Roll out of Smart Meters before 2020

The Government is rolling out smart meters into all homes and businesses before 2020. However, research shows that a huge percentage of the population are still not aware of the options available.

The new meters

Smart meters are the next generation of gas and electricity meters and offer a range of intelligent functions.

For example, they can tell you how much energy you are using through an In Home Display (IHD). They communicate directly with your energy supplier, meaning you will get accurate bills, and there will be no need for your energy supplier to visit your home to read your meter in future.

Benefits of smart meters

Smart meters bring a wide range of benefits. For example:

• smart meters give you near real time information on energy use – expressed in pounds and pence
• you will be able to better manage your energy use, save money and reduce emissions
• smart meters will bring an end to estimated billing – you will only be billed for the energy you actually use, helping you budget better
• in time smart meters will make switching supplier smoother and faster, making it easier to get the best deals

You will not be charged separately for a smart meter or for the In-Home Display. Under current arrangements you pay for the cost of your meter and its maintenance through your energy bills, and this will be the same for smart meters.

Benefits for prepayment customers

Smart meters can work in prepayment or credit mode. Prepayment customers will see some particular benefits from having a smart meter. For example:

• your energy supplier may be able to offer you new and more flexible ways of topping up your meter that don’t require you to visit a shop
• you’ll be able to see your balance on your easy-to-access In Home Display, so you don’t unknowingly run out of credit
• your smart meter can be set to top up automatically, so that if you do run out of credit at night or when the shops are shut you won’t be left without power

Further information on the benefits of smart meters, what they are and how they work, is available on the Smart Energy GB website