Smart meters

Smart meters for gas and electricity are available to all energy bill payers and installation is free. These meters are designed to end estimated bills and manual meter readings, as they provide automatic readings to your energy supplier. You will also receive a digital in-home display which will show how much energy you’re using.

All energy suppliers will offer their customers smart meters that will be fitted free of charge.

However, it is not compulsory to have a smart meter installed, although some energy suppliers’ tariffs may require smart meters, for example for using home electric vehicle charging points.

There have been reports in the media that some smart meters are not working properly. Some of these issues are covered in an article published by the Consumers Association ‘Which?’. Further information can be found on their website.

In-Home Display

If you have a smart meter, you will also be given an In-Home Display (IHD) which will show you the cost of the electricity and gas used in real time. This lets you see immediately how much your energy usage has cost you. Your IHD will reset every day at midnight during wintertime and at 1am during summertime.

The IHD is a useful device to help you manage your energy costs and usage and you are encouraged to make use of it. The device can be reset if there is a connection issue or it stops updating. To reset it, unplug it from the mains and hold down the power button on the back for five seconds. Wait one minute and reconnect it to a power socket and switch it on.

Having a smart meter should help you lower your bills as you will be more aware of the cost of using your appliances. 

Smart Prepayment Meters

If you pay for your energy using the prepayment mode, you can see how much credit you have left on your in-home display and top up at any time of the day or night, by phone or online. You can also top up in your local shop if they have a payment facility such as a Post Office, PayPoint or Payzone. The amount you pay will be automatically added to your account, so you won’t need to worry about putting a key or card into a meter. 

If you want a smart meter, contact your energy supplier. Your smart meter installer will show you how to use your smart meter and the smart meter display.

If you rent your home and pay the gas and/or electricity bills you may need your landlord's permission to get a smart meter. If your landlord pays the bills, you should check with them first before arranging your smart meter installation.

For more information on smart meters visit the Energy Savings Trust website.