Do smart meters save money?

Do smart meters save money?

18 October 2023

Unexpected bills can be the worst kind of surprise – especially when you’re on a budget. But what if your energy bills didn’t catch you off-guard?

Smart meters show you exactly how much you’re spending – down to the penny. This makes it easier to stay within budget with your energy bills.

How do smart meters work?

Smart meters are the next generation of gas and electricity meters. A smart meter replaces your old analogue meter, and it’s installed at no additional cost to you.

Smart meters produce meter readings that reflect the exact amount of energy you’re using. And because your meter readings are sent automatically, you don’t have to do a thing.

Meter readings can be sent to us half-hourly, daily or monthly – whichever you prefer. However, we recommend opting into half-hourly readings so you get the full benefits of your energy use graph and My Energy features. You can adjust your preferences through your online account.

Find out more about how smart meters work, and check out our smart meter myth-busting article where we address the rumours and separate facts from fiction.

Can a smart meter help you save?

With a smart meter, not only do you save time with automatic meter readings, but they help you budget too. Thanks to the in-home display, you can see how much energy you’re using, and how much it’s costing. To get the most out of your in-home display, learn how to read your smart meter.

A better understanding of your energy use can help you find ways to save money. For example, switching off your appliances at the wall, or turning them off standby. They’re small changes that can make a big difference.

Can I get a smart meter if I’m a prepayment customer?

Smart meters are available to most Shell Energy customers. With a smart prepayment meter, you can easily track your remaining credit with the in-home display, which can be placed anywhere within range of your smart meter.

It also allows you to top up your gas and electricity whenever and however suits you. Top up online, through the Shell Energy Top Up app, or at your nearest PayPoint outlet. Learn more about your smart prepayment meter.

Book your smart meter installation

Don’t have a smart meter yet? We’ll install one for you at no extra cost, usually in just an hour or two. If your gas and electricity is supplied by Shell Energy, all you need to do is head over to our smart meter page and book your installation.

If you’re a prepayment customer, call us on 0330 094 5802. You’ll find many of the answers to your smart meter questions in our Help centre.