Can I get a cheaper energy tariff with a smart meter in the UK?
A smart meter doesn’t automatically reduce your bill, but it can unlock tariffs and help you use energy smarter. Compare whole-of-market household energy deals with EnergyPlus and see if you could pay less.
- Check smart meter tariffs, standard tariffs and fixed deals in one place
- See if half-hourly pricing could suit your home (where available)
- Quick form — tailored results based on your household
Home energy only. We’ll use your details to find suitable tariffs and contact you about your results. No obligation.
Compare energy tariffs that work with your smart meter
If you already have a smart meter (or you’re planning to get one), you can still switch supplier like normal. The difference is that some suppliers may offer smart meter tariffs—including time-of-use options—where your unit rates can vary by time of day.
EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for UK households. Tell us a few details and we’ll match you with suitable deals based on your usage, meter type and preferences.
What you’ll need (takes 2 minutes)
- Your postcode
- Whether you pay by Direct Debit / prepayment
- Your current supplier (if known)
- Rough annual usage in kWh (we can estimate if you’re unsure)
How a smart meter can help you pay less (and when it won’t)
In the UK, a smart meter sends readings automatically, so you’re billed on actual usage rather than estimates. That can prevent overpaying and reduce bill shocks. But the biggest opportunity to reduce costs is often choosing the right tariff—especially if your household can change when it uses electricity.
Accurate billing
Smart readings reduce estimated bills. If you’ve had irregular readings in the past, this alone can make your payments more predictable.
Access to smart tariffs
Some suppliers offer tariffs designed for smart meters, including time-of-use pricing where electricity can be cheaper off-peak.
Better usage insight
Seeing what you use (and when) makes it easier to cut waste—like standby usage, inefficient heating habits or high-cost appliances.
- If you can’t move any electricity use away from peak times, a time-of-use tariff may not help.
- If your current deal is already very competitive, switching may deliver a smaller saving.
- If your home uses most energy for gas heating, your main savings may come from improving efficiency rather than electricity pricing.
Who is most likely to get a cheaper smart meter energy tariff?
The best smart meter tariff depends on your household routine. You’re more likely to save with smart meter tariffs if you can take advantage of lower rates at specific times, or if you want more accurate billing and tighter control over usage.
Good match for smart tariffs
- EV owners who can charge overnight or off-peak
- Homes with flexible laundry/dishwasher timings
- People who work shifts or are away at peak hours
- Homes with heat pumps or electric heating (timing-dependent)
May prefer a standard tariff
- Households at home most of the day with heavy daytime use
- Anyone who can’t reliably avoid peak periods
- People who want simple budgeting and one flat unit rate
- Customers who’d rather lock in a fixed rate for peace of mind
Not sure which group you’re in? Start with our comparison form and we’ll point you towards tariffs that suit your usage pattern.
If you have a smart meter, ask your supplier for a recent breakdown of your usage (or check your online account). The more accurate your kWh usage, the clearer the comparison.
Time-of-use tariffs (smart meter tariffs) explained
A time-of-use tariff charges different electricity unit rates at different times (for example, cheaper overnight and higher during busy evening periods). These tariffs typically require a smart meter because they rely on half-hourly or timed consumption data.
| Tariff type | How pricing works | Who it suits | Potential risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard variable | One unit rate that can change with the supplier’s pricing (often aligned to market changes). | People who want flexibility to leave without exit fees. | Prices can rise; may not be the cheapest long-term. |
| Fixed tariff | One unit rate fixed for a set period (e.g. 12 months). Smart meter not required, but compatible. | Homes wanting price certainty and simple budgeting. | May have exit fees; could miss cheaper prices later. |
| Time-of-use | Different rates for off-peak / peak times (and sometimes multiple bands). | EV owners, flexible households, some electric-heating homes. | If most usage stays at peak times, costs can increase. |
| Economy 7 / Economy 10 | Cheaper night rate for a set number of hours; daytime rate higher. Often linked to older meter setups, but can be supported with smart meters. | Storage heaters, homes using lots of night-time electricity. | Not ideal for high daytime usage; times vary by region. |
Some smart tariffs use half-hourly readings. You can usually choose whether your supplier collects data at this level. If you’re unsure, we’ll help you understand what’s needed for the tariff you’re considering.
How to get a cheaper tariff with a smart meter (UK switch steps)
If switching feels complicated, it usually isn’t. Here’s what happens for most UK households when you move to a better deal.
- Check your meter and payment type: smart meter, traditional credit meter, or prepayment. (If you’re not sure, we can still compare.)
- Compare whole-of-market tariffs: look at unit rates, standing charges, fix length, and any smart/time-of-use conditions.
- Apply for the tariff: your new supplier handles the switch—no engineer visit is normally needed.
- Take opening readings if asked: even with a smart meter, suppliers sometimes request a start reading for accuracy.
- Start saving: once your switch completes, you’ll pay the new tariff. For time-of-use, plan a few habits to make the most of off-peak rates.
What to compare (beyond the headline price)
- Standing charge (can make a big difference for low users)
- Unit rate (p/kWh) for gas and electricity
- Exit fees on fixed deals
- Smart tariff requirements (time bands, data settings, eligibility)
- Customer service and billing options (Direct Debit, online-only)
Simple ways to benefit from a smart meter
- Run the washing machine/dishwasher off-peak where possible
- Batch-cook and use residual oven heat
- Turn down flow temperature if you have a heat pump (where appropriate)
- Spot high-usage appliances and reduce standby consumption
- Use timers/smart plugs for predictable loads
Common mistakes when choosing a smart meter tariff
Only checking the unit rate
Standing charges vary across tariffs and regions. If your usage is low, a higher standing charge can wipe out savings.
Ignoring your real usage pattern
Time-of-use tariffs reward off-peak usage. If your biggest loads are during peak time, your bill may rise.
Assuming smart meters stop switching issues
Most switches are smooth, but compatibility can depend on your meter setup and supplier. We’ll factor that into the comparison.
Do smart meter tariff prices vary by region in the UK?
Yes. Your electricity and gas prices can vary by distribution region (based on your postcode). That’s why comparisons that use your location and real usage are more accurate than generic “average” prices.
A tariff that looks competitive in one area may be less competitive elsewhere due to different standing charges and unit rates. Using your postcode in our form helps match the right deals.
Smart meter tariffs UK: FAQs
Are energy tariffs cheaper with a smart meter?
Sometimes. A smart meter can give access to certain smart/time-of-use tariffs, and it ensures accurate readings. Whether it’s cheaper depends on the specific tariff and how you use electricity across the day.
Can I switch energy supplier if I have a smart meter?
Yes. In most cases you can switch as normal. Occasionally, smart functionality can be reduced temporarily depending on the meter type and supplier, but you’ll still get energy and be billed—EnergyPlus can help you compare suitable options.
Do smart meters reduce standing charges?
Not directly. Standing charges are set by your tariff and can vary by supplier and region. A smart meter helps with readings and can enable some tariffs, but it doesn’t automatically lower the standing charge.
What is half-hourly electricity pricing?
It’s where electricity prices are calculated using consumption in half-hour blocks, typically linked to a smart tariff. It can be beneficial if you can shift usage to cheaper periods, but it may cost more if most use happens during peak pricing windows.
Do I need a smart meter for Economy 7?
Not always. Economy 7 traditionally uses a multi-rate meter. Many smart meters can also support multi-rate setups, but eligibility and configuration depend on your supplier and meter type.
Will a smart meter affect my ability to get a fixed tariff?
No—fixed tariffs are generally available whether you have a smart meter or not. A smart meter is mainly relevant for smart/time-of-use pricing and automated readings.
Is this for home energy only?
Yes. This guide and form are for UK household (domestic) gas and electricity only, not business energy.
Ready to see if a smart meter tariff could be cheaper?
Compare whole-of-market household energy tariffs—smart meter options included—and get guidance based on your postcode and usage.
- No obligation — compare first
- Works for smart meters and traditional meters
- Clear view of unit rates and standing charges
Domestic energy comparison only. Switching availability depends on supplier criteria and your meter setup.
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Why households use EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market comparisons
We compare a wide range of UK household tariffs, including options that work with smart meters and time-of-use pricing (where available).
Clear, practical guidance
We focus on what changes your bill in real life: unit rate, standing charge, usage pattern and tariff conditions.
Designed for busy households
A short form is often enough to get you the right shortlist—without digging through pages of tariff jargon.