Smart meters are modern upgrades to energy meters that allow you to monitor and manage energy consumption in your home. They provide real-time data, helping you make informed decisions about energy usage. They can make topping up easier if you choose to pay by prepayment too.
What is a smart meter?
A smart meter is the next generation of gas and electricity meters in the UK. They’ll help us adapt our energy grid and manage demand better in the future. They also have a range of benefits for consumers.
Smart meters function in the same way traditional meters do, by recording your energy consumption but with the major difference of sending meter readings periodically to your energy supplier.
How do smart meters work?
Smart meters come in two parts the main meter in the cupboard, which replaces your traditional meter and then the in-home display unit.
Your electricity meter will have a communication unit built in, which communicates with the wider smart meter network, your gas meter and the in-home display. Smart meters communicate through a secure network, passing meter readings to your supplier at regular intervals, this can be half-hourly or monthly. You can speak to your supplier to adjust how often your meter sends a reading.
The in-home display
When you smart meter is installed you should also receive an in home display. This is a device that communicates with your smart meter to give you visual information on your energy consumption.
The display will be provided free of charge at the same time a smart meter is installed. The installer should also demonstrate how the device works.
The display can be used to view your previous energy consumption or monitor it at the current time.
If you have a prepayment meter the in home display with show information about your current credit balance and access to emergency credit.
Apps and online portals
Many suppliers offer access to smart phone apps for their customers, or increased access to their smart meter data through their online account. This can provide a great deal of functionality to customers but what is on offer can vary based upon the supplier you are with.
Some suppliers for example will give you access to emergency credit or financial support if you are struggling via your app.
If you choose to pay by prepayment you can often top-up through your app, saving you a trip to the local shop.
Benefits of smart meters
The main benefit of a smart meter, if you currently have to submit meter readings, is that your bills will always be accurate without you having to physically submit readings. This means no more crawling into cupboards to read a display and then phone your energy supplier each month.
Smart meters will also help you to become more energy efficient – you will be able to work out how much energy each appliance is consuming and adjust your usage accordingly.
Having a smart meter installed should give you greater access to different tariffs and payment methods. Smart meters can function in both credit and prepayment mode, meaning if you need to switch it can be done with a lot less hassle.
Many suppliers offer innovative tariffs for smart meter customers that simply aren’t possible with traditional meters. This can include tariffs with dynamic prices that change throughout the day, or tariffs for those with electric heating or electric vehicles to charge.
Time of use tariffs
Smart meters can provide you access to dynamic tariffs. They can allow you to be charged differently for using energy at different times of day. Often giving you cheaper energy at night or other off-peak times. These tariffs in particular can be useful if you have an electric vehicle, electric heating or solar and battery storage. You should speak to your supplier and compare tariffs on the market to find the deal best for you.
How to get a smart meter
It’s easy to get a smart meter if you want to upgrade and don’t have one. You can contact your energy supplier to request an upgrade. You should not need to wait more than 6 weeks for an upgrade; otherwise, you would be entitled to £40 compensation.
Support from Cosy Kingdom
Are you wanting advice on managing your meters? Our energy advisors are here to help. Get in touch to arrange a free and impartial home visit from a member of the team.
- Calling 01592 807930
- Texting COSY then YOUR NAME to 88440
- Emailing info@cosykingdom.org.uk
- Request advice online