What is a SMART meter?

Smart meters are a next generation meter for both gas and electricity. They are a replacement for standard meters, which require you to track your own meter readings and submit them to your supplier to ensure accurate bills.

Smart meters use a secure national communication network (called the DCC) to automatically and wirelessly send your actual energy usage to your supplier. If you have a smart meter you don't need to rely on estimated energy bills or provide your own regular readings.

Smart meters can also come with an in-home display. This display gives you real-time usage info, including kWh use and cost.
Benefits of a smart meter
There are several advantages to having smart meters installed:
More accurate bills
Smart meters mean the end of estimated bills, the end of having to remember to provide meter readings and/or have a stranger come into your home to read your meter.
Better understanding of your usage
With the smart meter display, you can see the direct impact your habits and style have on your bill. This is particularly useful if you have a prepayment meter, so you can better track how your usage impacts your available credit. By making your energy usage easier to understand, you can make smarter decisions to save energy and money.
Bringing Britain's energy system into the 21st century
Smart meters are part of the effort to create a smart grid, which is part of providing low-carbon, efficient and reliable energy to Britain's households.