1) More accurate bills
Automatic readings reduce estimates. That can prevent building up debt (or credit) and helps you avoid sudden “catch-up” bills when readings are corrected.
How do UK smart meters help cut home energy bills?
Smart meters don’t automatically make energy cheaper—but they can help you use less, spot waste faster, and switch to a better tariff with accurate bills. Compare whole-of-market energy deals with EnergyPlus and see what you could save.
- See near real-time usage (with an in-home display or app) to reduce wasted kWh
- Accurate bills—no estimated readings, fewer surprise catch-up bills
- Easier switching and better tariff choices based on your actual usage
- Potential to benefit from off-peak or time-of-use style deals where available
EnergyPlus is a UK comparison service (whole-of-market). Comparing is free, and switching usually takes minutes. Savings depend on tariff, usage and region.
What is a smart meter (and what does it actually change)?
A UK smart meter is a gas and/or electricity meter that sends readings to your supplier automatically. Most homes also receive an in-home display (IHD) or can view usage via an app. The key difference versus a traditional meter is visibility and accuracy—you can see what you’re using and get billed correctly without manual readings.
Smart meters can help cut home energy bills by:
- helping you identify high-usage appliances and habits
- reducing overpaying caused by estimated bills and catch-up corrections
- making it easier to choose a tariff that matches your real usage (including off-peak-style options where available)
Important: A smart meter is not a tariff. It’s a tool. Your biggest savings still tend to come from switching to a better deal and using the insights to reduce consumption.
Compare whole-of-market tariffs using your home details
If you have a smart meter, your bills are typically more accurate—which helps you compare like-for-like. If you don’t, you can still compare now. Fill in the form below to check deals for your postcode and usage.
Why compare with EnergyPlus?
- Whole-of-market view—see a broad range of UK home energy options
- Tariff options explained in plain English (unit rates, standing charges, exit fees)
- Switch online in minutes—no phone calls required
- Use smart meter insights to pick the right tariff structure
Tip: Keep a recent bill handy (or your smart meter app). You’ll get the most accurate comparison if you know your estimated annual usage (kWh) and current unit rates.
Top ways smart meters can reduce your home energy costs
2) Faster feedback = quicker behaviour change
Seeing your usage rise when you turn something on makes waste obvious. Small changes—like reducing standby use or tweaking heating—can add up over a year.
3) Better tariff decisions
When you know your real kWh usage and patterns, it’s easier to judge whether a fix, variable, or multi-rate/off-peak option could suit your household.
4) Easier switching
Smart meters can reduce admin friction (fewer manual readings). Switching supplier remains straightforward, and you’ll keep accurate billing through the process.
5) Better budgeting
Tracking daily/weekly spend helps you set realistic Direct Debit amounts and avoid paying too much each month—particularly when prices change.
6) Identify unusual spikes
A sudden jump could indicate a fault (e.g. immersion heater left on) or a change in household routine—meaning you can fix the issue sooner.
How smart meters help you save (in practice)
Smart meters support savings in two main ways: using less energy and paying a better price for the energy you still use. Here’s a clear process you can follow.
- Check your baseline. Look at your typical day and week usage on your IHD/app (or on your bill). This gives you a starting point.
- Find your “big hitters”. Heating/hot water, tumble dryers, electric showers, old fridges/freezers, and cooking appliances can drive costs.
- Run simple tests. Try one change at a time (e.g. reduce flow temp, shorter showers, wash at 30°C, switch devices fully off). Watch the impact in the next 24–72 hours.
- Fix your payments. If your Direct Debit is too high or low, accurate readings help you set a sensible monthly amount and avoid large adjustments.
- Compare tariffs using your real usage. With better data, you can judge which tariff structure actually suits you—then switch.
Smart meter savings: what’s realistic?
Savings vary by household. Smart meters are most effective when you actively use the information they provide. Even modest reductions—like trimming heating schedules, reducing standby waste, and shifting a few high-energy tasks—can make a noticeable difference over a year, especially alongside a better tariff.
Best combined approach: Use your smart meter to cut consumption and use EnergyPlus to compare whole-of-market tariffs so you’re not overpaying per kWh.
What to look at on your bill (and how a smart meter helps)
To understand whether a smart meter is helping reduce your energy costs, focus on the parts of your bill you can influence.
If you’re unsure what you’re paying now, compare using your details in the EnergyPlus form and we’ll help you evaluate your options.
Do smart meters cost money in the UK? Eligibility & installation
Cost
For most UK homes, a smart meter installation is arranged by your energy supplier and is typically provided at no upfront cost. Availability can depend on your property type, meter location, and local signal/coverage.
Remember: the meter itself doesn’t lower your tariff rates. To reduce the price you pay per kWh, you usually need to compare and switch.
Eligibility & what to expect
- An engineer visit is usually required for installation
- You’ll need safe access to your meters
- You may receive an in-home display (IHD) to track usage
- If you have a prepayment meter, smart can make top-ups and balances easier to manage (depending on supplier setup)
Practical smart meter tips to cut energy use at home
Use these quick, measurable actions to turn your smart meter data into real-world savings.
Track one change per week
Pick one action (e.g. shorter showers, lower boiler flow temp if appropriate, fewer tumble dryer cycles). Watch your usage on the IHD/app before and after so you know what’s working.
Find standby waste
Check your usage when “everything is off” (as much as possible). If it’s higher than expected, unplug chargers, switch off AV devices fully, and use a power strip.
Use heating controls efficiently
Instead of leaving heating on longer, adjust timings and target temperatures. Your smart meter won’t control heating, but it can help you see the impact of schedule changes.
Shift flexible loads when possible
If you have flexibility (laundry, dishwasher), your usage data can help you experiment with timing—useful if you’re considering multi-rate/off-peak type tariffs.
Common mistake: only checking the IHD once. The biggest benefit comes from using it like a dashboard—briefly, but regularly—especially after routine changes (working from home, new appliances, colder weather).
Smart meter FAQs (UK homes)
Do smart meters make energy cheaper?
Not directly. A smart meter doesn’t change your unit rate or standing charge. It helps you save by making your usage clearer (so you can reduce it) and by supporting accurate comparisons and bills.
Will I still need to submit meter readings?
In most cases, your smart meter sends readings automatically. If communications drop out, you might occasionally be asked for a manual reading until the connection is restored.
Can a smart meter help if I’m on prepayment?
It can. Smart prepayment can make it easier to track credit, top up, and monitor usage. The biggest bill savings usually still come from choosing a better tariff and reducing consumption.
Will my smart meter work if I switch supplier?
In many cases, yes. Some functionality can vary by supplier and meter type, but switching is common and your meter should continue to record usage. If you’re unsure, compare deals and check any smart features mentioned during the switch.
Is a smart meter safe and secure?
Smart meters are designed with security controls and don’t store personal browsing data. They primarily record energy usage for billing and monitoring. If you have privacy questions, you can ask your supplier about data settings and reading frequency.
What if my in-home display isn’t showing accurate costs?
The IHD is a guide and may need updated tariff details to show costs correctly. Your actual bill is based on meter readings and your tariff rates. If your display looks off, contact your supplier to refresh the tariff data on the device.
Do I need a smart meter to compare energy deals?
No. You can compare without one. Having a smart meter can make your numbers more accurate, which helps when you’re deciding between tariffs. Start with the comparison form.
Why UK households use EnergyPlus
Smart meter data is only useful if you act on it. We help you turn clarity into lower bills by making it easy to compare, understand, and switch.
“The comparison was straightforward and I finally understood what I was paying in unit rates and standing charges.”
“Having a smart meter helped me spot evening spikes. Switching to a better tariff did the rest.”
“Clear results and no jargon. I used my actual usage figures and felt confident choosing a deal.”
Trust basics: Whole-of-market comparison, UK-focused guidance, and tariff details laid out clearly so you can make an informed decision.
Ready to cut your energy bills?
Use your smart meter insights (or your latest bill) to compare whole-of-market UK home energy tariffs. Switching is simple—and accurate data helps you choose the right deal.
Comparisons are for UK domestic properties. Tariff availability varies by postcode, meter type and payment method.
What you’ll need (2 minutes)
- Your postcode
- Fuel type (gas/electric/dual)
- Payment method
- Smart meter status (if known)
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