Smart meters, like traditional energy meters, track how much gas and electricity you consume. The only difference is that smart meters use more advanced technology to provide almost real-time and more accurate readings. So, why are so many people under the impression that they signify the end of the world? Continue reading if you want the facts about smart meters.
What Exactly is a Smart Meter?
A smart meter is a device that tracks electricity usage automatically. It’s linked to an in-home display that shows you how much energy you’re using and how much it costs. A smart meter automatically sends your meter readings to your energy supplier, eliminating the need for you to do it manually.
Pros of Smart Electricity Meters
- There will be no More Meter Readings.
A smart meter will take a reading from your meter and send it to your energy provider automatically. That means no more squinting in a cupboard with a torch to read the numbers.
It also eliminates the need for your energy provider to pay someone to come out and read your meter. It will help in Cost savings that could be passed on to you.
- Accurate energy bills
A smart meter will send an accurate reading of your actual energy use to the energy supplier either half-hourly, daily, or monthly; it’s your choice. This eliminates the estimated power bill, so you will only be charged for what you use.
With traditional non-smart meters, if you need to remember to submit a reading, your energy supplier will estimate your use based on past could be more precociously imprecise. With a smart meter, you can avoid estimates and the unpleasant surprise of a large final bill when your tariff expires.
- They are entirely free to install
You simply have to wait until your provider’s rollout reaches your area, which has likely already occurred unless you live in a rural area.
- Better energy deals are now available.
The cheapest energy tariffs will be available only to those who have smart meters in the future. There are already plenty of deals exclusive to those with smart meters, and exclusive tariffs will only get more common as providers look to align with government policy and incentivize the new technology. And you can save money with help of quick KSEB bill payment online with mobile application.
Cons of Smart Electricity Meters
- User privacy concerns
Some people are concerned that information about their energy usage will be shared with third parties. However, there are already laws prohibiting energy companies from sharing this information without the consent of their customers, and smart meters appear to pose no more threat to user privacy than other smart devices.
- There is no guarantee that you will save money.
A smart meter will only help you save money if you use it to track your energy consumption and make a conscious decision to reduce it.
- Excessive surveillance
Obsessively checking the power bill display to see how much money you’re spending may cause family strife. It is impossible to eliminate your energy consumption and cause problems if you become agitated whenever someone turns on a light or boils the kettle.
Conclusion
Electricity providers have made a big push to get households to switch to smart meters. These show how much energy you use and where you use it, which could help you save money on your utility bills.
However, smart meters help check my electricity bill online only for some – some might stick to their regular meter. If you’re thinking about making the switch, you should be aware of the benefits and drawbacks of smart meters and the implications for your bills.
