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Smart meters

Smart meters measure your exact gas and electricity usage and send the information electronically to your supplier. You can also have a smart pre-payment meter. Smart meters help to make better sense of the energy you use so you can lower your consumption and your bills. Some ways in which smart meters can help you include:

  • See what your energy use is costing in real time
  • Save money by encouraging good energy habits
  • Identify the appliances that are guzzling the most energy
  • Set budgets and energy saving goals to be more in control of your finances
  • Top up your pre-payment meter on your mobile or online; no need to leave the house or do anything with your meter
  • No more unexpected hefty bills from paying too little on estimated readings.

Gas and electricity suppliers are replacing traditional meters with smart meters at no extra cost (including if you have a prepayment meter, or live in a rented property). Click here to book your free smart meter install

How your smart meter will work:

1) Smart meters replace your traditional gas and electrical meters

2) You will receive an in-home display that shows you how much gas and electricity you’re using and how much it’s costing you.

Both parts work together to give you accurate information about your energy use in near real time. Your smart meter will automatically send meter readings with your supplier, making sure your bills are accurate.

A smart meter

In-home display

On an in-home display you’ll be able to read:

  • How much energy you’re using in near real time
  • How much energy you’ve used in the last hour, week and month
  • Whether your energy usage is high, medium or low

If you have a pre-payment smart meter, you will also be able to see:

  • How much credit you have left
  • How much emergency credit you have
  • Your debt balance (if you have any)
  • If your credit is getting low
Man using a smart meter

Data protection

You have the option to have your meter readings sent to your supplier monthly, daily or even half-hourly.

Your personal data is safe when you have a smart meter – the only information sent to your energy supplier is your meter reading. Your broadband is not used to send this information – the smart meter uses a bespoke and secure wireless connection. You have the right to decide how often reads are sent, as well if your supplier can use your meter readings for sales and marketing purposes.

You can request to have a smart meter installed via your energy supplier.

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