See what you’re spending on gas and electricity at a glance with a smart meter
Smart meters come with an in-home display, sometimes called an IHD. This shows you how much gas and electricity you’re using and how much it’s costing you. This can help you work out how to save energy around the home, which could save you money too.
Smart meters are currently being rolled out across the country.
Here are just a few of the reasons why people have them:
- Smart meters can help you keep a closer eye on how much energy you’re using and how much you’re spending.
- You can see where you might be able to save energy, for example by turning the heating down when you don’t need it or switching the TV off at the wall.
- You’ll get more accurate bills based on the energy you’ve actually used, not an estimate.
Important information
- A smart meter won’t automatically save you money. You’ll have to be proactive to reduce your energy costs. The best way to do this is to use the in-home display to keep track of how much energy you’re using. You can then try to reduce it. (Citizens Advice).
- If you have a smart meter, your energy company may be able to switch you remotely to a prepayment meter (PPM) without your consent. They do not need a warrant to do this.
- You may be charged if your in-home display gets broken and you would like a replacement.
You can’t be forced to switch to prepay mode - Smart Energy GB
Your energy provider can’t force you to switch to prepay mode, unless they have taken all reasonable steps to agree payment with you. It should be a last resort, to avoid disconnecting you. There are also rules stopping suppliers from forcing people in vulnerable situations on to prepay mode. All suppliers have now signed up to a new Code of Practice around installing prepay meters.
If at any point you decide that you would like to switch from prepay mode to credit mode, speak to your supplier.