Navigating electricity rates, tariffs and meters can be tough for billpayers.
It can seem difficult to work out the best plan to choose to keep your bills as low as possible but an expert has given key advice to those being offered the switch to smart meters.
Daragh Cassidy from Bonkers.ie shared who should consider changing their electricity accounts to smart meters and who should continue to put it off.
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He stated that while you can make good savings, it could take a while before energy suppliers put better plans in place.
Daragh explained that the first smart meter plans launched might not save every household money.
He told RSVP Live : “Some of the initial plans that were launched at least weren’t necessarily the best value, but I think the suppliers are working through that.
“We’re gonna see bigger and better plans come out over the next few months.
“For people who have electric cars, they will stay with a smart meter because certain times can be particularly good value, for example, between 2AM and 4AM when people may charge their cars.
“If you don't have an electric car and depending on your consumption, it may not necessarily be the best value.”
He explained that on Bonkers.ie you can put in your information to find better energy plans.
“We're working on upgrading our sites at the moment to give better results for smart meters. My advice to people is to use a site like ours to find the right results for you.”
Daragh thinks that smart meters are a “good idea” as they can offer a variety of energy plans,
He shared: “You have lots of different price plans and lots of different times of the day. You're charged different rates and you can work around that to suit you when to get the best deals.
“There will be apps and in-home display monitors to tell you how much energy you're using and when.
“I think we can get a bit more knowledgeable about our energy usage, and what costs the most but maybe we're just not there yet.”
He noted that there isn’t an “easy way” to determine if this plan will definitely benefit your bills and energy usage.
Daragh advised people: “You need to do the sums and work out and calculate the different plans that are right for you.”
However, he explained that once you sign up to a smart meter plan, you are not able to return to your original one.
He said: “You’re stuck with the smart meter plan. It’s always best to make sure you’re signing up to the right plan.
“I would say to people to allow the smart meter to be installed, you don’t need to sign up immediately. You can remain with the normal plan.
“Over the coming months or year or two, as more plans become available, you can then activate the meter and sign up for a smart plan.”
You can find out more about smart meters on Bonkers.ie
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