Thinking Energy, as the trial is known, is being run by Milton Keynes Council with the support of E.On and the National Energy Foundation and includes 75 households each of which is equipped with systems to monitor energy use and control their electrical appliances and central heating.

A number of these now will be selected to operate photovoltaic panels during this second part of the trial, which will examine how solar power and battery storage can reduce demand on the electrical grid, with an ultimate goal of further economical improvements for drivers.

Chris Rimmer, programme manager for E.ON's Thinking Energy project, said: "Our Thinking Energy trial has been a tremendous success so far and we've learned a great deal from our participants. By delving into the detail of exactly how different people use energy in their daily lives, we're already understanding more about how we can best meet future energy needs.

Andrew Geary, Milton Keynes Council Leader, added: ‘I was very pleased last year to join a team of local luminaries representing Milton Keynes at the first ever annual flagship event of the EU-China Urbanisation Partnership, held in Brussels, looking at the way forward. We were invited to address the conference because of the growing reputation of Milton Keynes as a pioneer in the field of sustainable low carbon development and this latest development from E.ON can only enhance that reputation.’