What is a Smart Meter?
Smart meters measure how much gas and electricity you’re using. They shows a digital meter reading and uses a secure smart data network to automatically and wirelessly send the readings to your energy supplier at least once a month, so you will receive accurate, not estimated bills. They also come with an in-home display (IHD) screen that shows you exactly how much energy you’re using in pounds and pence, in near real time.
They are provided and installed with no extra cost on you.
Smart meters and the in-home display will be provided and fitted by your energy supplier. Your supplier will be in touch when your smart meter is ready to be installed. If you would like to enquire about getting one now, you can your contact your energy supplier directly.
You don’t need internet connection for it to work.
Your smart meter and in-home display communicate via a secure national network which is solely for smart meters. This works in the same way as other wireless systems like car remote keys or TVs, using radio waves. It does not need Wi-Fi.
They could help you save money.
Smart meters come with an in-home display which shows how much energy is being used in near real time. You can see what you’re spending in pounds and pence, which may help you reduce your energy consumption while still have warm and comfortable home.
They work for both pre-pay and credit energy customers
Pre-pay needn’t be any more expensive. You will be able to access time-of-use tariffs, which can help you save money if you are able to use less energy during periods of high demand (known as peak periods) and more energy during periods of low demand (known as off peak periods). Your smart meter IHD will show you how much credit you have left, how much emergency credit you have (and when it has been activated), your debt balance (if you have one), and if your credit’s getting low.
You’ll be helping us reduce carbon dioxide emissions from homes.
From the moment your smart meter is installed, you are helping to reduce our carbon emissions as a nation – even without making changes at home to use less energy. This is because the data and information they collect will help the UK better integrate renewable power such as wind, solar and hydro power, to supply the nation. This will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, main source of carbon dioxide emission
For more information about smart meters, visit https://www.smartenergygb.org, or contact your energy suppliers.