What is a smart meter? (and how can I get one installed)

Smart meters measure your home's energy use, such as electricity, gas, or water, and automatically send meter readings to your supplier, helping you save.

Smart meters are becoming increasingly common in UK homes, and for good reason. I want to explain what these devices are all about, how they can benefit you, and how you can get a smart meter installed in your home.

Understanding Smart Meters

What is a Smart Meter?

A smart meter is a device used to measure your home's energy use, such as electricity, gas, or water, and automatically send meter readings to your supplier, helping you save money. A key feature of a smart meter is the in-home display, which offers near real-time information about your energy consumption and its associated cost, empowering you to monitor and potentially reduce
your energy use.

How Smart Meters Work

A smart meter comprises two main components: the meter itself, responsible for capturing your energy usage data, and the in-home display, which presents this information in an accessible format. The electricity smart meter is connected to the mains and is responsible for monitoring how much electricity is being consumed in real time. The gas meter, typically battery-powered, "wakes up" periodically to record readings. The meter utilises a secure smart data network to transmit meter readings to your energy supplier at least once a month, wirelessly and automatically. This eliminates the need for estimated bills and ensures accurate billing based on actual energy usage. The in-home display provides up-to-date information on both gas and electricity consumption, enabling you to track your energy usage patterns and identify areas for potential savings. This intricate system ensures seamless communication between your home and your energy supplier, paving the way for better energy management.

Smart Meter Systems Overview

The first-generation smart meters, often referred to as SMETS1 meters, were installed before 2018. However, the smart meter rollout of SMETS2 meters commenced in 2018, representing a more advanced and interoperable technology. A key element within smart meter systems is the communications hub, and its functions include:

1. Establishing a wireless home area network.
2. Receiving data from your smart meters.
3. Transmitting this smart meter data to your in-home display for easy viewing.

It's worth noting that advancements in smart meter technology are ongoing, with a focus on enhancing connectivity, security, and functionality.

 

Benefits of Smart Meters

Financial Savings for Homeowners

One of the significant benefits of smart meters is the potential for financial savings. When you can clearly see and understand your energy consumption through the in-home display, you're empowered to manage your energy use more effectively. This leads to lower bills, as you can identify areas where you might be wasting energy. Smart meters allow you to monitor your gas and electricity you're using and make informed decisions about your energy consumption. Moreover, some smart energy tariffs are designed specifically for those with a smart meter installed, offering cheaper rates at certain times of the day. By taking advantage of these smart tariffs, you can further reduce your energy bills. Ultimately, smart meters help you take control of your energy usage, leading to tangible financial benefits.

Environmental Impact and Smart Energy

Beyond personal financial gains, smart meters play a crucial role in reducing our environmental impact. By providing accurate and timely smart meter data to energy suppliers, smart meters help energy network operators better balance the grid and manage national energy consumption. This directly contributes to addressing the climate emergency. With more information about when and how much gas and electricity you're using, energy suppliers can be more efficient about energy use and produce less energy when demand is low. This is central to the shift towards a cleaner, more flexible energy system and the effort to create a smart grid. Ultimately, smart meters help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and pave the way for a more sustainable energy future.

Improved Energy Monitoring

The in-home display provided with your smart meter allows you to easily track your energy usage and understand when your energy consumption could be more efficient. You can view your gas and electricity you're using at different times of the day, week, month, or year. This can highlight areas where you can improve your energy efficiency and cut your energy usage. Your energy supplier likely also provides access to your energy use and spending through an online account or app. Furthermore, smart meters send automatic meter readings to your energy supplier, eliminating the need for manual readings and ensuring more accurate bills.

Getting a Smart Meter Installed

How to Get a Smart Meter

To get a smart meter installed, the first step involves engaging with your energy supplier. They manage the smart meter rollout across the UK, aiming to install smart meters in every home in Great Britain. Your energy supplier will then take one of the following actions:

1. Arrange an appointment for a smart meter installation.
2. Inform you of when they will be installing smart meters in your area.

If you pay for the gas and electricity you're using in your rented property, you have the right to choose to get a smart meter. If you are particularly interested, you can register your interest with your energy supplier, and they will contact you to let you know if you are currently eligible.

 

What to Expect During Installation

The smart meter installation process typically takes about 90 minutes, though this can vary depending on the type of home you live in and the location of your existing meters. Once your smart meter is installed, your energy supplier will show you how to use the in-home display properly. On the day of your smart meter installation, an engineer will require access to your existing gas meter and electricity meter. It should only take a couple of hours to install smart meters, and you will likely lose power for a short time while your traditional meter is being replaced. You won't be charged separately for getting a smart meter or the in-home display.

Smart Meter Data and Usage

Your smart meter will store smart meter data about your energy use every 30 minutes, giving you a detailed overview of your energy consumption. You can view your real-time and historical data on your in-home display, enabling you to track your energy usage patterns and identify opportunities for energy efficiency. This allows you to monitor your gas and electricity you're using and make informed decisions about your energy consumption. By analysing this smart meter data, you can gain insights into your energy usage habits and potentially reduce your energy consumption, leading to lower energy bills and a smaller environmental footprint. With access to your smart meter data, you are empowered to take control of your energy usage and make informed decisions about your consumption patterns.

Smart Thermostat vs Smart Meter: What's the Difference?

Functionality Comparison

While both smart thermostats and smart meters aim to enhance energy efficiency, they function quite differently. The smart meter focuses on providing accurate meter readings and real-time data on energy consumption. Smart meters allow homeowners to monitor how much gas and electricity you're using. A smart thermostat, on the other hand, is designed to control your heating system. Smart thermostats allow you to remotely adjust the temperature of your home, create schedules to optimise energy use, and even learn your habits to automatically adjust settings for maximum energy efficiency. While smart meters provide data, smart thermostats enable active control over your home's heating. The gas meter and electricity meter work together to give you an overview of energy use, while the thermostat helps actively manage a portion of it.

Integration with Home Energy Systems

Smart meters play a vital role in the broader energy grid. Smart meters send automatic meter readings to your energy supplier. This process allows the smart grid to better balance energy supply and demand. Smart thermostats can also integrate with home energy systems, but their focus is more localised. Some smart thermostats can communicate with other smart devices in your home. For example, a smart thermostat might work with smart blinds to automatically adjust based on the weather. While a smart meter helps your energy supplier, a smart thermostat helps integrate and optimise the energy use of various devices within your home. Both of these systems help facilitate the use of smart energy, leading to a more sustainable future.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Home

Deciding whether to get a smart meter or invest in a smart thermostat depends on your priorities. The smart meter rollout across the UK continues, with the goal of installing smart meters in most homes. This process provides a fundamental tool for monitoring your energy use. The benefits of smart meters are numerous, and understanding your usage is the first step toward saving money and reducing your carbon footprint. If you're primarily concerned with controlling your heating and optimising energy efficiency in that specific area, a smart thermostat is a valuable addition. If you're looking for a broader view of your energy consumption and want to contribute to a smarter energy grid, getting a smart meter installed is the way to go. Often, the best approach is to have both.

So, Smart Meters, are they worth it?

As someone who has witnessed the evolution of home energy systems, I can confidently say that smart meters are worth it because they offer improved energy monitoring, potential financial savings, and contribute to a more sustainable future. While first-generation smart meters were a good start, the newer generation smart meters provide a more stable and efficient way to monitor the water, gas and electricity you're using. If you're looking to take control of your energy usage, reduce your environmental impact, and potentially save money on your bills, then take the time to contact your energy supplier and install smart meters.