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A guide to smart meters for businesses
Smart meters are often referred to as the future of energy metering, so what are they, how do they work and how can your business get one? In this useful guide we take a look at smart meters and the benefits they could provide to your business.
What are smart meters?
Smart meters are designed to send the usage data they collect straight to your energy supplier, so that you do not need to supply manual meter readings. These efficient smart meters send meter readings via a mobile or WiFi connection. In contrast, traditional gas and electricity meters required manual meter readings with bills often based on estimated consumption.
The latest generation of smart meters are the SMETS2 meters, which have now replaced the first generation of meters. These meters will monitor your gas and electricity supply in real-time, with the data displayed on your smart meter device, so you can monitor consumption closely.
How do I get a smart meter?
Energy companies across the UK are in the process of switching old gas and electricity meters to new smart meters, as part of a wider government initiative. The aim is to use smart meters as part of a smart grid, which will help businesses and domestic properties become more efficient whilst also lowering the cost of energy.
Suppliers are gradually contacting businesses to offer them smart meters, however if your business would like a smart meter now you can request one from your supplier. The supplier will arrange an installation with their own team of engineers, or a third-party installation company.
The engineer will then be in contact to make an appointment to visit your business premises and the total installation time is usually about 1 hour, with the actual supply to your premises only interrupted for 15-20 minutes. You will need to have separate meters installed for your electricity and gas, so you will need to contact each supplier to ask for an installation.
There is no cost to have a smart meter installed and there will be very little interruption to your business. To ensure a smooth installation on the day you will need to clear the area around your current meter, so that the engineer can quickly and safely access the area to install your new smart meter.
It is also advisable to have the code to any alarms to hand, as these can be activated during the installation. The installation engineer will take the time to show you exactly how your new smart meter works, so you can make the most of its features. Many suppliers offer useful features on their website or via dedicated apps, so you can monitor your energy use easily, set budgets and keep a close eye on bills.
Smart meters are a great way to monitor and reduce energy usage, however it is also important to ensure your business is signed up to the best gas and electricity tariffs.
The latest generation of SMETS2 smart meters are designed to allow businesses to switch suppliers easily, so if you would like to switch to a new supplier in the future, there is no need to have a new meter installed. Whether you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint by signing up to a renewable energy deal or lower bills with a more competitive deal, our team can help you compare and switch. To find out more about comparing energy suppliers or smart meters, please contact our team today.
What are the benefits of smart meters?
By sending real-time information to your energy supplier automatically, you are free to concentrate on running your business. There is no need to regularly supply meter readings and you can be sure that your bills are an accurate reflection of the gas and electricity your business uses.
It is also possible to monitor energy consumption habits more closely, which can help businesses to improve energy efficiency.
If your business knows when the most energy is consumed, it may be possible to move to a more competitive tariff which is more closely aligned to your specific requirements.
Not only could you lower your energy bills, your business could also reduce its carbon footprint by reducing energy consumption and becoming more sustainable. The network of smart meters is also helping to create a smarter more data driven energy system across the country.
This will provide suppliers with the information they need to deliver renewable energy more efficiently, at the times users need it most.
In addition, smart meters are also designed to pick up any issues with your supply. By constantly monitoring your supply information, it is possible to spot and rectify any problems before they have an impact on the business. The best suppliers will also provide tailored advice to help you reduce energy consumption and lower bills.
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