Debunking smart meters myths: What every consumer should know

Reality: One of the biggest concerns around smart meters is their high price, however most, if not all smart meters are free of charge. Suppliers offer competitive tariffs, and our own smart meter tariff has no standing charges which means you do not pay anything on the days when you consume no gas or electricity.

Smart meters enable you to track your energy usage in near real time so you can monitor what you’re using and see which appliances cost the most to run.

Reality: Questions regarding privacy are quite valid in this digital era, however smart meters are designed with robust security measures. Data is collected primarily for invoicing and energy management purposes, ensuring that your personal information remains confidential.

Data usage is also anonymised which means that even though your meter monitors consumption, it doesn’t disclose any personal details about you or your household..

Reality: People believe that smart meters encourage higher energy consumption which means higher energy costs. The reality is the complete opposite as smart meters provide detailed insights into your energy habits, helping you recognise and reduce the energy you might otherwise be wasting. If you understand your consumption habits and where you use the most energy, you can make changes to be more energy efficient.

Reality: The misconception is that smart meters are quite challenging to use. This is not the case. Most smart meters come equipped with an intuitive in-home display unit which shows your energy consumption and cost in near real time. This user friendly interface makes it easier to monitor your daily energy consumption, align usage habits and gain control over your energy expenditure.

Reality: Many people believe that smart meters are inaccurate, however in reality, they are very reliable. They provide precise readings, reducing the chance for any errors which means you can relax knowing the data they provide to your energy company is as it should be.

Reality: People are concerned that having a smart meter will keep them tied into a specific energy supplier, however this is not the case. You can still switch suppliers, even with a smart meters and usually with no interruptions to your meter readings. You can always speak to the energy supplier first if you’re unsure.

Reality: A big misconception is that smart meters don’t offer any benefits for prepayment customers, however, there are many! You can closely monitor your energy usage in near real time and get notified when you credit is running low so you know to top-up before you run out of credit. There’s also features such as access to emergency and friendly credit for when your credit is low and you can’t top-up.

There are lots of ways to top-up your smart meters, and you don’t even have to leave your home to do it. The biggest benefit we offer though is that our smart meter tariff has no standing charges, meaning you do not pay anything on the days you consume no gas or electricity.

Reality: People believe smart meter installation is a challenging task, but the process is quite simple and seamless.

Energy suppliers handle the installation, and most smart meters can be set up in under an hour or so. Once you install your smart meter, it barely requires any maintenance. One can enjoy their benefits immediately after installation, making the transition to smart meters very smooth and effortless.