Britain has dropped out of the list of the world's top five clean energy countries, research shows.

It is now placed sixth out of 40 countries in Ernst & Young's quarterly report, with the nation falling below Italy.

However, Ben Warren, Ernst & Young's energy and environmental finance leader, noted that proposals for a spending programme to boost the UK's transmission infrastructure for renewable energy is optimistic news.

"There is significant concern across the green energy sector that the government will shift its focus towards natural gas as an alternative to renewable," Mr Warren added.

He also highlighted that the Electricity Market Reform must provide the correct framework in order to stimulate investment when it comes to energy generation.

Customers across the UK may also gain energy benefits after smart home technology company AlertMe announced that it will provide personal energy efficiency tips to British Gas customers who utilise new smart meters.