Smart electricity meters are modern digital meters that automatically record your energy usage and send the data directly to your energy supplier in the UK.
How do smart meters work?
Unlike traditional meters, smart meters measure and forward your electricity usage to your supplier. This eliminates the need for manual readings. Most smart meters come with a small device that shows real-time data on your energy usage, costs and estimated bills. This allows you to monitor your consumption and adjust your daily usage to save energy.
What are the benefits of smart meters?
Smart meters ensure that your bills are based on actual usage rather than estimates. This reduces the risk of overpaying or underpaying for your energy consumption.
The real-time data provided by smart meters helps you understand your energy consumption patterns. By helping you monitor and reduce energy usage, smart meters contribute to lowering your carbon footprint.
With smart meters, you no longer need to manually read your meter or wait for a technician to visit your home. If you require a new electric meter box, specialist providers such as https://www.meterbox.co.uk can supply a model to suit your property, whether it is owed or rented out.
According to This is Money, the government wants smart meters to be fitted to 80 per cent of homes by the end of 2025.
Is the installation process free?
In most cases, smart meter installation is free, arranged by your energy supplier. A qualified installer will replace your old meter with a smart one, usually within a couple of hours. The installation process is typically quick and involves minimal disruption to your electricity supply.
What are the main concerns?
In some areas, particularly rural locations, smart meters might struggle with connectivity, which can affect their ability to send data. However, most homes can be fitted with a smart meter.
Some critics have expressed concerns about the radiation emitted by smart meters. However, evidence shows that the radiation levels are well within safety guidelines, similar to other everyday devices like Wi-Fi routers and mobile phones.
