The in-home display shows us how much energy we’re using in pounds and pence – and could help us manage our bills.
Bills can feel like a mystery sometimes. We turn the heating down, switch lights off and still wonder where the money’s going.
A smart meter takes away the guesswork. It shows what we’re using and what it’s costing in real time, so we can spot what’s eating our budget and take control.
Why it helps
Smart meters can be a big help for anyone keeping a close eye on money. We see what we’re spending in real time, so we can spot what’s costing the most and change habits that waste energy.
The charity National Energy Action (NEA) says smart meters have “the potential to provide real benefits for vulnerable and low-income households.” They point out that smart meters end estimated billing, give us more control and make topping up easier for prepayment customers.
We all know how it feels to ration energy in winter, afraid of a shock bill. Smart meters make it easier to see what’s happening and avoid that fear.
How to get one
We can search “get a smart meter” online, or just call our energy supplier and ask. They’ll check if our home is ready for one and book a free installation if it is. We can also request a smart meter directly through the Smart Energy GB tool.
If we rent our home and the energy bills are in our name, we can ask for a smart meter ourselves. If the bills are in our landlord’s name, we can still ask them to request one on our behalf. Most landlords are happy to help when they know it can make budgeting easier.
Prepayment smart meters
If we’re on prepay, smart meters can make life easier too. We can top up online, through an app or by phone, as well as in a shop. The in-home display shows our balance so we know when to top up, and we’ll get alerts before the credit runs out. No more guessing or running out late at night.
Smart meters and accessibility
Some of us worry that new technology might be confusing, but they are easier to use than we might think.
Citizens advice has a guide for understanding our in-home display once our smart meter is set up.
We can place the display somewhere easy to see, so we don’t have to crawl into a dark cupboard to take readings. If we’re older or have mobility or memory issues, it helps keep energy use front of mind.
There are also accessible in-home displays (AIHDs) with bigger buttons and screens that read the information out loud. Not every supplier offers them, but we can ask if one is available.
Can everyone get one?
Not every home can get a smart meter yet, especially in areas with weak signal coverage. Our energy supplier can tell us if we can have one and how soon it can be installed.
Smart meters don’t cut bills on their own, but they make it easier to take control and make small changes that do. Knowing what we’re spending is the first step to saving.
Image: Smart Energy GB
