Arqiva, Capita, CGI and Telefónica have been awarded preferred bidder status for the installation of smart-meters throughout the UK.

Three contracts for North England and Scotland, East Anglia and Wales, and South England are expected to deliver customer savings and promote energy efficiency from accurate meter readings.

The contracts which cover the installation of smart meters throughout UK households in 2015 are estimated to be worth £175 million over 12 years.

Companies including G4S, BT and Vodafone have failed to achieve the preferred bidder status.

Bidders wait for preferred bidder shortlist for £2.8 billion of energy contracts