Page last updated on 24th April 2026
How smart meters could help you & the person you care for
Caring for others is an important job. It doesn’t matter whether you are a formal carer or whether you help someone out whenever they need it. Here, you can find out how a smart meter can make life easier for both you and the person you care for.
Why should you request a smart meter?
Helps keep track of energy spending
One of the main benefits of smart meter technology is that the in-home display shows energy use in pounds and pence. This can help carers and the person they support understand when energy use increases.
These smart meter benefits may help you decide when to turn the heating up, spot unusual energy use or notice if something may have been left switched on.
Know how much energy bills should be
Having a smart meter means getting a bill based on how much energy the person you care for has used – carers no longer need to worry about estimated bills. This could take the guesswork out of balancing the budget for you and the person you care for.
Automatic meter readings
With a smart meter, readings are sent securely to the energy supplier. This is one of the most practical benefits of a smart meter for carers, as it removes the need to read hard-to-reach meters in cupboards, outside boxes or awkward spaces. Smart meters provide help for carers by sending meter readings to the energy supplier automatically, so there’s one less item on your busy to-do list.
Prepay customers can top up remotely
With prepay smart meters you can now top-up online, via telephone or text message, or even with a smartphone app - no gas card or electricity key necessary. This is especially handy for carers; no more last-minute trips down the shop in the rain when the meter runs out!
If you would prefer to call to book a smart meter installation, you can find a range of energy suppliers’ free phone and text phone numbers here.
Want to find out more?
How you can request a smart meter - More information on smart meters and carers, like how to request one for the person you support.
The Priority Services Registry - Making sure vulnerable customers get the right support from energy suppliers.
The accessible in-home display - If you, or the person you care for, are blind, partially sighted, or have difficulties with dexterity or memory loss, an accessible in-home display (or AIHD) could make tracking your energy usage easier.