Energy
Smart Meters Explained: What They Do and Whether to Get One
A smart meter sends your gas and electricity readings to your supplier automatically, so bills are based on what you used rather than an estimate. It does not lower your prices by itself; your tariff sets those.
- Ends estimated bills
- You do not have to have one
- You can still switch supplier
Your energy
- Readings
- Sent by the meter
- Unit rates
- Set by the tariff
- Fixed term ends
- On record
Example. Your own details appear once you add them.
What a smart meter does and does not do
It does
- Readings
- Sends them to your supplier, so bills stop being estimates.
- Your use
- Shows it in pounds and pence on the in-home display.
- Smart tariffs
- Lets you take a time-of-use tariff; most need one.
It does not
- Prices
- Lower your unit rates; the tariff sets them.
- Your supplier
- Tie you to one; you can still switch.
- Have to be fitted
- You can say no.
General information. Your supplier fits and reads the meter.
The full guide
A smart meter sends your gas and electricity readings to your supplier automatically, so your bills are based on what you used rather than an estimate. It does not lower your prices by itself: it shows your use, in pounds and pence, on a display in your home.
What it does and does not do
| A smart meter | |
|---|---|
| Sends readings for you | Yes, so bills stop being estimates |
| Shows what you use | Yes, on the in-home display |
| Lets you take a smart or time-of-use tariff | Yes; most need one |
| Lowers your unit rates | No; the tariff sets the price |
| Changes who supplies you | No; you can still switch |
Getting one
Your energy supplier fits it, usually at no upfront charge; the cost of the national roll-out is part of what every customer pays through their bills. You do not have to have one. If you rent and pay the energy bills, you can ask your supplier for one; check your tenancy agreement and tell your landlord.
Switching supplier
You can switch with a smart meter. Most older first-generation meters have been upgraded remotely to work with any supplier. If yours stops sending readings after a switch, give readings yourself and tell the new supplier.
Your data
Your supplier needs readings to bill you. It must tell you what other data it collects, such as more frequent readings, and the choices you have about it.
If it stops sending readings
Check the in-home display and any bill marked estimated. Read the meter yourself, photograph it, send the reading, and tell your supplier the meter is not sending. Meter readings and estimated bills covers the 12-month back-billing rule.
How Wisemium helps
Upload your energy bill to Wisemium and it reads the supplier, tariff, unit rates and standing charges for you to confirm, and keeps them with any fixed term end date. Wisemium does not fit or read meters; your supplier does.
Wisemium reads your tariff and prices for you to confirm, and keeps them with any fixed term end date.
Common questions
Do I have to get a smart meter?
No. Your supplier may offer one, but you can say no.
Does a smart meter save money?
Not by itself. It shows your use and ends estimated bills; what you pay is set by your tariff and how much you use.
Can I switch supplier with a smart meter?
Yes. If the meter stops sending readings afterwards, give readings yourself and tell the new supplier.
Useful to someone you know?