Get smart: the energy meter upgrade that benefits customers

In today’s fast-paced business environment, small business owners are constantly seeking ways to reduce costs and streamline operations. Smart meters offer a practical solution, helping you monitor energy usage more effectively while contributing to a more sustainable future. Whether you're aiming to cut costs or lower your carbon footprint, smart meters are a smart step toward greater efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Smart meters are the future of energy meters, with traditional meters becoming outdated. In 2022 52% of business owners said they need to reduce their overheads and with many businesses who have adopted smart metering seeing an 11% decrease in energy usage.

Top reasons to get a smart meter for your small business

• Save you time and hassle – by sending your supplier automatic meter readings, you no longer need to take the time to get and upload a reading, allowing you more time to focus on your business.
• Move towards a more sustainable business model – smart meters allow for you to have better visibility of your energy usage in real time, giving you the insight you need to optimise your usage and become more energy efficient.
• More accurate billing – by having a smart meter you can say goodbye to estimates on your bill. As your smart meter sends your supplier a reading automatically, you will be billed up to an accurate reading.
• Manage your energy – with a smart meter, some suppliers provide you with a helpful tool that allows you to see the energy your business is using. Depending on your read preferences, this could be as detailed as every 30 minutes, helping you to budget and reduce energy usage with ease. 

Hear from one our small business customers, Binny from BOTL, on why they’re excited to use Energy Hub to see their consumption and help their business save. 

Common misconceptions about smart meters

Many myths surround smart meters, these are often regarding their accuracy, safety, and security. These however, are myths, and we will break them down here:

• MYTH: Smart meters are less accurate than analogue meters - smart meters are tested for accuracy before they leave the manufacturers. This means they are often more accurate than analog meters
• MYTH: Smart meters pose a health threat - the radio frequency produced by smart meters is well below the limits that could be harmful to human health, so they do not pose a health threat
• MYTH: Smart meters invade user privacy - smart meters only have the capability to transmit data surrounding energy consumption. Utility companies are also subject to regular audits to ensure data privacy

How to get a smart meter for your small business

The first step to getting a smart meter for your small business is booking an appointment. You can do this by logging into MyAccount and booking a date and time that suits you best – we’ve got out of hours appointments too, so we don’t disturb your business. Alternatively, you can call our team of dedicated energy specialists on 0330 912 9959 who will be able to book you an appointment.

Once you have the appointment booked, it’s time to have your smart meter installed. On the day of your installation our installer will arrive and replace your old meter with a new smart meter, this can take up to an hour for each meter. Not sure what you need to do to prepare? We have a helpful guide, providing you tips for a smooth, hassle free experience. 

Now you’ve got a smart meter, it’s time to get smart with your energy management. At EDF small business customers get access to Energy Hub – a free online tool that helps monitor your energy usage, helping you budget and reduce energy waste. 

Hear why Rodeo Doughnuts love having a smart meter

Already have a smart meter?

Wondering how you can make the most of your smart meter? Here is some of our recommendations:

• Update your reads to half hourly: Smart meters allow you to set your read preferences to half-hourly, this means your meter will send your supplier a reading every 30 minutes, allowing you to get a better understanding of your energy usage using Energy Hub. You can update your read preferences in MyAccount
• Look for ways to save energy: With a smart meter lowering your energy consumption is easier than ever! Our energy efficiency experts share their top tips that could reduce your energy bills by up to 10% - look here for their tips
• Get a new business energy quote: We’ve got a range of energy deals to suit your small business needs, offering price security for up to four years for even more peace of mind. Get a quote in less than 60 seconds today!

Why isn't my smart meter sending reads to my supplier?

Don't worry this won't impact your energy supply. The best thing to do is submit a meter read in MyAccount.

Why might a smart meter not be sending reads?

• At the time of installation your engineer will let you know how strong your signal is - if your meter in an unusual place it may have a weak connection
• There’s something blocking the connection – like a piece of furniture
• There’s a temporary lost connection due to WAN or HAN connection

If your smart meter isn’t sending reads correctly, please follow the following steps:

Check for signal obstructions: Make sure nothing is blocking the signal from your smart meter, such as furniture or extra equipment, if it’s safe to do so

Next steps: Submit a meter read in MyAccount. 

Then? You don't need to do anything straightaway.  Our smart meter team get an alert a week after your meter lost connection. They'll be working away in the background to get you reconnected. However, in some cases this can take a couple of months to resolve.

Contact us: If none of the above steps fix the issue, please contact us via email or WhatsApp and we can investigate the issue for you.

If your smart meter is installed and is never deemed healthy, what should you do?

At the time of installation your engineer will let you know how strong your signal is. If it’s identified as weak, they will raise this with the smart meter team who will investigate it further. If your smart meter is deemed as unhealthy, it still tracks your consumption, it just won’t be able to submit meter reads automatically. You’ll then be asked to submit a meter read on MyAccount when you receive an email from us promoting you to do so.

Due to technology advancements – smart meters are more accurate than your analogue meter and will continue to track your consumption. As long as you submit your reads you’ll only be billed for the energy you use.