Towngas official Philip Siu demonstrates an automatic gas-meter reader that will be installed in new homes to prevent consumers being overcharged and to take the inconvenience out of monthly readings.

The company says it is the world's first Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system designed for highrise buildings.

Towngas executive director (commercial) James Kwan Yuk-choi said 50 per cent of gas bills were currently estimates made on the basis of past consumption patterns. Traditionally, readings were done manually, meaning access to premises was not always possible and could be intrusive.