Smart meter advice

Have you thought about getting a smart meter but are unsure of the benefits?

Learn about the purpose of a smart meter and save money on your energy bills.

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An over the shoulder shot of a woman holding an in-home display screen for her smart meter.
A close-up image of a modern smart meter

What is a smart meter?

Smart meters are the modern solution to monitoring how much energy you use, as well as offering real-time tracking of gas and electricity consumption. They provide more accurate billing, greater control over your energy usage and how much you spend, as well as environmental benefits.

As part of a government initiative to improve energy efficiency, smart meters are being rolled out across the UK, supporting the transition to a greener future.

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What are the benefits?

Having a smart meter installed brings many benefits, ultimately saving you money and making bill payments easier in the long term. Some of these benefits include:

  • Accurate billing – say goodbye to estimated bills
  • Real-time energy monitoring for better budgeting
  • Set energy-spending targets
  • Convenience – no more manual meter readings
  • Environmental benefits – a greener future
  • Access to cheaper and more flexible tariffs

See how a smart meter could save you money:

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How do I get a smart meter?

If you live in the UK, you can get a smart meter installed for free and at no extra cost from your energy provider.

If you are interested in getting a smart meter installed:

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FAQs

1. Are smart meters free?

Yes, there is no additional cost for a smart meter. Just as you would spread the cost across your bills of running and maintaining a traditional meter, the cost of a smart meter is also included.

2. Are smart meters safe?

The answer is yes. Smart meters will only collect your energy usage data, so there is no need to worry about them tracking personal data and activity. You are also in control, so you can choose when to send your meter reading data from your smart meter to your supplier.

Smart meters also use radio waves which are lower than those emitted by your mobile phones or WIFI routers. They have been tested and are confirmed to be safe by UK health authorities.

3. Am I eligible for a smart meter if I rent?

Most houses are now eligible for a smart meter but we recommend that you double-check with your agency or landlord first to see if you will be able to upgrade to a smart meter, followed by getting in touch with your supplier to see if a smart meter is appropriate for the property.

4. Can I get a smart meter if I have a prepayment meter?

The answer is, yes. A smart meter is compatible for both prepay and credit customers so there is no additional cost to get one if you are a prepay customer. As a prepayment customer, you will be able to access “time-of-use tariffs” which will enable you to save money where you are using less energy during periods of high demand, and utilise more energy during off peak periods.

In the instance you have a prepayment meter, your in-home display will show you:

  • When your credit is getting low
  • Your emergency credit, including how much you have and when it has been activated
  • How much credit you have remaining
  • Your debt balance (if applicable)

Find out about smart meters and see how they can benefit you.

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This service is funded by our partner, UK Power Networks

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