A smart meter is a product designed to give accurate readings and regular updates on how much energy a household is using.
However, there have been some concerns raised on if there are privacy concerns, and radiation fears surrounding the device, reports Leicestershire Live. Some even claim they make energy bills more expensive.
Given that the cost of living crisis continues to soar across the UK, it has never been more important to save on your energy bills. Smart meters intend to help that by automatically sending usage readings to your energy providers and by giving you information on how much energy is used by things in your home.
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It has also been reported that households that use smart meters will be offered cheaper tariffs soon, at lower usage times of the day. You generally use less energy during the middle of the day and in the later part of the evening.
The are now a total of 27.76 million smart meters in operation in the UK, according to a recent government report. But as they become more common, so do the myths and doubts surrounding them.
Listed below are some of the common myths surrounding smart meters, and Which? is on hand to debunk them.
Do smart meters take your personal data?
Concerns have been risen as to whether smart meters take any of your personal data, given that they reside in your home and use your wi-fi. However, you don't actually need broadband or wi-fi to use a smart meter, as they actually use a secure national wireless network.
Which? said: "Smart meters don’t store or transmit personal information that could identify you, either. They don't have your name, address or bank details. Your energy supplier has this information on your account instead.
"The information smart meters have on your energy usage is your data, so you can choose what you want to do with it – and change your mind about how much you share, and how often. The only exception to this is when your data is required to be used by your provider for a regulated purpose.
The most common of these is billing, but others include responding to a query from you, registering a prepayment meter top-up, or investigating a theft."
Are smart meters more expensive to use?
Smart meters have been introduced to eventually lower the price of energy bills for households across the UK. It also cuts out customer enquiries and fewer home visits are made. This, in turn, these operational cost savings should pass on to customers.
This should mean you can save on your own energy bill by using the information your smart meter display tells you about your energy usage to help you figure out how you can reduce your consumption.
Which? has warned, however: "Energy suppliers shouldn't tell you that smart meters are ‘free’, because ultimately you do pay for them indirectly through your energy bills. This is how traditional gas and electricity meters are paid for too."
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Is it true you can't switch energy suppliers when you have a smart meter?
There have been rumours circulating, that you cannot switch energy suppliers while you are in possession of a smart meter through another company. However, Which? says: "The first generation of smart meters that were installed did have an issue that means when customers switch provider, the new supplier can't always read the smart meter's data automatically. Customers this affects have to manually take meter readings and send them to their suppliers for the time being."
Government data published in August 2022 shows that at that time 3.77 million out of the total 27.76 million smart meters in operation in Great Britain were being used in this 'traditional' mode.
Which? also added: "We've heard from lots of our members who have experienced this problem, including those who were automatically switched to another energy provider when theirs went bust.
"The issue happens with SMETS1 meters, while second-generation (SMETS2) smart meters shouldn’t lose their smart functions when you switch supplier. That's because they’re connected to a central wireless network."
Can your energy supplier force you to get a smart meter?
While it is encouraged to obtain a smart meter, it is not mandatory by any energy supplier to have a one. Customers have the right to refuse installation, and if you have turned one down - you can always change your mind.
However, the one exception to this rule is if you are moving into a newly-installed home. In these situations, you may find that your provider will not fit a non-smart meter, according to Which?
You may ask your supplier to replace your old meter with a smart meter that has its communication switched off, so that you use it in the same way as a traditional meter.
Is it hassle to install a smart meter?
Many people hesitate to install a smart meter, as they feel it is too much hassle than it is worth. Before installation, your energy firm should tell you what to expect, like:
how long the fitting will take
if there is anything you need to do beforehand
Which? says: "If the engineer comes across potential problems unrelated to your smart meter, such as defective wiring, very old equipment, broken fuses or faulty boilers, their priority is to make it safe. Sometimes problems with your set-up may mean it’s not appropriate to install a smart meter. If this does happen, the installer will explain why, and tell you what work needs to be done by either you, your energy supplier or network operator."
After the fitting, the engineer will check your gas supply by turning your gas back on and relighting the pilot light in your boiler. They will also do a test with a plug socket to check that things are working as they should.
You will be shown your in-home display (IHD) by the installer, and you may also be able to see your energy use via your online account with your energy company or on an app.
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