Should you have a smart meter in your house?
A smart meter is a digital device that measures and records the consumption of gas and electricity. Unlike traditional meters, it can send this information automatically to your utility company, saving you from having to take manual readings. Smart meters also let you see how much energy you are using in real-time through apps or online.
By integrating a smart meter with their gas box and electric meter box, which are available from companies such as www.meterbox.co.uk/electric-meter-boxes, consumers can access detailed information about their energy consumption.
There are two types of smart meters:
SMETS1
The first generation of smart meters deployed in the UK was SMETS1 (Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications 1). While these meters offered remote communication and automated readings, they had limitations in terms of interoperability. If a consumer switched energy suppliers, the meter might lose some smart functionality, requiring manual readings or additional devices.
SMETS2
SMETS2 is the updated and improved version of smart meters designed to address the issues of SMETS1. These meters provide standardised communication protocols, ensuring they retain smart functionality even when consumers switch energy suppliers.
Are you eligible for a smart meter?
The main determining factor, among various considerations, is whether your energy provider is currently implementing smart meters in your region. While many suppliers now conduct installations across the country, the speed at which you can receive one depends on its availability in your area. In many cases, smart meters are offered free of charge by energy suppliers as part of a government-led initiative to modernise energy infrastructure.
Can you switch providers with a smart meter?
Yes, you can switch energy providers if you have a smart meter. The government has put regulations in place to ensure consumers can retain the full functionality of their smart meters after switching.