Smart meters are often pegged as the way forward, despite some problems with early generations, but what does agreeing to have one fitted mean in practical terms? Let’s take a look at smart meter installation and what you can expect if you decide to take the plunge
Getting a smart meter installed
Just as TV aerial installation Cheltenham starts with contacting the right company, so too does smart meter installation. You can contact your energy company although every British household should be offered a smart meter by 2025, so your energy company may contact you first. You can read more about this on the Ofgem website:
You will be able to arrange a suitable time to fit your meter in advance. Be wary of anyone who knocks on your door offering to arrange a smart meter installation, as rogue traders have been operating across the country.
The day of your appointment
Your installation will be carried out by a trained installer, just as you might expect for TV aerial installation in Cheltenham or elsewhere, and you will have to be at home for the appointment.
It usually takes around an hour to install a smart meter, so you should allow around two hours if you are having electricity and gas smart meters fitted. The time may also differ according to your property and where your meters are located.
It is sensible to check with your energy supplier before your appointment to see whether you need to do anything in advance, such as clearing out a meter cupboard or ensuring you have access to the main electrical fuse switch.
Things to tell your energy company
To prevent delays on the day, you should ensure your supplier knows about such things as solar panels or if your meters have a large distance between them and will need a communications hub fitted to allow them to communicate. Multi-rate and inaccessible meters should also be reported, and you should let your supplier know if the mobile phone signal is an issue in your area.
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