Smart meters are the next generation of electricity and gas meters. They look like ordinary meters but are far more technically sophisticated. These new meters will bring about the end of estimated bills and give customers and energy companies accurate and up-to-date information on energy being used in the home and across the country. In addition, customers won't have to wait in for a meter reader to call as the meter is read remotely.
The Government has decided that the roll-out of smart meters is to be effectively complete in 2019. Energy UK is working with the industry, the Government and consumer groups throughout the roll-out as more and more smart meters are installed across the country.
Thousands of smart meters have already been fitted, and from 2014, energy companies will start to fit smart meters on a much wider basis, as part of the full-scale installation programme.
The revolutionary new meters will replace all existing electricity and gas meters. Customers will also be offered new display devices for their homes, which are connected to the meters and provide useful information on household energy consumption.
The smart meter programme will involve the replacement of more than 50 million electricity and gas meters in over 29 million homes and businesses.
Energy companies will be able to offer their customers more accurate bills and detailed information on their energy use. This paves the way for tailoring better services and products to meet their customers' needs, and more opportunities for people to monitor and manage their energy use.
