Smart Meters and Energy Efficiency

We are delighted to be working with Smart Energy GB to help people understand the benefits of smart meters.

When you’re on a tight budget it can be a struggle to make ends meet. Even when you’re doing everything you can to save money. A smart meter could make things a bit easier by taking some of the guesswork out of balancing your budget.

Smart meters are the next generation of Gas and Electricity meters to replace traditional meters. They are being installed at no extra cost to consumers across the country. Unlike traditional meters, the smart meter sends your gas and electricity readings through a secure network directly to your energy supplier so you don’t have to. This means no more digging around in a cupboard or getting on a ladder to read the meter. Having a smart meter means you get a bill based on how much energy you used – not an estimate.

A smart meter could help you with your household budgeting. Smart meters come with an in-home display (sometimes called an IHD) which can help you keep a closer eye on how much energy you’re using, and how much it’s costing you. That can help you decide when to turn the heating up or turn the TV off standby.

Smart meters can help you save energy, but it’s not automatic. Many people find the in-home display useful. It gives you more information about your energy use. This can help you work out how to save energy and money around the home.

Some homes can’t get a smart meter yet but will be able to get one before the end of the rollout. Your energy supplier can tell you if you can have one. They can also tell you how soon you can get one installed.

It’s important that you use the energy you need to keep warm, safe and healthy at home. Making small changes in how you use this could have an impact on bills.

Following these energy-saving tips can’t stop energy prices from rising, but it will mean you only pay for the energy you need.

1. Make use of Radiator Thermostats. Turn them down in those less-used areas in your home so that you don’t heat rooms that are not occupied.

2. Change your lighting to LED bulbs. These use about half the energy of fluorescent spiral ‘energy-saving bulbs’. They also last longer saving you more in the long run.

3. Boil less water. Only fill the kettle as much as you need.

4. Don’t leave devices on Standby. 'Vampire' devices are less of an issue than they used to be but some still consume energy while on Standby. Try charging your mobile phone during the evening rather than overnight.

5. Consider getting a smart meter to keep a closer eye on your energy spending habits