Why can’t my business get a smart meter yet? Let’s find out!

We know small businesses are keen to make the most of smart technology—who doesn’t want to save time and energy costs, right? If you’ve been told your business isn’t eligible for a smart meter yet, it’s usually due to a few technical reasons. Let’s break it down so you’ll know what’s happening and when you might expect a change!

What is a SMART meter?

Smart meters are changing the way we think about energy use. But what exactly are they, and how could they benefit your small business?

A smart meter is a digital meter that automatically tracks your electricity or gas usage and sends the data straight to your energy supplier. That means no more taking meter readings, estimated bills, or unexpected surprises. You’ll always know exactly how much energy you’re using, with accurate bills that reflect your actual usage.

Also, by having a smart meter, it means you will have access to Energy Hub which is a tool that allows you to take control and track your consumption. 
Understanding where your energy goes will not only help reduce costs, but also encourage you to think about your carbon footprint and help your business become more sustainable.

Common reasons why small businesses can’t have a SMART meter? 

There’s a number of reasons why a small business customer wouldn’t be able to have a smart meter installed:

• Meter Accessibility: If the meter is in a tight space or blocked by stock, we may need you to make the area accessible. Clearing the space ahead of time makes for a quicker, smoother installation. You may need to complete some work before we’re able to complete the exchange. Our engineer will explain what’s required. If we were unable to complete the installation, you may have been made ineligible until we’re informed that the necessary work has been done.
• Location of the meter – if the meter is located in a basement or somewhere where there are obstructive walls, this may result in connectivity issues.
• Signal strength at your business location –Smart meters rely on mobile network coverage to send us energy readings automatically. If your business is in an area with low signal strength, this can make it tricky to get consistent readings. The good news? We’re continually working on solutions to expand and strengthen coverage!
• Existing meter type – If you have a large electric or gas supply, we may not have a smart meter that is suitable for your supply. You likely already have a specific meter to support your energy consumption. Although we don’t have one suitable for you yet, we may in the future.
• You may have an AMR (Automated Meter Reading) already- If you already have an AMR device, this may limit your eligibility for a smart meter. AMR devices are a type of “half-smart” technology: they can automatically send meter readings to your energy supplier. 

What meter types can have a smart meter? 

If your business isn’t eligible yet, don’t worry! Keep an eye out, as the rollout is expanding, and we’ll keep you updated.

With smart technology, energy efficiency is at your fingertips—helping you build a stronger, more sustainable business, take a look at our energy savings tips.