Guide to Business Energy Smart Meters
Smart meters are a modern update to outdated metering technology, but there’s some uncertainty from business owners about what they are and how they work. This helpful guide gives you all the information you might need…
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What are business energy smart meters?
Smart meters are digital electricity or gas meters that record energy consumption in real time and send the data to your energy supplier through a wired or wireless connection. This data can help you to understand your energy usage patterns and identify areas where you can save energy.
The Government has run various TV adverts over the years to educate domestic energy users about their benefits, but they are also available to smaller businesses.
Can I get a smart meter for my business?
Not all companies are eligible to receive a smart meter; only small companies with fewer than 10 employees will be entitled to one.
Benefits of smart meters for small businesses?
There are many benefits to smart meters for small businesses, including:
✔ Accurate billing – Smart meters ensure that businesses are billed accurately for the energy they consume in real-time.
✔ Energy saving opportunities – Smart meters can help businesses to identify areas where they can save energy. For example, businesses can track their energy consumption over time to identify trends and patterns in order to plan energy-intensive processes for off-peak times.
✔ Reduced environmental impact – By reducing their energy consumption, businesses can help to reduce their environmental impact.
✔ Improved efficiency – Smart meters can help businesses improve their efficiency by providing them with real-time data on their energy consumption. This data can be used to identify and fix energy inefficiencies quickly and easily, such as appliances and machinery that draw more power than necessary
✔ Increased control – Smart meters give businesses more control over their energy consumption. For example, businesses can use smart meters to set energy targets and track their progress towards those targets.
How do smart meters help with climate change?
Smart meters will allow users to check the amount of energy they are using per day so they can make the necessary changes to reduce their usage. This doesn’t mean that smart meters will have a direct impact on climate change, but the purpose of smart meters for businesses is to help users reduce their energy usage.
How do smart meters work?
Smart meters use a variety of technologies to collect and send data. Some smart meters use a cellular network, while others use a radio frequency network. Smart meters typically collect data every 30 minutes and send it to your energy supplier. Your energy supplier will then use this data to generate your energy bills.
How to get a smart meter for your business?
To get a smart meter for your business you need to contact your energy supplier. They will be able to tell you if you are eligible for a smart meter and arrange for it to be installed.
How long do they take to install?
Smart meter installation is typically a quick and easy process. An engineer will visit your business and replace your existing meter with a smart meter, a process that typically takes around one hour.
How much does a smart meter cost to fit?
Essentially a smart meter’s cost is hidden into a customer’s electricity bills. There is no upfront cost for customers who are looking at having a smart meter installed in their business or property as the cost is added in with your bills.
Who can see my business smart meter data?
Your data is protected and will only be available to you and your supplier. However, the government will receive information in regards to how much energy is used, and when energy usage occurs across the country.
Do I have to have a smart meter?
You don’t need to have a smart meter installed in your business, however, by 2025 every household within the UK will have been offered a smart meter, free of charge. If you haven’t yet been offered a smart meter, you can request one. It would be worth adding that although you don’t have to have a smart meter installed it will make managing your energy bills easier as without one you may struggle to access all tariffs.
Using your smart meter?
Once your smart meter has been installed and connected to the network, you can start to use it to track your own energy use and consumption and identify areas where you can save energy.
Most smart meters have a display that shows your current energy consumption, historical energy and consumption data, and your estimated energy bill. You can also access your smart meter data through a web portal or a mobile app.
Smart meters can offer many benefits to businesses, including accurate billing, energy-saving opportunities, reduced environmental impact, improved efficiency, and increased control.
If you request a smart meter or are considering getting a smart meter for your business, you should contact your energy supplier to find out more.
Can I still switch energy suppliers with a smart meter?
Yes, you can still switch energy suppliers if you’ve had a smart meter installed. If for any reason your new supplier was unable to use your smart meter, your existing meter would continue to operate as normal, leaving you responsible for supplying the meter readings to your energy supplier.
Are smart meters worth it?
Smart meters are a great way of tracking your current energy usage, so if you’re looking to save on your energy bills or do your bit to a greener world a smart meter will certainly help. As a small business owner you’ll likely be conscious of your overall spending, and cutting down on energy costs is a great way to reduce your outgoings. If you’re a small business owner, take a look at our small business energy guide for advice on finding better energy deals for your business.
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If you have any other questions, take a look at our business energy guides section. Or contact our expert team of business energy brokers who are also available to answer any of your questions about our business gas and electricity comparison services.
Business energy contract due to renew? Call us on 0800 9777 000 or fill in our energy quote form to see how much you could save…
