Start saving on energy with smart meters

You can easily see how much energy you're using at a glance, so you can change your energy usage to save money. Smart meters also come with an in-home display.

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What are smart meters?

Smart meters are the next generation of self-reading gas and electricity meters. They let you see how much energy you're using in pounds and pence.

How do smart meters work?

Unlike a standard meter, they'll automatically read and submit your energy usage to your supplier, so you'll get accurate bills.

What are the benefits of smart meters?

Save time

Smart meters automatically submit meter readings to us – so that’s one less thing on your to-do list. And if you're a Pay As You Go customer, you can top up from the comfort of your home, online or over the phone.

Take control

Use your smart energy monitor to see how much energy you are using in pounds and pence and only pay for the energy you use. You can also track your usage in our app.

Exclusive tariffs

Save money with special tariffs and products tailored to your energy usage.

Free installation

You don't have to pay to have smart meters installed. And our specially trained engineers install them for you at no extra cost.

Manage your carbon footprint

Keeping track of your energy usage can help you make small changes to reduce your carbon footprint. For example, switching off devices when they’re on standby.

What’s the truth about smart meters?

If you're unsure about the benefits of smart meters, we've tackled some of the most popular myths to help you decide if they're right for you.

Your personal data is protected

Smart meters don’t share your information. They just send us your data usage securely so you receive accurate bills.

Smart meters help the environment

They play a part in helping the National Grid to reach net zero and send us information about when and where energy is used. So we can take advantage of renewable energy sources.

Renters can get smart meters

You can install them if you're responsible for paying the energy bills. But it's worth checking with your landlord or letting agency first.

You can switch suppliers

There are different types of meters so it’s best to check with your new supplier if yours is suitable before switching.

Smart meters are not bad for your health

Smart meters are thoroughly tested and approved by the UK and EU safety standards. Also, the UK Health Security Agency research shows they are not a risk to your health.

You don't need Wi-Fi

Smart meters have their own SIM cards that send your meter readings to us.

Smart meters can't spy on you

Don't worry, they don't have cameras or audio, so they can't record or see what you're getting up to at home.

How are smart meters installed?

>What to expect on the day:

Receive a call

Our smart energy expert will call you when they’re on their way to your home.

Checks & installation

They'll carry out some final checks to make sure they can complete the work. Once the work starts, it will take around two hours to complete. Your power will be off for a short while.

Set up new smart meters

We'll replace your old meters with new smart meters. The engineer will ensure you smart meter is in credit or prepay mode for you.

Smart energy monitor

We’ll also install a smart energy monitor - it connects to your new smart meters installation and shows you how much energy you’re using in pounds and pence.

Smart hints & tips

Ready to book your appointment?

Log in to your account to get your smart meter installed. If you don’t have an online account it’s easy to register and will only take a few minutes.

Half-price electricity every Sunday

Enjoy half-price electricity every Sunday from 11am to 4pm. To take part, you just need to be a British Gas electricity customer and have a smart meter, so we can see how much you use on Sundays.

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Frequently asked questions

How do smart meters work?

See this helpful one-minute video from Smart Energy GB – How smart meters work – or visit their website to read their frequently asked questions

Are smart meters accurate?

Yes, smart meters are as accurate as traditional gas and electricity meters. And, because they send automated meter readings, you get more accurate bills. If you don’t have smart meters and you don’t submit regular manual meter readings to your supplier – which many of us don’t – you’ll get estimated bills and may be paying more than you need to.

Do I have to have smart meters?

You don't have to have smart meters, but they can help you track your energy usage and how much you spend daily. Smart meters automatically send your meter readings to us, so you won't get any estimated bills.

If you pay as you go, installing Smart Pay as You Go meters allows you to top up from the comfort of your home.

Smart meters are quick and easy to install. We have specialist engineers who will come to your home and install them for free.

Will my smart meters still work if I move to another energy supplier?

Once you’ve got smart meters, you’ll still be free to switch to a new energy supplier, but not all suppliers support smart meters just yet. If that’s the case, your smart meters will work like traditional ones until your new supplier can support them and you may need to provide manual meter readings. Your new supplier will be able to let you know.

How do I pay my smart meter bill?

You can pay your bills the same way you did before having a smart meter installed. We offer smart meters for all our customers, regardless of how you pay for your energy.

If you have a prepayment meter you can top-up online or by using our app.

How do I know if i can get smart meters fitted in my home?

We’re working to upgrade all our customers to smart meters as soon as possible. Where you live, the type of home you live in, and your existing meter type may mean it takes a little longer for us to get to you. If you’re eligible, we’ll have contacted you. If you would like more information, contact us.

Are smart meters compatible with solar panels?

Yes, the new generation smart meters (SMETS2) are compatible with solar panels. They won’t stop your solar panels working and generating electricity and you’ll be able to tell your energy supplier exactly how many kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity you’re sending to the grid.

Will my old meter be replaced when installing a smart meter?

The engineer will remove your old meter, take a final reading, and install the new smart meter. They’ll also dispose of your old meter.

Do you offer an accessible in-home display?

We’ve worked across the energy industry and with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to develop an accessible in-home display for customers who are blind or partially sighted. To find out more about the accessible in-home display and check if we are able to offer you one, please chat to one of our agents.

What are your smart meter targets?

Energy suppliers are targeted by the UK government to install a specific amount of smart meters each year. Find out more about our targets.