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What are smart meters?

Posted 11 September 2015 by Keith Osborne

Smart meters are gas and electricity meters that automatically send your meter readings to your supplier.

Smart meters are gas and electricity meters that automatically send your meter readings to your supplier. They also come with a smart energy monitor that shows you how much energy you’re using in pounds and pence, allowing you to take greater control of your consumption.

Smart meters are part of the government's plan to reduce carbon emissions, making it easier for UK homes to cut down on the energy they use.

Knowing your gas and electricity bills

In addition to helping you adapt your consumption, the meters also take away the need for complicated energy bills that many consumers don’t really understand. With a smart meter, you will know what you’re spending each month, so there will be no unpleasant surprises.

What do smart meters do?

They measure the gas and electricity you use and send the information to you on an always-on display screen. They also provide automatic meter readings to your gas and electricity suppliers, eliminating the need for estimated bills and letting people in to read the meter.

How to get a smart meter

The government wants to upgrade the metering system across Britain by 2020, and smart meters are part of this, so everyone is entitled to one if they so wish. They are provided and fitted by your energy supplier without any upfront cost or additional charges on your bill.

Is there anything else I should know?

Smart meters aren’t popular with everyone, with critics arguing that the technology gives too much control to energy suppliers, allowing them to disconnect costumers or switch them to pre-payment more easily.

 

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