What is a smart meter and why should I get one?
YOU know you can get one at no extra cost from your energy supplier – but what actually is a smart meter? And how could it help you save money? In association with Smart Energy GB ©
A smart meter is a clever piece of tech which measures how much energy you are are using in your home and sends your readings straight to your energy supplier.
Unlike an old-style meter, it comes with a smart in-home display that tells you what your energy costing you. Seeing how much gas or electricity you’re using in pounds and pence, as you go along, makes it easy to track and control your energy usage.
You can work out which appliances are guzzling the most power – and use this to make savings by turning them down or switching them off.
The average household in the UK spends more than £600 a year on power*, so most of us are looking to make savings.
And as your smart meter also sends your usage direct to your supplier, you only pay for what you use – no more shocking estimated bills!
When money is tight, it’s a blessing to know that any spare cash is right where you need it most – in your pocket.
A smart meter also has a budgeting function which will help you manage your money. For example, you can set a budget for a day, week or month. Your gas and electricity usage will both show up on your in-home display.
If you have a prepay meter, the display also shows how much credit you have left and also warns you if the credit is low. Topping up with a smart meter is easy as you can do this online or via your mobile so you don’t have to traipse to the shops.
How do I get one?
Contact your energy supplier about fitting your smart meter at no extra cost, and make an appointment for a trained installer to come to your home.
They will install the meter and show you how to use the in-home display. They will also do a free gas safety check if you are having a gas smart meter installed. This is the first time there has been a nationwide programme to check the safety of the gas and electricity in our homes.
More than 12 million smart meters have already been installed in homes across Great Britain – and every household in the country will be offered one by their energy supplier at no extra cost over the next few years.
What if I’m renting?
If you pay the energy bills and they’re in your name, you can get a smart meter. You don’t need your landlord’s permission. But it’s wise to let them know if you’re having a smart meter installed.
*Source: Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
Smart Energy GB is the government backed organisation tasked with informing Great Britain about the benefits of the smart meter rollout
To find out more about getting a smart meter click .