In today’s world, small businesses are always looking for ways to cut costs and improve efficiency. One area where this is particularly important is energy usage. For small retail businesses, energy bills can be a significant expense. However, there is a solution that can help reduce those costs – smart meters.

What is a Smart Meter?

A smart meter is a digital device that replaces the traditional manual meter for measuring gas and electricity usage. It allows businesses to monitor their energy usage in real-time and provides accurate data that can help them make informed decisions about how to use energy more efficiently.

The rollout of smart meters across the UK is part of a government-led initiative to create a more flexible energy system that can better accommodate the generation of gas and electricity from renewable sources. The goal is for every home and small business in Great Britain to have a smart meter installed by the end of 2025.

How can my retail business request a smart meter and what is the smart meter installation process?

Getting a smart meter installed is a simple process that involves contacting your energy supplier to arrange an appointment. Once the smart meter is installed, it automatically sends meter readings to the supplier, eliminating the need for manual meter readings. This makes billing more accurate and reduces the risk of errors or estimated bills.

The smart meter installation process for a retail business is a straightforward and non-disruptive process. Once a business owner has requested a smart meter installation from their energy supplier, they will be contacted to arrange a convenient installation appointment.

On the day of installation, a qualified technician will arrive to fit the new smart meter, which typically takes around one to two hours. The technician will replace the existing manual meter with the new smart meter, which can measure gas and electricity usage in real-time.

Once installed, the smart meter will automatically send meter readings to the energy supplier, eliminating the need for manual meter readings. Business owners can also access their energy consumption data through a secure online portal, giving them greater visibility and control over their energy usage.

Overall, the installation process is designed to be quick and easy, allowing business owners to focus on their day-to-day operations without any disruption.

What are the benefits of a smart meter for business?

One of the key benefits of smart meters for small businesses is that they provide access to your energy usage data. This data can help you to see how much energy your business is using, and when it is being used. This information can be used to identify areas where energy consumption could be reduced, such as during periods of low occupancy or outside of business hours.

By using energy more efficiently, businesses can save money on their energy bills. In addition, reducing energy consumption can have a positive impact on the environment by reducing carbon emissions. This can be an important selling point for businesses that are looking to be more sustainable.

Smart meters are not just a tool for energy management, they also provide benefits for the energy system as a whole. By providing real-time data on energy usage, smart meters can help to balance supply and demand, reducing the risk of blackouts and other disruptions.

For businesses that rent their premises, getting a smart meter installed can be an effective way to gain access to energy consumption data without having to rely on the landlord to provide manual meter readings. This allows businesses to take control of their energy usage and make informed decisions about how to reduce energy consumption.

Smart meter offerings may vary between energy suppliers, so it’s important to ask your energy supplier what options are available. Some suppliers may offer additional services, such as energy management software, to help businesses become more energy efficient.

While there may be some disruption to your normal business operations during the installation process, the benefits of a smart meter can be significant. By reducing energy consumption and saving money on energy bills, businesses can focus on their core operations and become more competitive in their markets.

Smart meters can help provide predictability to your energy costs, regardless of your energy provider. With smart meters, bills are calculated automatically, eliminating the need for an engineer to visit and read the meter. Some energy providers also offer the option to have an in-home display (IHD) which shows your gas and electricity usage breakdown, although this may not come as standard and it’s worth speaking to your provider to find out what options are available. Having a clear understanding of your energy expenses is crucial for any business, and smart meters can help provide that clarity. Knowing exactly what you must pay for energy can be a big support to your business, especially when reviewing your expenses.

My business is eligible for a smart meter but my energy supplier hasn’t offered one yet, what should I do?

If you believe that your business is eligible for a smart meter but your energy supplier has not yet offered one, there are a few steps you can take.

First, you should contact your energy supplier to find out if they are planning to offer smart meters in the near future. If they are, you can ask to be added to a waiting list or register your interest so that you can be contacted when smart meters become available.

If your energy supplier does not have any plans to offer smart meters or cannot provide you with a clear timeline for their rollout, you can consider switching to a different supplier that does offer smart meters. You can use comparison websites or speak to a broker to find out which suppliers offer smart meters and compare their prices and services.

It’s also worth noting that the rollout of smart meters is being led by the government and energy suppliers are required to offer them to all eligible customers by 2025. If you believe that you are eligible but your supplier is not offering them, you can contact Smart Energy GB, the government-funded campaign promoting the smart meter rollout, for more information and support.