Smart thinking? All you need to know about energy firms’ digital revolution
Are smart meters the saviour of Britain’s creaking grid system or just another digital gimmick we could do without?
Smart gas and electricity meters are being offered to everyone by energy suppliers and 11 million of them have already been installed in homes and small businesses across the UK.
There are two kinds: SMETS1 and SMETS2 (this stands for Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specification).
In November, Raw Deal advised readers not to get a smart meter fitted until the more advanced SMETS2s became more widely available.
The concern was that customers could encounter problems with the first wave of gadgets when switching suppliers.
Now the second-generation devices are being rolled out... so it is time for an update.
John MacNeil, Smart Energy GB’s head of policy and communications, is convinced people will see the benefits.
He said: “Our research shows that more than eight in ten people say they have a better idea of what they are spending on energy thanks to their smart meter.”
We receive a regular stream of correspondence about these new gizmos, so we put some of the most common questions and concerns raised to Smart Energy GB.
What is a smart meter?
Smart meters are the new generation of gas and electricity meters available from your energy supplier, free of charge.
They are replacing traditional analogue meters in homes across the UK, which haven’t really changed much since Victorian times.
Why do we need them?
They are seen as a crucial step towards the development of smarter energy grids, meaning a better ability to match our power requirements as a nation.
Why is a smart meter better than my old traditional meter?
Smart meters send automatic readings to your supplier, putting an end to estimated bills and manual meter readings. The accompanying in-home display will show you exactly how much energy you are using as you go along,
and what it is costing you in pounds and pence.
They’re also a great tool to help you reduce energy waste and save money. You’ll also be able to compare your energy use over time, identify where you could make positive changes, and benefit from cheaper gas and electricity bills.
Will it cost me anything to have a smart meter fitted?
All energy suppliers will offer their customers a smart meter, so every household in Great Britain will be able to benefit from the new technology. They are fitted by energy suppliers and they come at no extra cost, so you won’t need to pay anything extra for the upgrade.
What will happen during installation?
You can contact your energy supplier to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.
All smart meter installers follow the same code of practice and they will show their company ID when they arrive. Installations take about two hours. While they are there, they will show you how to use your smart meter and the smart meter display.
They will also be able to give you some energy-saving advice and will carry out safety checks.