How smart meters can help businesses cut down

Smart meters have been rolling out across Great Britain since 2011. So there’s no doubt you’ve heard of them and maybe even have one installed in your own home.

In partnership with Smart Energy GB, we uncover everything you need to know about commercial smart meters . So, you can begin your journey towards energy efficiency and smarter business energy management.

What is a smart meter for business?

Smart meters enable you to take control of your business budgeting, making it easier for you to plan for the future and cut back on spending where you can.

Nine in 10 (or 93%) small business owners surveyed by Yonder in 2024 said they were happy with their smart meter.

How do smart meters work?

Unlike your traditional energy meter, a smart meter works by recording and updating your meter readings up to as often as every 30 minutes. Keeping your energy data as accurate and up to date as possible, you pay for the energy you actually use, not an estimate.

The smart meter replaces your existing analogue electricity meter or gas meter (you will require one for each meter). The new device will take automatic readings and provide these directly to your energy supplier.

The benefits of installing a commercial smart meter

Smart meters offer businesses an array of benefits, from helping small business owners cut costs to improving the energy efficiency of your business.

Below we cover the benefits of having a smart meter installed on your premises:

A 360-degree view of your business’ spending

First things first, you’ll get a better understanding of your spending and energy usage habits.

Some smart meters come with in-home displays (IHDs). An IHD is a display device that will show you how much energy you are consuming and what this will cost you. Over time, you can use that information to identify patterns of energy use, working out where you can make changes to manage costs.

It’s important to note that not all businesses will be offered an IHD, and some may choose not to have one. If a display isn’t available, your supplier will provide the information by default.

Say goodbye to estimated bills

With a smart meter capable of sending automatic updates directly to your energy supplier, you can say goodbye to estimated bills. Your energy supplier will have all the information they need to ensure your bills are accurate according to your actual energy usage.

Cut energy consumption

Smart meters make it easier to take control of the energy you consume. Insights from your smart meter could help you identify patterns and see what devices are consuming the most energy. This could help you work out where you can cut down.

Save the planet while you’re at it

We can’t mention the benefits for your business without highlighting the positive environmental impact smart meters can have.

By helping businesses reduce energy consumption, smart meters create a system that promotes the reduction of carbon emissions, contributing to a healthier planet, one small step at a time.

For more on how commercial smart meters can benefit your business, read 'The benefits of smart meters for small businesses' by Smart Energy GB.

Get a smart meter installed

In just a few simple steps it’s easy to make the transition to smart business energy management.

Check if your business is eligible for a smart meter

The first step in the installation process is to check if your business is eligible.

This requires a quick pre-installation survey of your site. It won’t take long but it just ensures the suitability of your site and allows the installer to confirm a time and date that works for your official installation.

The day of installation

There are a few things to be aware of once the day rolls around:

• Your electricity supply may be briefly interrupted. The installer will inform you of any expected power outage beforehand, so you can make arrangements if necessary.

• The installation typically lasts around 2 hours; however, this can differ depending on site specifics and the complexities of the job.

• Tests are required by the installer once the job is completed to make sure it is working correctly. They will also use this time to show you how to use your IHD if you have one.

• You will need to be available on the day of installation to give the installer access to your site and to see a demo of your in-home display.

• You should aim to clear access to your meters for the installer, so they can get the job done quickly but also safe.

Is a smart meter installation free?

Smart meter are installed at no extra cost and can be requested via your energy supplier. Energy suppliers across England, Scotland, and Wales are currently required to support the government rollout of smart meters.

Smart Energy GB supply a comprehensive guide for those requiring more information on the step-by-step process of a smart meter installation.

Energy saving top tips for small businesses

There are several methods you can adopt to save business energy and reduce your costs, including:

Keep on top of your energy usage

Keeping track of what you are spending and when is one of the best ways to gain control of your costs. This can help you plan for the future, particularly if you experience higher energy usage during certain times of the day or periods in the year.

Promote an energy saving culture in your workplace

Without the backing of your wider team, it can be difficult to make big changes. By promoting an energy saving culture in your workplace, your team can work together to cut down on energy usage and save money in the long run.

Educate your team on best practices

Inform your employees of why energy saving is so important both for the business but also for the planet. You could even implement an energy saving policy. This could include:

• Always turn off devices when not in use

• Do not leave a room without turning off the lights

• Opt to go paperless

• Follow a “site shutdown” process at the end of the working day

With BrightBase it’s easy to create your own company policies with the help of our handy HR document library and templates. Find a blank policy document to begin creating your unique energy saving company policy.

Consider energy efficiency measures

For long-term benefits there are some investments you can make to implement green energy alternatives, for example:

• Upgrade to LED lighting

• Explore smart heating systems

• Install motion sensors for lighting

• Use energy-efficient appliances

• Draught-proof your premises

Ready to make the smart choice for your business energy?

Get started by requesting a smart meter installation for your business today. With the help of Smart Energy GB get connected with your energy supplier to begin the process or contact your Third-Party Intermediary (TPI) or broker.

Eligibility may vary. Consumer action required.