Our energy system is changing. One of those changes is the free roll-out of smart meters. Smart meters will provide you with up to date information on how much gas and electric you’re using, as well as providing exact meter readings to suppliers to ensure you’re only charged for what you use. Your energy supplier must offer you a smart meter by 2020 but you don’t have to have one. Here are some more reasons why you might want to consider it:
- Smart meters mean you will not need anyone from an energy company to visit your home to read your meter
- Smart meters will allow customers who prepay for their energy to top up via their mobile or online
- Smart meters mean you could choose to use energy during times of the day when it’s cheapest
- Smart meters will help energy companies to know when you’ve lost power (e.g. have been cut off in a storm)
Winter is the most expensive season when it comes to energy use, forcing some people to choose between food and heating. Here are some tips on reducing your energy bills and keeping your home warm:
- Check to see if you could save money by switching to another energy supplier or tariff.. Have a look at comparison websites such as Citizens Advice.
- Check to see if your energy company can offer you any grants to improve your home or get money off your bill (particularly Warm Home discount if you are in receipt of benefits, this takes £140 a year off your bill) or call Centre for Sustainable Energy for advice on 0800 082 2234.
- Check if there are any improvements you can make to your home. Some examples include: plugging gaps in floors, walls etc with draught-proofing, secondary glazing and boosting loft insulation. A Cold Homes Energy Efficiency Survey (https://cheeseproject.co.uk) can help identify areas that need addressing.
- Update your light bulbs to LED bulbs, this will save 90% off your lighting bill if you still have traditional bulbs.