The benefits of a smart meter

WHAT IS A SMART METER?

Smart meters are a type of gas and electricity meter, they replace traditional meters including prepayment meters.

Smart meters measure how much gas and electricity you’re using, and it comes with an in-home display, sometimes called an IHD. This shows you at a glance how much gas and electricity you’re using and what it’s costing you.

HOW DO THEY WORK?

With a smart meter you can wave goodbye to estimated billing. The smart meter shows a digital meter reading and uses a secure smart data network (managed by the DCC) to automatically and wirelessly send the readings to your energy supplier at least once a month, so you will receive accurate, not estimated bills.

Smart meters aren’t connected to the internet. The in-home display isn’t connected to the internet, either. So you don’t need to have internet access to get one.

Understanding your in-home display

The in-home display shows you exactly how much energy you're using in pounds and pence, in near real-time.

Smart meters can help you save energy, but it’s not automatic. Many people find the in-home display useful. It gives you more information about your energy use. This can help you work out how to save energy and money around the home.

Did you know that accessible in-home displays are available from some suppliers? These could be helpful if you are:

- blind or partially sighted

- have difficulties using your hands or wrists, or

- have difficulties with memory loss

They have larger buttons and can read information out loud. Ask your energy supplier about an accessible in-home display.

Call the Age Cymru Powys Information & Advice team on 01686 623707 or email enquiries@acpowys.org.uk to find out more.*

*Eligibility may vary, consumer action required.

HOW CAN I GET A SMART METER?

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, please contact your energy supplier here.

Smart meters and the in-home display will be provided and fitted by your energy supplier. If your supplier is using third party installers, your energy supplier will let you know who they are and when they’re coming.

SMART METERS FOR RENTERS

Can I get a smart meter if I rent?

If you pay the bills for the gas or electricity in your rented home, you can choose to have a smart meter installed. You should tell your landlord before you get one, as there may be rules in your tenancy agreement about how energy is supplied to the property, including the type of meter than can be installed. If you don’t pay your energy bills, you can ask your landlord to get a smart meter installed for you . Many homes can upgrade to a smart meter right now - but where you live, the type of home you live in, and the age and type of your existing meter may mean that your energy supplier will take a little longer to get yours to you.

BENEFITS FOR RENTERS AND TENANTS - WHY SHOULD I GET A SMART METER?

A smart meter could help you save money. Since you can see what you're spending in pounds and pence it also makes splitting household bills between tenants much simpler. You also don’t need to worry about submitting an end of tenancy meter reading on the day you move out – after you’ve informed your supplier of your move out date, your smart meter can take the final reading for you automatically.

IF YOU HAVE A PREPAY METER:

If you already pay as you go for your energy –or if you’re thinking of making the switch – a smart prepay meter could benefit you, from easier top-ups to keeping an eye on your energy use. In fact, prepay customers 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).

If you have a smart prepay meter your 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)
• if your credit’s getting low

If at any point you decide that you would like to switch from a smart prepay meter to a smart credit meter, speak to your supplier.

FAQS

Can I switch tariff or energy supplier if I have a smart meter?

Yes. People with a smart meter can switch energy supplier and tariff in exactly the same way that anyone with a traditional meter can. Find out more about switching supplier with a smart meter here.

Can I get a smart meter for free?

There is no additional cost for the installation of your smart meter. You won’t have an extra charge on your bill because you chose to have a smart meter. The costs will be spread across everyone’s bills, just like the cost of running and maintaining today’s traditional meters are. At the point of installation you should be offered an in-home display  for no additional cost, this shows your spending to you in near real-time.

About Smart Energy GB

Smart Energy GB is the not-for-profit campaign helping everyone in Britain to understand the importance of smart meters and their benefits to people and the environment. Our national campaign is reaching homes and microbusinesses across England, Scotland and Wales. For more information visit smartenergyGB.org