Smart meters are a great way for households and businesses to monitor energy use and take control of their bills, potentially saving energy and money while reducing the impact of greenhouse gases on the planet.

As of the start of April 2025, over 39 million smart meters have been installed in homes and businesses across the UK.

Smart meters enable accurate billing – meaning your business will only need to pay for the energy it actually uses. This could help your business take control of your energy bills. Even better, smart meters send gas and electricity readings directly and securely to your supplier so you don’t have to – taking one item off your busy to-do list!

When it comes to installing a smart meter, you’ll first need to talk to your energy supplier and confirm the eligibility of your business. Once confirmed, you will follow the standard step-by-step installation process detailed below

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#1 – Ask your energy supplier or broker what’s on offer

To begin the process, there are two ports of call to make. First, if you rent your premises and you don’t pay the bills, speak to your landlord and ask whether they have plans to install smart meters in your building. If not, discuss the potential for doing so. If you pay bills directly to your supplier then you can request a smart meter without notifying your landlord, unless your contract says otherwise.

If you’re thinking of switching suppliers, you can still do so when you have a smart meter and there should be no disruption to your billing.

You could also talk to an energy broker or go directly to your energy supplier who will take you through your options.

You may have also been contacted about getting a smart meter by your supplier, without having to ask for one.

#2 – Set an appointment for installation

Once you’ve had confirmation from you supplier that you’re eligible for a smart meter, they will arrange a date and time for the installation. Usually, they will be able to work around busy periods and agree a slot that is convenient; many installers are able to visit outside of normal working hours too, so feel free to ask if this is the best solution for you. An installer will never turn up unexpectedly.

#3 – Be around to let your installer in

Make a note of your time slot and remember to be in when they call, especially if you’ve arranged an out-of-hours installation. Appointments vary in length, but a good rule of thumb is that each meter (gas and electricity) will take around an hour to fit. The energy supply will be cut off for a short period, but you will need to be present for the installation.

Make sure you know where the current meters are and take steps to ensure they’re accessible for the installer.

#4 – Start to see the benefits of your smart meter

Once your smart meter is operational, it’s time to take control. Your installer will be on hand to show you how the smart meter works, and they will answer any questions you have whilst on the visit.

Next, it’s time to enjoy the benefits of having a smart meter for your business. For example, as readings are sent directly to your supplier, you no longer have to submit manual readings, giving you time back to focus on more critical and fulfilling tasks. On top of that, as those bills are more accurate, you’ll only pay for what you use.

Smart meters can also help you gain greater control over your energy usage. If you receive an In-Home Display (IHD), you can track your energy use in pounds and pence by day week and month. And even if you don’t have an IHD, you should be able to access free, regular information on your energy use via an app or other data tool provided by your supplier. Using this information, you can see times when your energy use spikes and take steps to reduce it.

For example,

Sound good? Why not request a smart meter for your business today? The benefits to your business could be substantial.

In short: smart meter FAQs

How do smart meters help cut back on energy usage?

Smart meters send regular meter readings to your energy supplier. Your energy supplier can provide you with this information via an app or IHD, allowing you to see how much energy you’re using in your business. This can empower you to reduce your energy consumption by identifying times of unnecessary usage.

What should I do if I don’t own my property, but I pay energy bills direct?

You may want to get permission from your landlord before agreeing to any work, especially if this is stipulated in your contract.

I’m not sure who our energy supplier is because we always use a broker to get the best deal for our business, what do we do in this situation?

Get in touch with the energy broker that arranged your current energy supplier and they’ll be able to tell you. If the broker doesn’t immediately know, then it will contact the energy supplier on your behalf because this is one of the services that energy brokers offer.

Can I change how frequently my readings are taken?

Your smart meter will take readings every half hour by default. Depending on when your smart meter was installed, you may have the choice to opt out of the standard half hourly readings and have your readings taken once a month instead. However, this will revert back to every half hour if you change contract or supplier.

Is my smart meter secure?

Smart meters have been designed in conjunction with both the government and GCHQ to ensure your business data is secure. Smart meters do not use the internet, and they have their own closed, dedicated communications system. Smart meters have been designed to ensure that security best practice has been incorporated at every stage.

Why are bills more accurate?

Because smart meters provide accurate readings, once you have your smart meter installed, all of your future energy bills should be calculated based on what you use rather than an estimation. Smart meters give you clarity over your bills and remove the guesswork.

For more information about the benefits of installing a smart meter in your workplace, visit Smart Energy GB at smartenergyGB.org.

This article is part of a paid-for information campaign for Smart Energy GB.

Eligibility may vary. Consumer action required.

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