Step-By-Step Guides to Installing a Smart Meter
The UK is rapidly upgrading smart meters due to potential benefits for efficiency, cost savings and the environment, but is it easy to install smart meters in small businesses and what is the process?
Smart meters are a great way for homes and businesses to monitor energy usage and control bills, potentially saving energy and money while reducing the impact of UK PLCs on the planet.
To date, more than 24 million smart and advanced electricity meters are in operation in homes and businesses across the UK, with many business owners requesting smart meters on a monthly basis.
Smart meters enable accurate billing—meaning, your business only pays for the energy it actually uses. This can help your business control your energy bills. Even better, smart meters send gas and electricity readings directly and securely to your supplier, so you don't have to - pick an item from your busy to-do list.
When it comes to installing smart meters, you'll first need to talk to your energy provider and confirm your business's eligibility. Once confirmed, you will follow the standard installation steps detailed below.
1. Ask your energy provider or broker for a quote
To start this process, two port calls need to be made. First, talk to your landlord and ask if they plan to install smart meters in your building. If not, discuss the possibility of doing so. If you pay your provider directly, then you can ask for a smart meter without notifying your landlord, unless your contract says otherwise.
Talk to an energy broker or go directly to your energy provider and they will tell you your options.
2. Make an appointment to install
Your energy provider will schedule a date and time for installation, just as you would make an appointment with a plumber or electrician. Often, they can work during peak hours and agree on a convenient time slot; many installers also have access outside normal business hours, so feel free to ask if this is the best solution for you. Setup never shows up unexpectedly.
3. Let the installers come in
Make a note of your time slot and remember to be there when they call, especially if you've scheduled an off-hour. Appointments vary in length, but a good rule of thumb is that it takes about an hour to replace a meter. It takes about an hour for an electric meter and about an hour for a gas meter. The energy supply will be temporarily cut off, but you will need to be present for the installation.
Make sure you know where your current meters are and take steps to ensure they are accessible to the installer.
4. The benefits of smart meters
Once your smart meter is up and running, it's time to start taking control. Your installer will be on-site to show you how the system works, how to operate it, and answer any questions you may have about your smart meter during the visit.
It's important to take full advantage of smart meters as you keep up. Use it to understand periods of high energy use and communicate your findings to those around you. In this way, you can work together to manage your energy consumption, saving you time, effort and money.
Sounds good? Why not apply for a smart meter for your business today? The benefits to your business can be enormous, so why not start today?
How can smart meters save money?
Smart meters can display the monetary cost of your energy usage in near real-time. Armed with this information, many people change their behavior to reduce their bills. Because smart meters provide accurate readings, once you install your smart meters, all your future energy bills will be based on your usage, not estimates. Smart meters give you a clear view of your bill and take the guesswork out of it. The suitability of smart meters and home displays may vary, and consumers can act accordingly to gain cost-saving benefits.
