampered with water and electricity meters.

Between January and October this year, a total of 126 tampered meters were discovered during inspections.

During the installation of the new 'smart' meters, 10 tampered meters were found in nine households and one factory.

The cost of the 'smart' meter project is expected to be recovered within four years.

The meters are expected to make possible the introduction of day and night power tariffs. Enemalta would be able to issue ‘actual' bills as against estimates, and meter readers would not have to call, since meters would be read remotely.

Consumers would also be able to see consumption on each circuit in their house.