Smart meters

Smart meters are free gas and electricity meters that send readings straight to your energy supplier, so your bills are based on what you use (not estimates). You also get a small in-home display that helps you see your energy use and costs.

How to get a smart meter

Contact your energy supplier to ask for a smart meter appointment. You do not have to get one, but some tariffs may need a smart meter, such as some electric vehicle charging tariffs.

If you rent and you pay the gas or electricity bills, you may need your landlord’s permission before a meter is changed. If your landlord pays the bills, check with them before you book an installation.

Using your in-home display

Your in-home display shows your gas and electricity use in real time. It can help you spot what costs the most to run, so you can make small changes and save money. The display resets each day (midnight in winter, 1am in summer).

If the display stops updating, you can try a reset: unplug it, hold the power button (on the back) for 5 seconds, wait 1 minute, then plug it back in and switch it on.

Smart meters can help you budget because you can see what you are using as you go.

If you use prepayment

With a smart prepayment meter, your in-home display shows how much credit you have left. You can usually top up online, by phone, or in local shops that offer services such as Post Office, PayPoint or Payzone. Your top-up goes straight onto your account, so you do not need to use a key or card at the meter.

When your supplier installs the meter, the installer should show you how to use the meter and the display. If you are unsure, contact your supplier for help.

More information

• Energy Saving Trust: Guide to smart meters
• Which?: Smart meter problems and solutions