Advantage of having smart meters

kimp22

Please can someone tell me the advantages of having smart meters installed. I spoke to my supplier about price rises and they suggested smart meters. 

Any advice 
Thanks 

Kim

The_Fat_Controller

You get accurate bills as long as the meter can contact the comms network and send in readings.

You will have an In Home Display which gives you information on how much energy you are using and the cost, useful to make sure your payments on a Direct Debit plan are actually covering costs.

QrizB

Also, you will have access to smart-meter-only tariffs, some of which work out cheaper than standard tariffs.

kimp22

At the moment I am on prepayment meters will I be able to get off them with smart meters. 

Thanks 

Kim

QrizB

kimp22 said:

At the moment I am on prepayment meters will I be able to get off them with smart meters.

Smart meters can be set up in either prepayment or credit modes, and can be switched from one mode to the other remotely.

If your supplier is happy to move you to onto a credit account they will be able to do so.

MaryNB

It sends meter readings to the supplier so your billing is accurate. 

I have the display unit in my living room. While it doesn't save me money directly, being able to see how much I spent each day has made me much better at remembering to turn things off and reduce how much I heat my house. It's also made me more conscious of the big energy draining items in my house. 

molerat

Nope, still can't think of any.  Marketed as ideal for the lazy but it seems that is not always the case, just lulls them into a false sense of security.

Swipe

Saves me going outside in the cold to get a daily reading for my spreadsheet

Mineral1

Access to cheaper tarrifs only available if you have a smart meter, although this is not relevant at the minute clearly.

Aside from that, the instant power readout can help you identify what appliances and habits contribute the most to your bills and reminds you to turn expensive appliances off if you leave them on because the in house display will show a heavy power usage.

Easier to read via in house display if your meters are in an awkward position or you have limited mobility etc.

Can help avoid shock bills as you can see the cost accrue in real time rather than waiting three months for a bill.

Helps the national grid and energy suppliers plan for usage trends and see where to invest in infrastructure and generation for the future, as well as identify who has a power outage more easily (especially relevant at the minute).

Those that say they have no use are plain and simply wrong.

matelodave

I'm with Swipe, I can read my meter from the warms and comfort of indoors rather than going outside. I can also see what I'm using in real time and should I feel the need I can check my consumption over the past day, week, month or even year.

An added advantage (when it works) is that it should send my readings back to the supplier to save me doing it every month. TBH I think that is really what they are supposed to do 

kimp22

That doesn't sound good. I need to lower amount I am spending. My electricity is over £100 a month now and I have used around £40 in three weeks on gas. Its been on a lot recently with bad weather.
I already have started switching cooker and microwave off unless using them. I do a lot of washing have three kids and one that disabled. I have a dehumidifier to help with the washing
I have a tumble dryer but never use it.
I have £10.46 on the electricity now and it was £22.20 on Tuesday morning. Been doing small top ups till the new meters go in. But have around £90 on gas usually build in up so I don't have to worry about it when it gets cold.

Thanks
Kim