The benefits of using smart meters – A quick guide
1st July 2014
There is a lot of information about smart meters floating around on the internet, so we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve distilled the facts from a select few trustworthy sources, such as GOV.UK, the Energy Saving Trust and USwitch.
What are smart meters?
Smart meters are a new kind of energy meter. They work as a replacement for your existing meters and provide your energy supplier with information about your energy use.
How do they work?
Smart meters use wireless technology to transmit data back to your energy supplier - similar to the signals your mobile phone uses. This ensures your supplier always has the most up-to-date information about your usage.
How will they benefit my business?
There’s a whole range of ways they can benefit your business and make things easier for you to manage, including:
Accurate bills
As the meters send real-time information directly to your energy supplier, you’re going to get accurate bills only charging you for the energy you’ve used. This means you don’t have to worry about dealing with estimated bills, sending meter readings or arranging for someone to come in to read your meter.
Better energy planning
Since you’re only going to be paying for the energy you use, you’ll be able to plan your energy better. Some suppliers such as Opus Energy offer online reporting for electricity customers, which lets you view your meter data. Make the most of this feature, because it will help you to pinpoint peak times of electricity use.
Realistic environmental targets
It’s always good to look for ways to minimise your impact on the environment, and as a business, it pays to always have an eye on your commitment to this. With a constant stream of data, you’ll be able to create environmental initiatives that work for your business, and set realistic targets for the coming months.
More cost savings
As they give you an insight into your energy consumption, you’ll always be on top of your usage. This is very valuable for a business owner, because it will help you with more informed energy purchasing when required.
Are they safe?
The Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) has stated that these meters are safe, and they are covered by UK and EU safety regulations.
Related articles
6 Things you didn’t know about smart meters
Smart meters are the latest thing in energy efficiency and can help your business save money each and every year. Here we look at...
10 million and counting - so how do smart meters work?
The UK’s smart meter roll-out is well underway. According to statistics published by the government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, by the...
Latest research says smart meters are on the up
A new report on public awareness of smart meters has been published, showing that 97% of the British public are now aware of smart...
How to engage your staff with smart meters: the report
Engaging your team with smart meters is not only a good way to educate them about the roll-out that’s sweeping the nation, but it...
The happiest energy customers have smart meters
Smart meters are making smart people happy, and those who don’t have smart meters are less confident. That’s what the latest market research says...
Ofgem’s Smarter Markets programme: What's affecting the business energy market?
Smart meters are coming – that much everyone knows. But they’re just one element of a move towards a “smarter market”: a term coined...