As a small business owner, you’re always looking for ways to increase your efficiency, streamline your operations and, hopefully, save yourself some money.
A smart meter could help you do just that by allowing you to take control of your business’ energy bills and reduce consumption.
However, if you’re waiting for your smart meter to be fitted – or even if you’ve already had one installed – you may have some queries or concerns about how they work.
That’s why we’re here to clear up all the big questions that small businesses may have about smart meters.
Are smart meters mandatory?
While smart meters aren’t compulsory, your energy supplier is required to offer you one if you’re eligible. Note that, if you do refuse a smart meter, you might miss out on cheaper or more favourable tariffs.
The way your supplier will approach you will vary. Some may offer smart meter-only tariffs, such as a time of use tariff. This offers different charges at different times of day. If you have any questions about smart meters, the best point of contact is your supplier or broker.
There will be situations where you’ll need to have a smart meter installed, such as when your existing meter stops working or becomes faulty.
What I have different suppliers for gas and electricity?
That isn’t a problem at all – you just need to have your electric meter fitted first. But it can be beneficial to switch to the same supplier for both gas and electricity as you’ll only need one installation visit.
Are smart meters safe for businesses?
Evidence shows that radiation produced by smart meters does not pose a health risk. Public Health England says that radiation levels are well within guidelines set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). In fact, smart meters produce less radiation than microwaves, WiFi routers and mobile phones.
While every electronic device carries some level of risk, it’s rare for a smart meter to be faulty – and the fire risk from them is negligible. It will be installed by a qualified professional, who will do visual safety checks when they’re carrying out the installation. If they’re working with gas, they’ll be accredited by Gas Safe too. All smart meters must comply with UK safety legislation.
Can my smart meter be hacked and my business data stolen?
Smart meters are designed to prevent hacking as far as possible. GCHQ and the National Cyber Security Centre lead the security process that smart meters go through.
As far as data is concerned, smart meters have been designed with cybersecurity experts to keep your data safe. Smart meter data goes through its own dedicated communications system. They only measure overall energy use, rather than what your individual appliances are doing. It’s simply giving you a bigger picture of how much energy you’re using.
Your energy supplier may use your energy usage data to give you specified energy efficiency advice and improve the service they provide to you, but only if you give them permission to do so.
To further put your mind at ease, smart meters don’t have any video or recording equipment within them so they can’t record anything in and around your workplace.
As it runs off its own communication system, your smart meter doesn’t need to be connected to your WiFi in order to work.
Can my smart meter be wrong?
Smart meters are as accurate as traditional meters, but like any other electronic device, they can develop a fault. It’s worth noting at this point that sometimes it takes longer for your smart meter display to show you updated figures than the smart meter itself. This is normal.
However, unusual bills and a blank screen could be signs that there’s a fault with your smart meter. Readings on your bill should be marked as ‘smart’ and estimated bills will be marked with an ‘e’, so ask your supplier if there’s anything out of the ordinary or that you don’t understand.
Your supplier or broker should help you to fix your meter if something is broken. If they don’t do it within eight weeks, Ofgem has a guide to help you complain to the Energy Ombudsman.
You can also request that your supplier tests your smart meter. Be warned that you will have to foot the bill if they find that it is working correctly.
Can I request a smart meter for my small business?
Yes, you can. The first thing to do is contact your energy supplier or broker to find out what’s available.
If you rent your business premises and pay your own energy bills, then you can ask your supplier to install a smart meter – that is, if they don’t offer you one themselves.
Before you jump in, check with your landlord to see if they’ll let you get a smart meter as it might go against your rental agreement.
Smart meter offerings will vary between energy providers, with differing terms and conditions, so make sure you’re clued up on this too.
Smart Energy GB has a box you can enter your supplier’s details into, and they can connect you. However, if your business works with a third-party intermediary or a broker, please contact them directly to request your smart meter.
From there, you just need to arrange a date and time with your supplier to install your smart meter and you’re ready to go.
