Over the last few years, energy bills have remained high, with many households struggling to cover the cost of these. A smart meter is one way to take control of your energy use and get access to better tariffs.
It’s really simple to get a smart meter – you just need to contact your energy supplier to organise your own installation.
What is a smart meter?
Smart meters track your electricity and gas usage and send meter readings straight to your energy supplier – allowing them to provide you with accurate bills.
All smart meters should come with a small device that shows your energy usage and how much you are spending at any moment. This is called an in-home display.
How will it benefit me?
More than half of households in the UK have smart meters. If you choose to have one installed, you can benefit from:
- Automatic meter readings. Your smart meter will send regular readings to your energy suppliers, giving a clearer picture of your energy use
- Access to flexible tariffs. Some energy companies will provide a greater range of tariffs, like ‘time of use’ tariffs – allowing you to pay less for electricity used during off peak hours.
- More information on your energy use. Your in-home display will tell you how much you’re spending, and allow you to identify devices that are using a lot of energy.
How much does it cost me?
Smart meters do not cost you anything and will be installed without charge by your energy supplier. The government requires energy providers to install these in homes.
How do I get one?
If you're a resident who receives a direct bill, you will need to contact your energy supplier to organise your own installation. To find out more about when your energy supplier will be rolling out smart meters in your area, the Smart Energy GB website has more information.
