A LAW firm has worked on a project to drive up energy efficiency.

Muckle, in Newcastle, was approached by energy solutions provider EDMI Limited to support a deal with telecoms firm Arqiva.

EDMI, which has its European headquarters in Gosforth, is developing communication hubs for Arqiva’s smart metering network across the North and in Scotland.

The network will be used to transfer information between smart meter and energy suppliers, network operators and authorised service users, ending estimated bills.

The move comes as the Government pushes energy suppliers to install smart meters in all UK homes and wants 53 million fitted by 2020, providing consumers with the cost in pounds and pence of their energy consumption.

Muckle was approached by EDMI to assist with negotiating the contracts between the multiple parties involved, which included aspects of design, order management and intellectual property issues and payment terms.

Alan Grisedale, a partner in Muckle's energy team, led the legal support.

He said: “In its entirety, the UK-wide smart meter programme is expected to deliver net benefits of more than £6bn, so this is an important national project.

“Understandably, the contract for the development of the communications hub for the North and Scotland was extensive.

“The contracts were heavily scrutinised at all stages and involved parent companies in Japan, Singapore and the US, requiring us to be available across different time zones.

“The contracts are now all in place and this arrangement is worth millions to our region.

“We enjoyed working very closely with the teams at EDMI, whose technical, financial and project knowledge were excellent.”

David Stroud, executive director at EDMI Europe, added: “Muckle has played a significant role in the negotiation of this major contract.

“We were delighted to work with Alan and his team, whose diligent and professional approach resulted in a successful conclusion for all parties.”