If you run a business in the UK, you've probably been asked about smart meters. But is it actually worth getting one? And what difference will it make to your energy bills?
At BBC Utilities, we help UK businesses make sense of their energy. We break down the real benefits of smart meters, how business electricity meter installation works, and whether smart meters for business are right for you.
What Is a Smart Meter?
A smart meter is a digital energy meter that automatically records your gas and electricity usage and sends that data directly to your energy supplier usually every 30 minutes. You no longer need to take manual readings or worry about estimated bills.
The UK Government is rolling out smart meters to all homes and businesses as part of its 2030 target. As a business owner, you have the option to request one from your supplier at no extra cost.
Key Benefits of Smart Meters for Businesses
Here are the main smart meter benefits that UK businesses are seeing right now:
Your meter sends real readings to your supplier automatically. You only pay for what you actually use.
You can see when and how your business uses energy, making it easier to cut waste.
The meter does it all automatically, freeing you up to focus on running your business.
Small businesses can request up to 12 months of free energy data — great for budgeting and forecasting.
With half-hourly data, you can explore tariffs that charge less during off-peak hours.
Smart meters give you the data needed to track carbon usage and support ESG reporting.
Constant data flow means problems can be spotted sooner, helping to avoid expensive disruptions.
How Much Can Your Business Actually Save?
Saving money is usually the first thing business owners want to know about. Here's what the data says:
Real savings figures: Research from the Behavioural Insights Team found that smart meters help businesses reduce electricity use by an average of 3.4% and gas use by around 3.0%. For a small business using 10,000 kWh of electricity a year, that's roughly £88 saved annually just from being more aware of usage.
Those savings grow when you actively use the data. Switching heavy energy tasks to off-peak times, upgrading inefficient equipment, and setting consumption alerts can all stack up to significantly lower bills over the course of a year.
Smart Meter Benefits at a Glance
Here's a simple overview of what changes once you have a business smart meter installed:
| Without a Smart Meter | With a Smart Meter |
|---|---|
| Bills based on estimates | Bills based on actual usage |
| Manual meter readings required | Readings sent automatically |
| No visibility of daily usage | Half-hourly usage data available |
| Harder to spot energy waste | Easy to identify and cut waste |
| Limited tariff options | Eligible for time-of-use tariffs |
| No carbon tracking | Data supports ESG/net zero reporting |
Business Electricity Meter Installation
One of the most common questions we hear is: "How complicated is the installation process?" The good news is, it's usually very straightforward.
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Check your contract
Most energy contracts have a switching window of 30 days to 4 months before they expire. Check yours before requesting a meter.
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Gather your details
You'll need your MPAN (electricity) and MPRN (gas) numbers, which you'll find on your current energy bill.
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Contact your supplier
Ask them to arrange a smart meter installation. They'll book a visit from a qualified engineer.
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Prepare your premises
Clear the area around your existing meters so the engineer has easy access.
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Engineer visit
Installation normally takes around one hour per meter. There may be a very brief interruption to your energy supply.
All engineers meet national standards set out in the Smart Metering Installation Schedule, which is regulated by Ofgem. You can also request an out-of-hours appointment if you need to minimise disruption to your business.
Important: Gas and electricity require separate smart meters. If they're with different suppliers, it's recommended to have the electricity meter installed first.
Is Business Smart Meter Installation Free?
Yes in the vast majority of cases, compare business electricity meter installation is free at the point of use. You will not be charged for the engineer visit or the meter itself.
The UK Government's national smart meter rollout does have an overall cost (estimated at £13.5 billion between 2013 and 2034), but this is shared across all energy users through standing charges the same way traditional meter costs have always been covered. The programme is expected to deliver £19.5 billion in benefits over that same period.
Which Businesses Can Get a Smart Meter?
Most small and micro businesses in the UK are eligible. You're likely eligible if your business meets any one of these criteria:
Larger businesses may also qualify depending on their energy consumption and turnover. Your energy supplier or a trusted broker like BBC Utilities can confirm your eligibility quickly.
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