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The Pros and Cons of a Smart Meter for Your Home Energy


smart meter in a kitchen

What is a Smart Meter?

A smart meter is a newer, digital version of old gas and electric meters that you would have to manually take readings from. The most convenient part about smart meters is that they automatically send your gas and electricity readings directly to your energy supplier, eliminating admin.

This means no more fiddling with torches in dark cupboards or the corner of your garage, trying to decipher those little digits on the dials! You also get a little handheld screen, called an "in-home display" (or IHD), which shows you exactly how much energy you're using in pounds and pence, right there and then. Find out more and how to use an IHD smart meter.

Advantages of a Smart Meter: Are They a Worthy Addition?

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No More Estimated Bills!

This is a big one. With a traditional meter, if you don't send in readings, your energy supplier has to guess how much energy you've used. This often leads to "estimated bills", which can be too high or too low, causing confusion and sometimes unexpected charges. With a smart meter, your readings are sent automatically, so your bills will always be accurate – you only pay for the energy you've used.

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Less Energy Admin

As there's no longer a need to manually take meter readings and submit them to your supplier, you are left with more time at home for things that really matter. Not to mention, if you have a traditional meter in a high or obscure place, smart meters can eliminate any potential risk of accidents that are possible when climbing or stretching to see the meter digits.

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Potentially Save Money

By seeing your energy use clearly, you're empowered to make smarter choices. Many smart meter users report changing their habits for the better, leading to real savings on their energy bills. You might become more mindful about turning off lights or unplugging appliances that aren't in regular use. Find out more about how to increase energy efficiency on a budget.

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See Your Energy Use in Real-Time

The in-home display (IHD) is incredibly helpful. It shows you exactly how much energy you're consuming as you use it. The IHD will also show you past usage information to help spot usage trends in your home.

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Helping the Environment

By understanding and reducing your energy consumption, you're also playing a part in lowering your carbon footprint. Smart meters are a key part of building a more efficient and greener energy system.

Cons to Consider Before Getting a Smart Meter

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Connectivity Issues

Smart meters rely on a dedicated communication network to send readings to your supplier that doesn't use your Wi-Fi. In rare cases, poor signal can prevent automatic readings, but coverage is improving across the UK. If needed, your meter will work like a traditional one and you can provide readings manually until it reconnects.

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Data Privacy Concerns

Some people have concerns about their energy usage data being collected. However, it's important to know that your energy supplier can only access your data for billing and other regulated purposes. You also have choices about how often your detailed data is shared and for what other purposes, such as marketing new products and services. Energy companies are regulated to ensure your data is kept private and secure, and breaches of any kind are rare.

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It's Not Automatic Savings

A smart meter itself doesn't save you money. It gives you insights about your home energy usage, but for any money to be saved, you will need to make positive changes to lower your energy usage or increase efficiency, perhaps by switching out older appliances.

Do I Have to Have a Smart Meter Fitted?

No, you don't have to accept a smart meter if you don't want one. Energy suppliers in the UK are aiming to offer smart meters to every home to improve their experience. However, you have the right to refuse the installation and stick to your traditional energy meter.

That said, if your existing meter is old and needs replacing (perhaps because it's faulty or past its expiry date), your supplier might offer you a smart meter as a replacement. It's also becoming increasingly common for new properties to have smart meters installed as standard.

One thing to be aware of is that in the future, some of the most well-priced energy tariffs may only be available to customers with smart meters. So, while not compulsory, having one could give you more choice and potentially better deals today and in the future.

Are Smart Meters Free?

Yes! You won't have to pay anything upfront to have a smart meter installed in your home, and free to option when you switch to us. The cost of the smart meter rollout programme across the UK is absorbed into everyone's energy bills over time. So, while you don't pay directly for it, the cost is built into the overall energy system. You'll also receive the in-home display (IHD) unit free of charge when your smart meter is installed.

How does a Smart Meter Work?

Smart meters automatically record and send your energy consumption data to your provider, removing the necessity for manual readings. They include a meter that tracks gas and electricity usage, along with an in-home display (IHD) that presents your usage and costs. The readings are transmitted wirelessly via a secure network that doesn't use your Wi-Fi.
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Interested in a Smart Meter with Your Energy?

Your Co-op Energy offers three zero-carbon powered tariffs (fixed & flexible) that all come with a free smart meter. We're excellent rated on Trustpilot, have no exit fees and offer benefits from our partners, Octopus Energy. That means you can access savings on the Octoplus app across a range of eateries, entertainment and even your home energy.