Smart meters for business frequently asked questions
Find out more about smart meters and how they help your business.
Why do I need a smart meter for my business?
Smart meters are designed to make life easier for businesses. Once connected:
- We'll automatically receive regular smart meter readings
- You won't need to send us manual meter readings
- You'll get more accurate bills and only be charged for the energy you've used
- View your business energy use
How can I upgrade my business energy meter to a smart meter?
Log in to your online account to request your smart meter upgrade. We'll process your request and if you're eligible, we'll schedule the installation.
If you're eligible to have a smart meter installed, one of our trusted partners will be in touch to book an appointment that suits you.
We work with third party specialist companies to install smart meters on our behalf including SMS, EAL, and MDS.
Why can't I get a business smart meter yet?
Not every business is eligible to get a smart meter straight away. This may be due to meter installation requirements and/or poor network signal.
If you’ve requested a smart meter and don't hear back within 6 weeks, this means your site won't be eligible for a smart meter.
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.
| SMETS2 smart meter | AMR 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 |
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? | Subject to availability | Now |
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.
Data logger devices
- An alternative to a business gas smart meter is to have a data logger device fitted to your existing gas meter.
- Data loggers work in the same way as a smart meter by using mobile phone technology to send suppliers your readings remotely.
- You don't need to read your meter, but if you still want to, you can read it in the usual way.
More FAQs on business smart meters
Do I need to pay for an upgrade to a business smart meter?
We install business smart meters at no extra cost. This does not include new connections. And there may be a charge if you're a non-micro business and you opted to exchange an AMR meter for a SMETS2 meter.
How long does it take to install a business smart meter?
Normally, an installation of a business smart meter takes about an hour. If your meter is in a hard-to-reach place, or your set up is complicated, your installation may take longer.
When we install your smart gas or electricity meter, we may need to turn your electricity off for about 40 minutes.
We need ensure messages go between your gas and electricity meters and this is the reason we may need to switch your electricity off when installing a gas meter.
Our installation partners
We may sometimes use partners or sub contractors for your smart meter installation.
- NDS
- ICD
- I&C Gas
- WGSM
- Bluesky (ADM installs only)
- Energise
- Mane Metering
- I&C Gas Services Limited
- Commercial Gas Service Limited
- STR Metering
- Tanner Gas Services
- Kris Roberts Limited
- PJ Woods
Where will my smart meter be fitted?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
If you're a micro business and not half-hourly settled, you can opt out of your energy data being used by filling in our opt-out form. We'll still collect your monthly meter readings to produce accurate bills, but we won't be able to offer you personalised energy-saving advice.
Watch our video on Your smart meter's not a salesman!
Can I choose a time that suitable to me and my business for my smart install?
Yes you can.
We operate 4-hour timeslots between 8am-5pm, Monday to Friday. When we call to book your appointment, please advise us of the best time to suit your business.
What happens on the day you install my business smart meter?
Someone will need to be on site to meet the technician and give them access to the meter.
We'll test your network signal to make sure it's strong enough to send meter readings. Our technician will then record the final reading on your old meter.
For your electricity meter, your electricity will be turned off for about 40 minutes, It will take about an hour to fit the new business smart meter
For your gas meter, Your gas will be turned off for about 40 minutes, It will take about an hour to fit the new business smart meter. Please also be aware our technician may need to also switch your electricity off during this time
Our technician will then take a first reading from your new smart meter.
Who installs the smart meters?
We use 3rd party installers to install our smart meters. We use the following: for Gas - SMS and EAL For ELEC- MDS. You will get a call from our install partners to arrange an appointment for your smart meter upgrade.
Our installation partners
We may sometimes use partners or sub contractors for your smart meter installation.
- NDS
- ICD
- I&C Gas
- WGSM
- Bluesky (ADM installs only)
- Energise
- Mane Metering
- I&C Gas Services Limited
- Commercial Gas Service Limited
- STR Metering
- Tanner Gas Services
- Kris Roberts Limited
- PJ Woods
Why couldn't my smart meters be installed by the engineer on the agreed day?
Sometimes our technicians face issues during the installation and smart meters can't be installed on the day. This could be:
- The technician can't reach the existing meters
- Cupboards or objects have been built around the meters
- There isn't enough space to fit the new smart meters
Your technician should have discussed why we couldn't perform your installation so your business can decide if you want to make changes to fit your new smart meters. Once you complete your business changes, either let your meter installer know or contact us. We'll look to book your smart meter appointment as quickly as possible.
I had a business smart meter installation booked but no-one turned up. What do I do?
If we've missed your appointment please call the installation partner to see if it can be re-scheduled.
If you're a micro business, find out more about the Electricity and Gas (Standards of Performance) (Suppliers) Regulations 2015.
What about my other meters not supplied by British Gas?
If you have other meters on site, not supplied by us, your other supplier will be in touch.
If you have more than one meter with us that requires a smart meter upgrade, please advise us when we book your installation appointment.
What is Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) and what do I need to know?
The Radio Teleswitch Service is an industry-run service that will end soon. Read more on Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS).
After your business smart meter installation
When will I receive my first bill?
The date you get your updated bill will depend on when in the month you have your installation and your smart meter successfully starts sending signals or polling.
I've got a business smart meter installed but received an estimated bill. Why is this?
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?
Having a business smart meter doesn't affect your right to switch energy suppliers. However, your smart meter may not continue to work depending on the type you have installed. If you have the latest generation SMETS2 meter, it will continue to work.
Check with your new supplier, but you may have to go back to submitting your own meter readings until you get the next generation of smart meter installed.
Remember that you can quickly and easily get a renewal quote with us and we'll upgrade your smart meter.
Why is my new business smart meter set to zero?
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?
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:
Where can I get more energy saving advice?
There are many ways you can help make your business more energy efficient. Read our Business energy saving for help with your business energy efficiency.
I have a smart meter, how can I request the smart meter data?
You can request, up to 12 months, of your smart meter data, if you're the contact on your business account. You can also nominate a third party by contacting us.
Before energy brokers can request your smart meter data, you'll need to send us a letter of authority (LOA).
What should I do if I think my smart meter is faulty?
To see if your meter is faulty:
If the meter is still increasing, it's probably faulty. If the meter stops, turn on one appliance at a time. If the meter begins to move quickly, the appliance might be faulty. If you think your meter is faulty, please call us on 0330 818 6031.
- Switch off all appliances in your business, including any with pilot lights
- Check if the numbers displayed on the smart meter are still increasing
If your meter hasn't been connected properly or isn't working correctly, we'll fix it for you - free of charge.
The Electricity and Gas (Standards of Performance) Regulations will apply to your installation visit to ensure you receive the highest standards of service.
Read more
Additional information
You could receive an estimated bill, based on your usage history if we're unable to retrieve a reading.
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.
