Gaining real insights into small business smart meter use

In March 2026, we're running a focus group with members of the Federation of Small Businesses. The aim is to hear how small businesses are using smart meters so we can help more businesses save cash and carbon. To support the discussion, we carried out new research into how businesses engage with their smart meter data and what might be holding others back. 

We surveyed 502 small business decision makers across the UK through an online questionnaire. The sample included businesses with and without smart meters and customers from a wide range of energy suppliers, giving us a clear and balanced view of the challenges and opportunities for small businesses.

What were our key findings? 

Our research highlighted key insight on smart meter usage and adoption in small businesses:

Strong adoption and performance: Two thirds of small businesses already have a smart meter installed and half of those without one are interested in getting one. Additionally, 86% say their meter works as it should.

Lots of small businesses are taking positive actions to save time, cash and carbon after getting a smart meter: Threequarters of small businesses have acted after installing a smart meter - including reducing energy use (42%), switching tariffs (34%), shifting usage to cheaper times (26%), lowering carbon footprint (15%) and investing in energy management, such as solar (10%).

There’s work to do on showcasing the benefits of smart meters in businesses: Awareness isn’t a barrier - both users and nonusers are generally aware of smart meters - most say they know “a little,” while a smaller but notable share feel highly knowledgeable.

Energy data is underutilised: While 6 in10 small businesses regularly check their usage data, others hold back due to limited understanding, time or inhouse skills. This highlights the need for simpler, more accessible data tools such as apps and interactive dashboards. 

Untapped support opportunities: Small businesses want help identifying peak usage times, predicting how much energy they’ll need and spotting any unusual spikes in usage - all valuable tools they need more support with. 

Three’s been a peak in smart adoption recently: Over half (54%) have had their smart meter for 1–3 years, with smaller groups having them for 4–5 years (22%), more than 5 years (17%) or under a year (7%). This shows businesses are getting more energy savvy and seeing the benefits of using energy for business growth. 

How do small businesses use smart meter data?

• Around three fifths of small businesses with a smart meter, check or download their energy data. This rises to 80% for businesses with 50+ employees and 73% for those spending over £5,000 a year on energy.
• Among small businesses that don’t use their data, many feel that it offers limited value. A third say they’ll use the energy they need regardless, and 31% don’t see a clear benefit. Others face practical hurdles, such as not knowing how to access the data (23%) or finding it too complex to interpret (21% combined).
• Interest is strong among those not yet using their data. Nearly half (49%) of smart meter owners who don’t currently check their data say they’re‑ keen to start, rising to 88% among those considering getting a smart meter.
• Small businesses are open to using a range of tools to view their energy data, including apps, online dashboards and smart devices. Apps are the most popular choice (63%), followed by smart devices (45%) and online dashboards (37%). Visual formats are strongly preferred. Interactive dashboards and simple charts are the most appealing, while raw data files are far less popular.
• Most small businesses prefer to check their energy data at least monthly. Among current users, 41% review it monthly and 23% weekly, with similar patterns among those yet to engage. Hourly updates are seen as the most useful, although daily and weekly options also hold strong appeal. Very few businesses need data more frequently than this.

What do small businesses prioritise in energy data usage?

Small businesses understand the importance of using their energy data, but their needs vary by task and business size. They place the highest value on identifying peak usage, forecasting bills and detecting unusual consumption. 

Smaller businesses struggle with forecasting and spotting anomalies, while larger businesses require more advanced tools to monitor and predict their energy use. In contrast, tasks like reporting, benchmarking or tracking carbon footprint are seen as less important. 

Overall, the findings highlight a strong opportunity for energy suppliers to help small businesses use their energy data more effectively, especially for negotiation, forecasting and early issue detection.

What are businesses looking for from their energy supplier?

Small businesses want energy suppliers to be more innovative, creating incentives for them to reduce or shift their consumption from peak times. They're looking for easy to understand tools and tariffs that help them reduce their energy costs.

How are we helping small businesses?

Our research highlights just how challenging today’s energy landscape feels for small businesses. This next section is all about the practical steps we’re taking to turn those insights into action, giving the tools, guidance and confidence small businesses need to stay in control

Energy Hub:

Smart meters have become an essential tool in navigating small businesses energy consumption. We’re committed to giving small businesses clearer insight and greater control through Energy Hub. Energy Hub is a fantastic tool that helps small businesses understand their usage, by offering a personalised breakdown of when and where their energy is being consumed. With real‑time tracking, the ability to spot potential saving and detailed insights which support a lower carbon footprint, it turns data into practical actions, helping small businesses make confident and informed decisions.

Energy tariff support:

We know that choosing the right energy tariff can feel overwhelming for many small businesses, especially when the market is constantly shifting. We put education at the heart of our support. By guiding small businesses through the differences between fixed, variable and smart‑meter‑enabled tariffs, we help business owners understand what fits their usage. Learn more here.

Smart meter education:

We’re focused on helping small businesses understand exactly why smart meters matter and how they can support control over energy costs. Through clear education and guidance, we show small business owners how smart meters can give them greater visibility on their energy use, unlock accurate billing and support smarter decision making. With many businesses juggling priorities, smart meters take one important task off their list - reducing the risk of estimated bills and unexpected balances. Additionally, they provide real‑time insights, helping small business owners reduce consumption, spot patterns and manage costs effectively. Read more here.

Expert Partnerships:

To support small businesses on their journey to a low carbon future, we’ve partnered with Perse to deliver personalised low‑carbon reports. By combining Perse’s advanced data with our energy expertise, sustainability becomes easier and more accessible. Small businesses can receive a tailored report with clear, cost‑saving recommendations based on their building, sector and energy use. The report highlights the most impactful ways to cut carbon and reduce costs, including potential upgrades like solar panels and heat pumps. With insights generated in under 30 seconds, it offers fast, straightforward guidance to help businesses save time, money and emissions. Find out more here.

We’ve expanded our support through our partnerships with Wadi, giving small businesses access to tools, insights and specialist guidance that are usually reserved for large organisations. The Wadi Hub helps small business owners identify cost and carbon savings, access expert advice, resources and templates all in one place. By working together, we aim to help small businesses cut waste, unlock growth opportunities and build a more resilient, competitive future. Read about it here.