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Written by student Tia Fordham
⏳ Smart meters can save you time
⚡Smart meters could help you to cut back on your energy consumption, which could save you money too
🌃You can get a smart meter, even as a private renter
I’m ashamed to admit this, but I was sceptical of smart meters at first., I am pleased to announce that since the installation of my smart meter, I’m really happy that I decided to take the leap and get one for myself.
The smart meter comes with a smart meter display, which shows you exactly how much energy you are using. It shows you how much energy you’ve consumed throughout the day as well as the peaks in your energy use. This can help you to make small cutbacks to save energy, which could help you save money too.
Not only could a smart meter help you to save money, but it can save you time too! Smart meters automatically tell your energy supplier how much energy you’ve used so you don’t have to take readings and faff about sending them across. I’m a chronically busy person and I’m always out of the house – either at university or with mates or volunteering – and as a somewhat ditsy individual I often forgot to take and submit my meter readings. MY smart meter has liberated me from the traditional energy meter.
A smart meter could help you access schemes and tariffs to get rewarded by your energy company for changing when you use your energy – like doing your laundry or batch cooking at off-peak times when others are using less. (follow this link to learn more about energy flex schemes).
So, I had learnt about the benefits of smart meters. Henceforth, I had been enviously pining over the smart meters of my friends, I thought that because I rent from a private landlord, I would not be able to have one (spoilers: this is not true). When I was sent a letter by my energy supplier, offering me a free smart meter, installation and all, I decided to reach out to my landlord.
My landlord agreed that it was a good idea to have one installed; my smart meter and I have lived happily ever after.
While going through this process, I learnt that if you are the one who pays for your bills, you are the one who decides whether you have a smart meter – not your landlord. But it’s always worth informing them if you decide to get one.
The installation was quick and easy. The installation only took two hours, and they gave me all the information I needed on how it works and how to use the smart meter display. And just like that, I was a smart meter owner!
Obviously, a smart meter won’t turn your boiler down for you or buy you a hot water bottle to keep you warm instead of having the heating on but it can keep you informed on your energy use. With that information, you can make small changes to reduce your energy use. My smart meter has helped me to save money, and yours could too.
It’s not just me who is smart meter obsessed – 90% of renters who have a smart meter would get one again if they moved. Get a smart meter today.
Eligibility may vary. Consumer action required. Reward schemes and tariffs are available to selected customers from selected suppliers.