Smart meters for business

Smart meters are the clever way to measure your business energy use

What is a smart meter?

A smart meter is a gas or electricity meter that works by sending meter readings using technology similar to a mobile phone. The new generation of smart meters are called SMETS2.

SMETS2 meters are different to other smart meters as they continue to work even if you change energy supplier.

Data is transmitted through a communications hub to a company called DCC (Data and Communications Company). DCC manages the communications infrastructure that connects smart meters with the business systems of energy suppliers and network operators via a secure wireless network.

Once you're connected we'll regularly receive your smart meter readings. You'll no longer need to send us manual meter readings and you'll get more accurate bills as you'll only be charged for the energy you've used.

Not everyone is eligible to have a smart meter installed due to metering set up requirements and/or poor signal issues. If you've applied for a smart meter, but are not currently eligible to have one, we'll send you a letter explaining next steps.

A British Gas employee sat next to a woman, discussing information displayed on a tablet

Why upgrade to a smart meter

No extra cost

  • We'll install your smart meter at no cost to you.

Saves time

  • As you won't have to submit your monthly meter readings.

Accurate bills

  • Once your smart meter is connected and sending smart readings to us you'll receive accurate bills.

View consumption

  • Ability to request and view your previous consumption to help manage your energy usage

Who installs our Smart Meters

We use 3rd party installers to install our smart meters, we use IMServ for electric installs and Energy Assets for our gas instals for SMETS2.

Who are IMServ

IMServ is one of the UK’s leading data collection and energy metering experts, IMServ has been delivering specialist Meter Operation services since 2000.

IMServ are fully independent of all suppliers and manufacturers and therefore are able to supply, install and support a wide range of meters. Since 2010 IMServ have successful installed more than 50,000 Smart Meters on behalf of British Gas Business, helping customers gain control over their energy use.

You can view more on their website - IMServ | The Power Behind Energy Efficiency - UK

Who are Energy Assets

Established in 2005, Energy Assets have transformed from an owner and operator of gas meter assets into one of Britain’s most dynamic energy services companies. They work with major energy suppliers and utilities constructors delivering services to the nation’s biggest brands and public sector bodies.

Energy Assets are Britain’s largest independent meter asset manager and data services provider. They work with energy suppliers to complete gas metering installations for (AMR) and SMETS2 smart gas meters for micro businesses.

What will happen when you request a smart meter upgrade?

When you speak to our customer contact teams or raise an online form letting us know you would like a smart meter installed. The information will come over to our dedicated smart team.

If you are eligible for a smart meter upgrade, we will then pass the information to our installers who will then contact you to arrange an appointment in around 3 weeks

You will need to answer some questions about your site and about the meter when booking the appointment. There are some important things to consider when arranging an appointment:

  1. Someone will need to be on site to meet the engineer
  2. The power will need to be turned off for around 45 minutes while the install happens
  3. The gas will need to be switched off for around 45 minutes while the install happens
  4. The engineer will need to have clear access to the meter, which means nothing blocking the meter or stopping the engineer gaining access to the meter

Watch our videos

Learn more about business smart meters

Business smart meter installations

Busting smart meter myths

Why are we upgrading smart meters for businesses?

Meeting GB's energy commitments

A light bulb on top of a business electricity bill

Upgrading to smart meters is part of a national commitment to reducing energy use in Great Britain. The UK Government wants energy suppliers to install smart meters in all homes and businesses by the end of June 2025. It's one of the largest national programmes currently underway with more than 21.5 million smart meters already installed, including more than 8 million that we've installed in British homes and businesses to date.

Smart meters are key to upgrading the UK's outdated energy system and to reaching net zero by 2050, slashing carbon emissions by as much as 45 million tonnes – the equivalent of taking 26 million cars off the road for a year.

More ways to reduce your carbon footprint

Did you know you can request your historical consumption if you have a smart meter?

If you have a smart meter, you can now request a view of your historical consumption data. Viewing your consumption will give you the tools to help manage your energy usage.

If you’re an existing business customer with a half-hourly smart meter you can request up to 12 months of smart meter energy use data through contacting us or through your energy broker.

Do not have a smart meter? Fill out our get a smart meter form to let us know you’d like to upgrade.

Did you know you can request your historical consumption if you have a smart meter?

Business smart meter data opt out

If you don’t want us to do anything with your business smart meter data other than calculate your bills, it’s easy to opt out.

If you're half-hourly settled, you can't opt out as we collect your half hourly data for billing purposes.

Smart meters in the commercial world

Watch our video case studies

Retail smart meter case study

Manufacturing smart meter case study

Restaurant smart meter case study