Meters and In-Home Displays (IHD)Smart meters
Smart meters aren't just for homeowners. They could help everyone save energy and money by letting you track your costs and understand where you’re using the most energy. These insights can help you see where you could make changes to your energy use.
If you’re a tenant, here’s everything you need to know about getting a smart meter installed in your rented property.
Yes. Everyone can get a smart meter, whether you own your property or not.
As long as your name is on your energy bills, you can book an appointment yourself.
It depends on whose name is on your electricity and/or gas bills.
It’s always worth letting your landlord or letting agent know before going ahead with a smart meter installation. You should also check your tenancy agreement, just in case there are any rules in there about changing the meter.
But your landlord or letting agent isn’t allowed to stop you from changing the meter without a good reason.
If your bills are included in your rent and your landlord or letting agency manages the property’s energy account, as the account holder, they’re in charge of the property’s energy meter. You’ll have to speak to them as it’s their decision on whether or not to install a smart meter.
It’s always worth asking: research from Smart Energy GB in 2022 showed that 72% of landlords would agree to get a smart meter installed. Plus, a quarter have had smart meters installed without being asked by tenants.
Yes - Pay As You Go customers can upgrade to a smart meter too. You’ll keep paying for your energy in advance meaning you’ll know exactly how much it’s costing.
You can book an appointment via your online account. It won’t cost you anything extra and you can book a time that suits you. The installation will usually take about 75 minutes to replace one meter, or around 100 minutes to change both electricity and gas meters. Your power will be switched off but only for a short while.
Find out everything you need to know about having a smart meter installed
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