Do I Have a Smart Meter?
This is part of our complete guide to smart meters.
Smart meters are transforming how households monitor energy use across the nation. These devices replace traditional meters and offer real-time insights into your energy consumption.
Smart meters will feature a digital display and may be located under the stairs, in a cupboard under the sink, or in an outdoor meter box. If you have a garage, it may be hidden away there. If you're unsure whether your home has one installed, this article aims to simplify the process and provide helpful steps to check.
What Do Smart Meters Look Like?
Smart meters are compact devices that have a clear digital display, allowing you to easily view your energy usage. Unlike older energy meters, they also have buttons to access different features and energy readings. The serial number on a smart meter will either start with “19P” (first generation) or “19M” (second generation).
A smart meter connects wirelessly to an in-home display, which is a separate device designed to provide detailed energy data in near real time. The in-home display is typically a small, portable screen that shows information like energy costs, tariff details, and usage history. While this portable communications hub often gets mistaken for the smart meter, the actual smart meter is the unit installed to accurately measure your energy consumption.
How Do I Know If I Have a Smart Meter?
Determining whether a smart meter is installed in your home is straightforward and can help you better manage your energy usage. Below is a checklist to help you confirm if a smart meter is already set up in your home.
Installation Date – Meters installed after January 2009 are likely to be smart meters, as regulations encouraged their widespread use at that time.
Automatic Readings – Energy usage data is sent to your supplier automatically each month without the need to manually read your meter at home.
Prepayment Features – Online top-ups are available if you’re a prepayment customer.
Accurate Billing – Instead of estimates, your monthly bills reflect actual usage collected directly from your smart meter.
A Note on Your Bill – Your energy bill may include a note or indicator confirming a smart meter is in use.
Wireless Display – You have a wireless in-home display that provides real-time information on energy consumption measured in kilowatt-hours and associated costs.
Need More Help Confirming Your Smart Meter Status?
These are simple methods to check if you have a smart meter, but if you’re still uncertain about your current meter, contacting your energy supplier is the best option. They can confirm the type of meter you have, provide details about its features, and explain its functionality. Your supplier can also offer helpful information about your current energy tariff and how to make the most of your meter.
If you don’t currently have a smart meter or would like to know more about their benefits, our team at MPC Energy Ltd is here to help. Simply get in touch today and we’ll be more than happy to get you started.
