Smart meters are becoming increasingly popular, with 54% of all meters in Great Britain recorded as smart or advanced meters at the end of September 2022. Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of smart meters so that you can decide what’s best for your household.
What are Smart Meters?
Smart meters record your consumption of gas and electricity so that it’s easier to monitor your energy usage. It shows you how much energy you are using and what this is costing you on an in-home display. It also sends meter readings to your energy supplier automatically.
Pros of Smart Meters
- It’s easy to track your energy usage so that you can make changes to save yourself money on your utility bills. You can clearly see how different appliances affect the cost of your bill, which can help you make informed decisions about what to cut down on
- If you do choose to reduce your consumption of gas and electricity due to your smart meter, this also has a positive environmental impact. Smart meters encourage sustainability, both in terms of your finances and the environment
- Your meter reading is automatically sent to your energy provider, meaning you don’t have to do it manually. Not only does this save time and effort, but it also gets rid of the need for estimated bills so that you are only charged what you actually use
- The in-home display is easy to understand because it translates your energy usage in terms of the money it’s costing you
- Many suppliers are now offering discounts and cheaper tariffs for those with smart meters, so it’s likely that you can get a good deal
Cons of Smart Meters
- First generation smart meters use a mobile network signal to send data back to your energy supplier. This means that if you have any issues with the signal in your area, it affects your smart meter’s ability to send this information to the supplier
- Smart meters don’t automatically equate to saving money. They simply help you monitor you energy use and choose whether you want to cut back on certain things based on the information you have. The meter in isolation does not reduce the cost of your monthly bill
- You might find it stressful seeing the meter constantly go up every time you switch on the oven or boil the kettle
- If you have a first generation smart meter and switch providers, it may lose its smart functionality, meaning it keeps recording your usage but can no longer automatically send the readings to your new provider
Check out our previous blog where we discuss the forced installation of prepayment meters to people’s homes in the UK.