What are the benefits of smart meters?

The push to install smart meters in homes throughout the UK is on, but what are the benefits of smart meters and are there any potential problems?

We're on hand to dispel the myths of smart meters and to help residents discover the benefits to help them make a more informed decision on whether to adopt a smart meter.

Contents

• What is a smart meter?
• How do smart meters work
• What are the benefits of smart meters?
• How do I get a smart meter?
• Can I get a smart meter if I rent?
• Can I switch tariff or energy supplier if I have a smart meter?

What is a smart meter?

A smart meter is a new type of a gas and electricity meter.

They replace traditional meters including prepay key meters, most of us currently have ticking away under the stairs, or outside our homes.

Smart meters measure how much gas and electricity you’re using, as well as what it’s costing you and display this on a handy in-home display.

How do smart meters work?

With a smart meter you can wave goodbye to estimated billing.

The smart meter shows a digital meter reading and uses a secure smart data network to automatically and wirelessly send the readings to your energy supplier at least once a month, so you will receive accurate, not estimated bills.

Smart meters also come with an in-home display screen that shows you exactly how much energy you're using in pounds and pence, in near real time.

What are the benefits of smart meters?

1. You will get accurate bills

Estimated bills will be a thing of the past, as smart meters regularly send your energy usage to your utility for billing.

2. You can see your usage

If you use a smart display (this is an option free of charge) you can visually track your usage in real time. You will be able to easily identify how you are using energy and if any of this is unnecessary. By changing your behaviour in response to the readings on the smart display, it is possible to make savings on your gas and electricity bills.

The display shows:

• energy used in the last hour, week and month
• level of current electricity use is high, medium or low
• real time updates for electricity and half hourly updates for gas

3. No more meter readings

There is no need to have the utility read your meter manually. You won't have anyone coming round asking to read your meter as the information is sent to the utility digitally.

Benefits for prepayment customers

4. See your credit

Prepay householders can see how much credit they have left using the in-home display, as well emergency credit balance, debt balance and alerts if credit is low.

5. Top up more easily

Credit can be topped up more easily by phone, online or at a local shop.

6. Accessing your meter is no longer a chore

There is no longer a need to access the meter to input a top up card or key as this can be done remotely.

7. Switch between prepay and credit

Customers may be able to switch between prepay and credit without needing an installer to visit the home.

8. Help shape country's infrastructure

Smart meters allow suppliers to better predict demand, helping to shape energy infrastructure to become more reliable and efficient. According to the National Infrastructure Commission a complete smart energy grid could save the nation 8 billion pounds each year

How do I get a smart meter?

Here are three easy steps to get your smart meter:

1. Request a smart meter

Gas and electricity suppliers are responsible for providing and fitting smart meters for everyone in Britain by the end of 2025 at no extra cost.

If you have different suppliers for gas and electricity, use Smart Energy GB's tool to contact your electricity supplier first.

Find your supplier here

2. Arrange a date and time for your installation

When your energy supplier is ready to install your smart meter, then they will telephone or email you in order to agree a time to come and change over your meter.

3. Give your supplier access to install your new meter

A trained installer will call round to your home and install your smart meter.

It takes about two hours and you will need to be present throughout that time.

Your installer will demonstrate how your smart meter works and answer any questions you may have.

Can I get a smart meter if I rent?

If you’re the account holder who pays the energy bills, you are automatically entitled to one.

If your landlord pays the bills you can also get a smart meter, and it’s mutually beneficial for both of you, speak to your landlord about upgrading.

Can I switch tariff or energy supplier if I have a smart meter?

Yes. People with a smart meter can switch energy supplier and tariff in exactly the same way that anyone with a traditional meter can.

Contact us

If you have questions about smart meters, get in touch with our team.

T: 03300 533 060 (office hours: 9am - 5pm, Mon - Fri)

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