Page last updated on 26th May 2026
How smart meters could help you make changes to save energy
A smart meter and accompanying smart meter display could help you keep an eye on how much energy you are using. By seeing the energy you’re using on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, you could take action to manage your household budgets.
What is a smart meter display?
A big advantage to having a smart meter is the portable smart meter display (or in-home display) that comes with it.
The smart meter display will :
Show you the energy your household is using daily, weekly and monthly
Help you spot the times you're using more or less energy
Show you how much that energy is costing you.
All of this and more could make it easier to control your budget.
The benefits of a smart meter display?
Stay up-to-date
A smart meter display shows you how much energy you’re using and what it’s costing you daily, weekly or monthly.
Automatic readings
Submitting meter readings yourself is a thing of the past – your smart meter can automatically send your meter readings to your supplier.
Set goals
You can set budget goals on your smart meter display, and the near-real time updates will help you see how you’re doing at keeping to your goal.
Goodbye estimated energy bills
Bills for traditional meters are worked out on estimates. With a smart meter, usage data is automatically sent to your supplier, so you'll only pay for what you use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I track my
energy use?
Your smart meter display shows you daily, weekly and monthly spending. So you always have a running total, not just a number at the end of the billing period. Some displays also let you set a daily budget and will alert you if you go over it. Instead of opening a bill and being caught out when it's too late, you can check in throughout the month and adjust. This puts you in control of your energy spend in the same way a banking app puts you in control of your finances.
How does seeing my energy use
help me save?
Most of us only find out how much energy we've used when the bill arrives, by which point it's too late to do anything about it. Your smart meter display shows you exactly what you're using in near-real time. This puts you in a much better position to catch moments where you're using energy you weren't aware of, or make small incremental changes that add up over time.
What does near-real time
actually mean?
Your electricity usage appears on the display within seconds of it changing. So if you switch on the kettle, the oven, or the tumble dryer, you'll see the impact almost immediately. That's what makes it genuinely useful. You can test appliances one by one, compare the difference, and build a real picture of where your energy goes. Gas takes a little longer to update, around 30 minutes, because of the way gas flow is measured.
How do I get one?
We will connect you with your energy supplier so that they can arrange a date and time for installation that is convenient for you.
Can I get a smart meter for free?
There is no additional cost for the installation of your smart meter. You won’t have an extra charge on your bill because you chose to have a smart meter. The costs will be spread across everyone’s bills, just like the cost of running and maintaining today’s traditional meters are.
At the point of installation you should be offered an in home display for no additional cost, this shows your spending to you in near-real time.
Help available with your energy bills
If you’re worried about your energy bills or falling into debt, you’re not alone. And there are things you can do to help your situation. We've gathered some steps to avoid falling into fuel debt, and some organisations who can help if you're already in debt. Read on to find the help that suits you:
How to use your smart meter display to save money
The key to getting the most from your smart meter display is using it to understand your energy habits. Here's how:
Find your baseline
With your normal appliances running, check your smart meter display and note down what you're currently using. This is your starting point. Your display can show energy use in kWh or in pounds and pence — whichever is easier for you to track.
Compare the difference
Turn your appliances on or off and watch your smart meter display. Work out how much energy an appliance is using by comparing your baseline reading with the new figure. Request your smart meter and the accompanying smart meter display at no extra cost.
Take control
Use what you've learned to make informed choices. Spot lights left on, appliances left on standby, or identify whether it's cheaper to use your heating or an electric blanket. The more you understand, the more in control you can be, the more you could save.
Advice if you're worried about energy costs
Recent rises in the price of energy have seen more of us look at how we can change our habits at home to help reduce energy use, and therefore spend less on our energy bills.
We’ve put together our Ultimate Energy Saving Tips which is packed full of advice about how you can try to reduce your energy usage at home.
If you're worried about your energy bills and want to know what support is available, download our energy debt guide below.
Request your smart meter
It’s never been easier to upgrade to a smart meter. Join the millions of Brits who are already using a smart meter and accompanying smart meter display to help manage household budgets.
Simply click below and we'll get you started:
