Smart meters rely on a secure 2G network. Using this network, smart meters will log your electricity usage information remotely. You don't need internet connection or WiFi for Smart Services to work.
Do I need a broadband connection in my home to have a smart meter? No. Smart meters use an entirely separate, bespoke wireless system. You don't need Wi-Fi in your home for it to work and it won't use your Wi-Fi if you have it.
All smart meters use a national wireless communication network to send information to your energy supplier. So, even if you do not have an internet connection in your home, a smart meter will still work.
Smart meters currently rely on outgoing 2G and 3G mobile signals to operate.
There are millions of smart meters connected to the DCC's secure network, bringing consumers and energy suppliers closer to their data.
Your smart meter will be fixed in place, usually in a cupboard inside or outside your home. You can put your IHD anywhere in your home. You'll need to either plug it in or use batteries. It will connect to your smart meters without using wifi.
SmartThings Energy Control (STEC) is an app that shows live information from your smart meter. This guide explains how pair your In-Home Display (IHD) with the STEC app, so you can access your energy data from your smartphone or tablet.
Smart meters have a GSM SIM card (like your mobile phone) and send data via mobile GSM networks; so they don't need a broadband connection.
You can unplug and store the device without impacting the connection of your smart meters. As the smart meters use the Wide Area Network (WAN) to send us your meter readings, they'll be unaffected by the function of any IHD.
Your smart meter will be fixed in place, usually in a cupboard inside or outside your home. You can put your IHD anywhere in your home. You'll need to either plug it in or use batteries. It will connect to your smart meters without using wifi.
You cannot turn off the smart meter itself at any time, but you are not charged for the electricity it takes from the supply in order to run. The Smart Energy Display that comes with your smart meter is optional to use, and so you can unplug it at any time.
Yes, it's worth getting a smart meter. You'll receive free, live information about your energy usage, enabling you to make changes and cut your bills. You'll also never have to take a manual reading again. Instead, you can rest safe in the knowledge that your readings are accurate and timely.
Setting your smart meter readings to every half an hour gives you the most accurate picture of your energy use. It helps you spot where you might be able to save energy – and cut your energy bills.
Your in-home display – the small touchscreen device that shows your home energy use – is powered by your electricity supply. It uses a very small amount of energy and costs between 70p and £1 a year to run. In fact, smart meters usually save you money.
Data privacy concerns still weigh heavy
The chief concern of smart meter critics, besides the cost, is the potential privacy concerns that come with a household's data being transmitted to a supplier.
The Dangers of RF Radiation
People with smart meters in their homes have reported a sudden increase in dizziness, ear pain, memory problems, heart palpitations, anxiety, and sleep problems.
The built-in battery can last for up to four hours, so you can unplug it for a short while if you need to.
Smart meters directly replace your existing meters for gas and electricity. As part of the installation, the engineer will need to turn off your gas and electricity for around 20 minutes each.
A smart electricity meter is connected to the mains, and monitors how much power you're using in real time.
The Data Communications Company provides the communications infrastructure that handles smart meter data.
You might need to read your smart meter in some situations, for example if: you've just switched supplier - you normally need to send the first meter reading yourself. you switch supplier and they say they can't connect to your meter - this can happen if you've got an older smart meter.
A Smart meter installation usually involves replacing your existing, traditional meters with new smart meters. That means ensuring the installer can get access to your existing meters to do the work. That might mean clearing some space around them if they're in a cupboard or tucked away under the stairs, for example.