What is a Smart Meter?

A smart meter is a digital gas and electricity meter which gives you an accurate reading of how much gas and electricity you have used, as well as how much money you have spent. The smart meters use home display to show this information on an electronic device and then sends the recorded data to your energy supplier.

Although the smart meter replaces the standard energy meter, it essentially fulfils the same purpose. However, newer smart meters are considered to be much more accurate and reliable than previous generation meters as they give you a real-time update of how much energy you have used and how much it costs, effectively this is the 'smart' element of a smart meter.

What Does a Smart Meter Do?

A smart meter works in the same way as your standard energy meter - it takes readings of how much gas and electricity you have used, but it has added benefits. The electronic display allows you to see how much money you have spent on energy hourly, daily and monthly. The smart meter then shares data about your energy usage with your supplier, which means you do not have to take the reading yourself.

What are the Benefits of a Smart Meter?

Although smart meters are not compulsory, it still may be worth getting one regardless. There are several positives associated with having a smart meter that standard meters and prepayment meters cannot fulfil.

As already mentioned, smart meters are very accurate and give you a real-time update showing how much energy you've used and how much it has cost. This accuracy helps put an end to 'estimated usage' charges, which means with a smart meter, you will only be charged for the energy you have used. However, standard meters are still subject to 'estimated usage', and customers can only see how much money they have spent at the end of the month.

Smart meters also give customers access to a greater variety of tariffs than a household with a standard energy meter. So, if you are looking to change supplier, you are likely to save more money and find a better tariff with a smart meter installed. With a standard energy meter, you are much more limited in choice.

As the information from your smart meter is sent directly to your supplier, you do not require someone to come around to provide meter readings. As a result, you save money as you do not have to pay for a person to read your meter for you.

As well as this, smart meters are a great way to ensure that you are being more energy-efficient. By allowing you to monitor your energy usage and find ways to both cut down on your usage and energy bills.

How Do I Get One?

If you've decided that you want to get a smart meter, the best point of call is to contact your energy supplier. They will be able to give you information such as whether the area you're living in is eligible and whether your home is suitable for the installation. Your supplier will also be able to answer any other questions or queries you have. The supplier will then be likely to book in an appointment for your smart meter installation at a time that suits you.

If you are unsure about whether or not you should get a smart meter, ask questions and make sure you do your research beforehand. You are not obliged to have a smart meter, so you are within your rights to refuse installation if an energy supplier gets in contact with you.

Remember:

• Smart meters are not compulsory and are not required by law. You are within your rights to refuse a smart meter.
• If you are considering getting a smart meter, do your research. Check out sites such as which.co.uk, ofgem.gov.uk and citizensadvice.org.uk for more information on smart meters.
• Remember to ask your supplier any questions you have about smart meters if you are considering getting one installed.

If you are interested in finding out more about how you could cut the costs of your energy bill each month, why not take a look at some of the providers on our Save Money page. Alternatively, you can also look out our Solutions page for more alternative finance offers to help you spend and save.