Smart meters

In 2019, Parliament passed laws requiring the government to reduce the UK’s net emissions of greenhouse gases by 100% relative to 1990 levels by 2050 – this is the “net zero” target you’ll have heard about. Smart meters are a key part of the changes we need to make in energy usage to achieve that target. The accurate near-real time data smart meters produce will enable our energy system to better able to respond to change in energy demands. It will also mean our energy system is more efficient, making the most of renewable sources and relying less on fossil fuels.

It’s an electronic device installed in your premises that automatically sends information about your energy usage to your supplier.

No. Your smart meter will send reads via existing mobile or radio signals in your area.

For the vast majority, installing a smart meter is free. There may occasionally be costs for installation of a gas smart meter but we’ll let you know in advance so you can decide whether you’re happy to proceed.

No, but there are lots of great reasons why you should! As a green electricity provider, we’re supporting the Government’s net zero plan. Smart metering plays a large part in this.

If your meter needs to be replaced, we’ll install a smart meter – standard meters are no longer manufactured.

No. If you only have one supply with us, we can still install a smart meter.

If you pay the energy bills, you can have a smart meter but we suggest you let your landlord know in advance and check the terms of your tenancy agreement.

Occasionally we can’t install a smart meter but this is rare. We’ll check in advance whether we can install a smart meter and let you know.

Yes! We protect any customer data we collect and only use it for limited purposes. Here’s our privacy policy.

No. Smart meters do not record, collect or store any personal data – they only store data on the energy you use. This data can be used in two ways: No. Smart meters do not record, collect or store any personal data – they only store data on the energy you use. This data can be used in two ways:

To bill you accurately for your usage;

To allow you and your supplier to see when you use energy.

This helps you to identify potential energy savings and allows us to meet supply and demand.

No, that’s not correct. Smart meters are covered under UK and EU product safety legislation and are safe. They’re installed and maintained by fully qualified professionals.

Whilst smart meters do emit radio waves, so do other popular products found in homes and businesses. You’ll get less exposure to radio waves from your smart meter than from your mobile phone. Government information about smart meters and health can be found here.

No, that’s not correct for the latest generation of smart meters (though it was true for the first generation of smart meters).

It’s great that you’re interested in having a smart meter. Call us on 0333 014 3131 or use our Live Chat and subject to eligibility checks, we’ll pass on your information to our smart meter installer. They’ll contact you to arrange an appointment.

Not a problem. Please contact Energy Assests on 01506 405445 and they’ll rearrange the appointment for you. For all other queries relating to smart meters, please give us a call on 0333 014 3131.

In the unlikely event that your meter doesn’t produce a strong enough signal at the point of installation, the engineer will talk to you about the options at that point. If your premises is in a known poor signal area, we’ll advise you of this when you register your interest and discuss with you the options at that point.

A qualified engineer will attend your premises and after introducing themselves, will complete a site inspection and install your smart meter. After installation, the engineer will show you how to use the meter and answer any questions you might have.

There can be a short delay between installation and us receiving the automated readings. Sometimes we’ll also ask for meter readings to check that your meter is working correctly. We might arrange for a meter reader to attend to check the readings/meter or to complete maintenance work.

Either:

Your bill was finalised before your smart meter was installed and your next bill should be based on actual usage;

or

We haven’t been able to get a read because the signal was interrupted. If this continues, please give us a call so that we can investigate.