Could switching to a smart meter help you reduce your energy costs?

Citizens Advice Rochdale is encouraging people to consider the benefits of switching from old style gas and electricity meters to a smart meter, to manage energy usage and save money.

Smart meters automatically send meter readings to your energy supplier, meaning they can bill you accurately for the energy you’ve used. While switching to a smart meter won’t automatically save you money, you’ll be able to see how much energy you’re using, when you’re using and how much it costs, so can identify ways to reduce usage.

What are the benefits of a smart meter?

• Could help you manage and reduce your energy usage
• Could help you to budget and change your habits
• You no longer need to submit meter readings
• Accurate energy bills- not estimated
• It can lower your carbon footprint

In the future, having a smart meter will allow you to take advantage of advanced time-of-use tariffs - where it will cost you less to use energy at certain times of the day.

How is a smart meter installed?

Your energy supplier is responsible for installing your smart meter and making sure it works properly. They have to follow a code of practice. This sets a minimum standard for fitting a smart meter which includes:

• Offering you an in-home display that shows your usage simply
• Showing you how to work any equipment they fit
• Providing energy efficiency guidance

If you rent your property or have a weak mobile signal, head to Smart Meters GB for further information.

Information taken from ofgem.gov.uk

You can learn more about the fitting process and the code of practice on the Smart Energy GB website.

Does it cost to get a smart meter installed?

You won’t have to pay upfront to have a smart meter installed - smart meters will be paid for through everyone’s energy bills, just as old-style meters are.

Will my data be protected?

The Smart Metering Installation Code of Practice protects consumers and ensures that any installations that take place are safe, clear from jargon, adhere to data protection standards and that consumers are not mis-sold.

If you have a smart meter installed, you will be able to control the amount and type of data sent back to your energy provider, as well as to third parties.

For information on smart meters and switching, visit the links below.

Information is taken from Citizens Advice, Energy Saving Trust and Smart Meters.

If you think that a switch to a smart meter from your old gas and electricity meters is the way forward for you, get in touch with an energy adviser at Citizens Advice Rochdale on 0808 278 7803. Head to the Citizens Advice SORT Group website for other ways that you can get in touch.

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