Smart meters: a handy tool that can help save you money
Find out how a smart meter can help put you in control of your energy bills
Most tools are designed to help you do it yourself (that’s why it’s called DIY), but a smart meter is a different kind of tool. It does the work for you. A smart meter automatically sends your gas and electricity use data to your energy supplier. That means no more clearing out the cupboard so that you can read the dials of a meter that’s always in the most inconvenient place.
A smart meter can help you save money, too. With the In-Home Display (IHD), you can see at a glance how much energy you’re using, in near real-time. This means you can also see what differences small changes make. Changes like taking a shorter shower in the morning, or turning the TV off at the wall at night rather than leaving it on standby. Little things like this can add up to handy savings.
What’s more, some energy suppliers offer time-of-use tariffs and energy flexibility schemes which offer rewards for using energy at different times. Something as simple as changing the time of day when you run the washing machine could save you money. Flexible schemes and tariffs are available to selected customers from selected suppliers. Speak to your energy supplier to find out more.
Getting a smart meter also means no more estimated bills. A smart meter records exactly how much energy you use so that your supplier can bill you accurately. It helps you gain control over your energy spending.
All in all, a smart meter could turn out to be one of your most useful tools.
Benefits of a smart meter – the three Cs
Convenience: A smart meter removes the need to read your energy meters and send the readings to your supplier
Certainty: The IHD shows you exactly what you’re spending on energy. No more estimated bills
Control: You can use it to find out how changes in your energy use can help save you money
Simple Tips to Save Energy Around Your Home
Small changes in how you maintain and run your home can make a big difference to your energy bills and carbon footprint. By taking a few practical steps, you can keep your home warmer, reduce wasted energy, and save money throughout the year.
Bleed Your Radiators
If your radiators have cold spots or take a long time to heat up, trapped air could be the problem. Bleeding your radiators regularly helps water to circulate properly so that they heat more efficiently.
Adjust Your Boiler's Water Temperature
Adjusting your boiler's water temperature and reducing it slightly can lower energy use while still keeping your home warm and hot water comfortable.
Draught-Proof Your Home
Heat often escapes through small gaps around doors, windows and letterboxes. Draught-proofing your home can make a noticeable difference in keeping warmth in and cold air out.
Fix Dripping Taps
Fixing a dripping tap can prevent litres of water from being wasted. Replacing a washer or fixing the seal is often a quick job that can save you money over time.
Switch to Smart Lighting
Smart light bulbs use less energy compared to traditional bulbs and last much longer. Gradually swapping out older bulbs can reduce your electricity consumption without sacrificing on brightness.
Stop a Running Toilet Cistern
Stopping a toilet cistern from running can save a surprising amount of water. Replacing or fixing faulty parts is a simple job that prevents waste and helps keep your water and energy bills under control.
To request a smart meter, search for your energy supplier below
Smart meters send readings automatically, so you don’t have to. This means your energy bills will be based on exactly how much energy you’ve used, giving you more control over your spending.
Eligibility may vary. Smart meter display and figures are for illustrative purposes.