MONEY Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis has given advice on how to make the most out of your smart meter.
It comes as a new investigation by the BBC found a divide between Scotland and England in smart meters working properly.
We told how an SNP politician said the investigation showed that Scotland has been “treated as an afterthought”.
Meanwhile, one Glasgow resident was told their smart meter did not work because they lived too “far up north”.
In September, Lewis (below) wrote to the UK Government’s Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, demanding that broken meters are fixed.
“Too many smart meters don’t work,” Lewis wrote.
“Smart meters, done right, offer an exciting future that should benefit energy security ... It’s just a shame the overly-long history of the smart meter roll-out is one of sloth, poor decisions, poor technology and over-expense.”
What is a smart meter and what is the benefit?
The Money Saving Expert website explains that smart meters are next-generation gas and electricity meters. You get one meter for gas and one for electricity, which usually go where your existing meters are.
They can offer several benefits, including: Automatic meter readings; No more estimated bills; An in-home display showing real-time usage; Automatic top-ups for some smart prepayment meter customers.
Are smart meters compulsory?
It is not a legal requirement to have a smart meter, but there are a few situations where your supplier will need to install one.
For example, if your existing meter is faulty or at the end of its working life, it will need to be replaced.
Most suppliers no longer install traditional energy meters, meaning a replacement will most likely be smart.
Smart meters need to be replaced every 10 to 20 years.
Once you have a smart meter installed, you cannot switch back to a traditional meter.
How to get a free smart meter
If your supplier is installing them in your area, you may be eligible for a free smart meter.
How quickly you can get one will depend on availability in your area.
Many suppliers are rolling smart meters out area-by-area, meaning it could take months for one to be installed.
Check your supplier’s website for the latest information.
