What are the benefits of smart meters?

• Monitor your usage in real-time

One of the biggest advantages of smart meters is being able to see exactly how much energy you’re using, as you’re using it, and how much it’ll cost.

Previously, it was nearly impossible to see what was causing energy usage spikes, but smart meters can now tell you how much energy a certain appliance may be using.  

• Get more accurate bills

Gone are the days of estimated bills and meter readings. Smart meters automatically inform suppliers of your usage, meaning you don’t need to take manual readings or have engineers round to check meters. You’ll receive bills based on your actual consumption rather than estimates, so you can be sure you’re paying for your usage and nothing else. 

• Adjust your usage to reduce your bill

Understanding your energy patterns better can help you identify areas where you can cut back to save on your bills. For instance, appliances left on standby mode when not in use could be slowly driving up your bill – but being able to identify this with real-time insights can help you make a more conscious decision to switch off and unplug electronics that are using electricity.

This insight allows you to make decisions about how to use less energy during peak times, which can lead to lower energy costs.

• No more manual meter readings

Smart meters automatically send your energy usage data to your provider, removing the inconvenience of taking manual meter readings. This means you no longer have to submit readings yourself (unless you want to, of course!) or have someone come to your home to read the meter.

• Set usage limits

Many smart meters allow you to set daily or monthly energy usage targets. The in-home display can alert you when you’re nearing these limits, helping you stay within a budget and manage your energy consumption more effectively.

• Prepayment friendly

Prepayment customers can sometimes be left behind when the energy industry advances, but smart meters are something they can take advantage of –  knowing how much energy you have left on your meter is crucial, and the displays will show how much credit you have left. 

And now, with smart technology, you can top up your balance from your phone or computer. No more traipsing down to a pay point. You can add credit easily and be sure you’re never in danger of running out at any time. 

• Supporting smarter grids

As Britain moves toward a smart grid and utilising new technologies and ways to deliver energy, smart meters will sit at the centre of this. Two-way communication between consumers and the energy grid will allow for smarter, real-time responses to energy demand.

What does a smart meter look like?

Recently moved, and not sure if you have a smart meter or not? You’re not alone.

Smart meters tend to look pretty similar to traditional gas or electricity meters. The key difference is that they’ll often have a digital display with buttons that let you scroll through the features.

You can also check if you have a smart meter by using the Citizens Advice tool:

• For residents in England and Wales

• For residents in Scotland

Do I have to have a smart meter?

No, you don’t have to have a smart meter installed, as they’re not compulsory. You also have the right to refuse the installation of a smart meter in your home if your energy supplier offers you one. However, this might mean you can’t purchase certain energy tariffs, like time-of-use tariffs.

While having a smart meter installed isn’t mandatory for households across the country, the UK Government has set goals for energy suppliers to install smart meters in at least 74.5% of homes and nearly 69% of small businesses by the end of 2025. Energy firms must take “all reasonable steps” to fit smart meters for customers if they’re replacing a traditional meter or installing one for the first time (like in a new-build property).