What is a smart meter?

Smart meters are next generation meters 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 communication network to automatically 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. (IHD) This display gives you real-time usage information, including kWh use and cost.

There are several advantages to having a smart meter 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 someone come into your home to read your meter
• A better understanding of your usage - with the smart meter display, you can see the direct impact your habits and lifestyle have on your bill. This is particularly useful if you have a pre-payment meter as you can better track how your usage impacts your available credit
• By making your energy usage easier to understand, you can make smarter decisions about saving energy and money
• Britain's energy system is being brought into the 21st century. Smart meters are part of Britain's effort to create a smart grid - providing efficient, reliable and low-carbon energy to Britain's households.

More about smart meters here