Smart meters are everywhere – not only in the news of late, but they are fast becoming a staple in people’s homes.
And so far, the discussion on smart meters has been primarily at their use for homeowners. But did you know smart meters can also be used to track your small business’ energy use?
A more precise reading
There is a plan in place regarding smart meters for the UK. The government has set electricity and mains gas suppliers the target of making the technology available to every home in England, Scotland and Wales by 2020 – that’s 26 million households in total.
Why is the government pushing this? To phase out imprecise estimated readings in favour of up-to-the-minute digital energy usage recordings, taken by smart meters. These measurements are then sent directly to energy suppliers and used to generate fully accurate bills, based on actual usage.
But the installation of smart meters goes beyond just home addresses. Run a small business with fewer than 10 employees? Then, chances are, you’re entitled to a smart meter too. If in doubt, simply ask your energy supplier or broker. If your energy bills are included in the rent you pay for your commercial premises, it’s the bill payer who needs to make the request for your smart meter – so ask your landlord.
What’s the benefit to me?
It’s all well and good having accurate meter readings, but can smart meters offer anything at a business level? The short answer is yes, and these are just some of them:
- Know exactly what you’ll pay
Manage your overheads easier with precise readings and bills, instead of wincing when the bill comes through from an estimate.
- See what is using the most energy
You will be able to see what is causing higher energy use in your business. Are those 3 o’clock office tea rounds causing a spike in usage as the kettle goes into overdrive? Is your business wasting energy outside of normal working hours because computers are being left on overnight? These are issues a smart meter can help you identify and, more importantly, act on – whether that means investing in a hot water urn or reminding employees to switch off their machines at night. Developing a heightened awareness and understanding of your energy usage also makes you more likely to make smarter money and energy-saving decisions across your business.
- Meter readings? Forget it!
Smart meters automatically take readings for you. It does its thing, you do yours. Simple.
- Cutting back power cuts
In the event of a power cut, the data from a smart meter will allow energy suppliers to respond quicker.
- The first step to a greener network
Smart meters are just the beginning. Put simply, the long-term plan is to create a fully integrated smart grid linking different hardware, communications and other technologies together in something of an internet for gas and electricity. Smart meters are a crucial step towards this vision, which will eventually serve homes and businesses alike with greener, more efficient, less wasteful and more cost-effective energy.
- Helping suppliers to help you
You and your supplier will be able to see your energy usage, thanks to smart meters. It’s this kind of information that suppliers need to develop new, innovative and increasingly competitive business gas prices.
How do I install one?
The good news is someone else will do all the work for you! Once you’ve made the initial move of speaking to your energy supplier or broker (or your landlord, in the case of rented premises), here’s what will happen:
- Book a day
Your supplier will contact you to arrange a time. They will work with you to ensure this is a time that works for both parties, and causes minimal disruption to the running of your business
- Open the door
Make sure someone’s available to let in the specially trained installer on the day.
- Done!
Once finished, the installer can show you and your staff how to use it, and answer any questions.
And that’s all there is to it! As soon as your smart meter is in, your business can start reaping the benefits.
After the installation
Smart meter users have given positive feedback on the process. For example, the Smart Meter Customer Experience Study carried out in August 2017 by the government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy revealed that 80% of those surveyed were satisfied with the technology itself, while 89% were pleased with the installation visit.
Is your business ready to claim these benefits? Talk to your supplier today, or visit www.smartenergygb.org for more information.
