Smart meter guide for Leeds homeowners
Originally published 29 August 2019. The rollout and rules have since changed - see our latest guides.
Smart meters are a way to monitor your gas and electric use and are available at no cost to homeowners. Energy suppliers are rolling them out across the UK.
The main benefits of a smart meter
- Automatic meter readings sent directly to your supplier, so you do not have to check and send them.
- An end to estimated bills, as you are only charged for what you use.
- An in-home usage display, an optional wireless unit that shows what you have used in pounds and pence in real time.
How can I get one?
You will likely be offered one in the next few years, but you can speed it up. Check whether your supplier is installing smart meters in your area by calling them or looking on their website. They may say yes, put you on a waiting list, or you can switch suppliers, as a new supplier may provide them automatically. Switching suppliers each year to stay on the best tariff is good practice anyway.
When might I not be eligible?
A supplier may not fit a smart meter if you have an Economy 7 thermostat, use storage heaters, live in an area with poor signal, or prepay your energy. Criteria differ by supplier and change over time, so check directly.
What happens if I switch supplier afterwards?
If you get smart meters through your supplier, they may go dumb if you switch. You can still view usage, but you will have to send readings manually until they reconnect. The combined savings from switching and tracking usage are still worth it.
The fitting process
Fitting is straightforward, taking around 2 hours, with gas and electric switched off during installation. Afterwards they explain how the meters work and may offer efficiency advice.
Is a smart meter the same as a smart thermostat?
No. A smart thermostat lets you monitor and control your heating remotely via an app. It cannot send meter readings, it is designed to cut bills by giving you more control over your central heating.