Smart Meters

24/07/17

You may have heard all about smart meters and have questions about what it means for you.

What is a smart meter?

Smart meters are the new generation of gas and electric meters. They are being installed in homes across Great Britain at no extra cost, to replace traditional meters, including prepay key meters.

What do smart meters do?

A smart meter sends automatic readings directly and securely to the energy supplier. This means no more manual readings. no more estimates and more accurate bills. A smart meter includes a portable smart meter display which shows exactly how much energy is being used and what it’s costing in pounds and pence, in near real time.

How do smart meters work?

Smart meters measure how much gas and electricity is being used and shares this directly and securely with the energy supplier and the smart meter display, using wireless technology. No one will have to take manual meter readings – the smart meter will send automatic readings to the energy supplier via the Data Communications Company (DCC), a secure national network which is solely for smart meters. This works in the same way as other wireless systems like car remote keys or TV’s, using radio waves. Though its is a wireless system, there is no need for WI-FI in the home for it to work, and it wont use your WI-FI if you do have it.

Who is Smart Energy GB?

Smart Energy GB is the voice of the smart meter rollout. Its their task to help everyone in Britain understand smart meters, the national rollout and how to use their new meters to get their gas and electricity under control.

Benefits of using a smart meter

  • You will always know what you are paying for your energy- with a smart meter you get an easy-to-understand portable display that shows exactly what you are spending in near real time.
  • An end to estimated bills – you only pay for the energy you use.
  • Smart meters shows you exactly how much gas and electricity you are using in near real time, so you can see where you are using the most energy and which appliances are most responsible. Knowing where to cut back can save both energy and money.
  • As smart meter technology also works with prepay meters, it will make it much easier to top up credit. Depending on the supplier, they’ll be able to top up directly online or through a smartphone app. There will be no more keys or inconvenient visits to the shop (although that option will still be available).
  • It makes switching between payment modes (e.g. direct debit or prepay) much easier as an installer will no longer have to visit the house and change the meter.
  • Smart meters will be installed by suppliers at no extra cost to consumers.

To find out more please click here

 

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