FAQs on smart meters for business

Business smart meter FAQs

Get a smart meter

A person using pen and paper to write down a reading from an old business energy meter

Why do I need a smart meter for my business?

Once you're connected we'll regularly receive your smart meter readings. You won't have to send us your monthly meter readings any longer. With your smart readings your bills will be more accurate as you'll only be charged for the energy you've used.

How can I upgrade my business electricity meter to a smart meter?

Fill out our get a smart meter form to let us know you’d like to upgrade. We’ll then get in touch to book an appointment that suits you.

A store worker wearing an apron looks at a tablet screen about business smart meters

 I'm a large business.
What type of smart meter can I have?

If you use more than 100,000 kWh electricity, or more than 293,000 kWh gas a year and you're a non-micro business you can choose between an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) smart meter and a SMETS2 smart meter. Both offer similar benefits, depending on your needs – see the comparison table below.


 AMR smart meter SMETS2 smart meter
Automatic meter readings

Accurate billing [1]

Consumption data [2]

Appointment time to suit you

No additional cost to install

Change of supplier Your smart meter should operate with the same functionality as long as the supplier has an agreement with the operator of the AMR meter Your smart meter should operate with the same functionality
When can I get one? Now From July 2019 subject to availability

AMR smart meter
Automatic meter readings
Accurate billing
Consumption data
Appointment time to suit you
No additional cost to install
Change of supplier Your smart meter should operate with the same functionality as long as the supplier has an agreement with the operator of the AMR meter
When can I get one? Now

SMETS2 smart meter
Automatic meter readings
Accurate billing
Consumption data
Appointment time to suit you
No additional cost to install
Change of supplier Your smart meter should operate with the same functionality
When can I get one? From July 2019 subject to availability

If you choose an AMR meter now and want to change to a SMETS2 meter at a later date, you may be charged for the new meter.

More FAQs on business smart meters

 

 

Do I need to pay for an upgrade to a business smart meter?
A: No, upgrading to a business smart meter is free. However, there could be a charge if you’re looking to get a smart meter installed at a new site.

For more information, see our page on connections and metering.
How long does it take to install a business smart meter?
A: A business smart meter installation should take about an hour. Your electricity supply will need to be turned off for about 40 minutes. Our engineers will do their best to minimise disruption to your business.
Where will my smart meter be fitted?
A: In most cases, your new meter (or meters) will be put in the same place as your old one(s).
Why can’t I upgrade my business gas meter?
A: Business gas smart meter upgrades are only available for certain types of meters. We’ll be in touch when we can upgrade yours.
Do I need a strong mobile phone signal on my premises?
A: Yes. During the installation, we'll carry out a test and tell you if your signal is strong enough. If you have a weak signal, the meter won't be able to send smart meter readings to us and our engineer will talk you through your options.
What do you mean when you say a smart meter upgrade is subject to survey?
A: It’s possible that we may not be able to install a business smart meter due to factors that are out of our control. One example would be a poor mobile phone signal at your business premises. For this reason, a survey of your premises is needed. If the survey reveals that we’re unable to install a smart meter, we’ll explain the reasons and tell you the options that are open to you.
How secure is my energy data?
A: We comply with the ISO 27001 standard for all information security management systems, making sure our customer or energy consumption data is held and transmitted securely.

For details of how we manage your personal customer data, please see our privacy policy.

Watch our video on Your smart meter’s not a salesman!  
What if I don’t want my energy data being used?

A. If you're a micro business, you can opt out of your energy data being used by filling in our opt-out form. We'll still get your monthly meter readings, which we’ll use to produce accurate bills. However, we won’t be able to offer you personalised energy-saving tips.

Watch our video on Your smart meter's not a pushover!
What happens when you install my business smart meter?

A: We'll test your signal to make sure it’s strong enough to send meter readings. Our engineer will then record the final reading on your old meter.

It’ll take about an hour to fit the new business smart meter and your electricity will need to be turned off for about 40 minutes. Our engineer will then take a first reading from your new smart meter.

We’ve signed up to the Smart Metering Installation Code of Practice (SMICoP). This means we’ll always:

  • Give you a high quality of service throughout the installation
  • Book an appointment at a time to suit your business
  • Minimise disruption
  • Tell you if we can’t install your smart meter and go through your options
  • Show you how your smart meter works
I’ve booked an appointment to have a business smart meter installed. What do I need to do before the installation?
A: Before your installation, please:
  • Clear the area around your old meter so it’s easy to get to
  • Unlock doors if your old meter is in a cupboard
  • Turn off any electrical items like alarms or computers, so they’re not affected when your electricity is turned off
  • Tell us if there are times and days when the installation would be most convenient
I had a business smart meter installation booked but no-one turned up. What do I do?
A: If we’ve missed your appointment please call the installation partner to see if it can be re-scheduled.

If you're not happy please, raise a complaint.

If you're a micro business, find out more about the Electricity and Gas (Standards of Performance) (Suppliers) Regulations 2015.

After your business smart meter installation

When will I receive my first bill?
A: The date you get your updated bill will depend on when in the month you have your installation.
I’ve got a business smart meter installed but received an estimated bill. Why is this?
A: Sometimes we may not be able to get your smart meter readings due to things like poor signal strength. In these cases, we may have to send you an estimated bill, or ask you to take a meter reading.
I’ve got a business smart meter with British Gas. What if I change supplier?
A: Having a business smart meter doesn’t affect your right to switch suppliers. However, your smart meter may not work if you switch suppliers.

Check with your new supplier, but you may have to go back to submitting your own meter readings. Remember that you can quickly and easily get a renewal quote with us.
Why is my new business smart meter set to zero?
A: All new meters are set to zero. Our engineer will make a note of the final reading from your old meter and the zero reading on your new meter. The details will be logged on the ‘Smart installation’ leaflet and left with you for your records. Meter readings can take up to 30 days to update on our system.
How do I read my new business smart meter?
A: You don’t need to send us readings from your smart meter as it does this automatically. To find out where your reading is displayed, see the ‘Smart installation’ leaflet that was given to you after your meter was installed. For more information, see:

How your electricity smart meter works

How your gas smart meter works

Where can I get more energy saving advice?
A: There are many sources of advice that can help you make your business more energy efficient.

Read our Energy Made Simple sector guides for help with your business energy efficiency.

Carbon Trust’s energy saving advice by sector:

Agriculture and horticulture

Engineering

Food and drink

Hospitality

Retail

See also:

Smart meters explained – Smart Energy GB

Smart meters – Energy Saving Trust

Energy Company Obligation

Green Deal

[1] You could receive an estimated bill, based on your usage history if we're unable to retrieve a reading.

[2] We'll collect daily or half hourly usage data from your smart meter and may use this for commercial purposes, for example to develop new products and services. We'll never give the data to any third party without your express permission, unless required by law. If you're a micro business and you’d prefer us not to collect and use this data you can opt out.