Guide to Smart Meters
Smart meters are revolutionising how energy is monitored and managed across Scotland. These modern devices provide an accurate, real-time account of how much energy is used, helping homeowners take control of their energy usage and pave the way to a more sustainable future.
This smart meter guide will walk you through the benefits of this innovative technology and how it functions. Whether you’re curious about how it works or eager to optimise your energy consumption, you’re in the right place. Discover what smart meters mean for you and how they’re shaping the future of energy management.
Do I Have a Smart Meter?
Smart meters are available at no additional cost for all Scottish households. But how do you know if you already have one? You can determine this by looking at the meter itself. The telltale sign of a smart meter is its digital display and the serial number. Smart meter serial numbers begin with either “19P” or “19M.” Additional ways to find out if you have a smart meter include:
Your readings are automatically sent to your energy supplier each month
You’re a prepayment customer with the ability to top up online
You receive accurate monthly bills instead of estimates
A comment on your bill indicates the presence of a smart meter
You have a portable in-home display that shows your energy usage
Learn more about if your home has a smart meter in this blog.
How to Read a Smart Meter
Smart meters make tracking your energy usage easier than ever. The meter is paired with a handy in-home display, but the reading should be taken directly from the actual smart meter if you need to provide your energy supplier with one.
The method you use depends on your smart meter type and payment structure. Most customers pay a single rate and have a smart meter that only displays their total energy usage. If your bill contains two rates, your meter will separate your readings into night (off-peak) and day (peak).
Energy readings are displayed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). When recording your readings, ignore any leading zeroes and numbers after a decimal point. For example, if the meter displays “0011347.42 kWh,” all you need to give your supplier is “11347.”
Learn how to read your specific smart meter in this blog.
Can I Get a Smart Meter If I Have a Storage Heater?
Yes, you can get a smart meter if you have storage heaters. For new storage heaters, installation typically includes a smart meter. If your storage heaters are older, your energy supplier might still need to provide smart meter options that work with your system. To find out more, contact your supplier and ask about receiving your free smart meter. You can also visit your supplier’s website for more information. They’re required to share their annual targets and updates on their progress.
If you're on tariffs like Economy 7 or 10, your supplier might not yet have compatible smart meters. However, all suppliers are working to ensure smart meters are available to everyone by the end of the rollout period. While having a smart meter isn't an obligation, getting one can help you track energy use more easily and potentially reduce costs, so it’s worth checking with your supplier for the latest updates.
Find more about smart meters and storage heaters in this blog.
Do Smart Meters Work with Solar Panels?
Yes, smart meters can work with solar panels and help you better understand your energy usage and production. These devices track the electricity drawn from the grid and the energy generated by your solar panel system.
If your solar panels produce more energy than your home needs, the surplus is sent back to the grid. The smart meter measures this export activity, and your energy provider uses this information to credit you through programs like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
Smart meters also give you a clear view of when your solar panels generate energy, helping you align high-energy activities with peak production times. This can lower your energy bills and reduce your reliance on grid electricity.
The detailed insights from a smart meter also make it easier to assess the performance of your solar panels and consider if any upgrades are needed to maximise their efficiency.
Find out more about how smart meters can work with solar panels.
Get in Touch with MPC Energy
Start making the most of your energy today. Contact our team at MPC Energy Ltd to learn more about how smart meters can simplify your energy use and help you track your consumption with ease. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process of getting a smart meter installed. Reach out now and take the first step towards smarter energy management and a greener planet.
