Smart metres are the latest gas and electricity metres currently being installed by energy suppliers in every home in the UK
Smart meters show exactly how much energy is being used with readings sent to the utility companies daily. Soon estimated bills will be a thing of the past, and you’ll only pay for exactly what you use (no more estimated bills)
In reality, smart metres are a good thing for both the energy company and consumer, various misconceptions have arisen and circulated; however, causing concern amongst some homeowners and tenants.
Most of these misconceptions originated from media headlines designed for clicks, views and newspaper sales. Let’s put these misconceptions to rest.
Smart Meters Are Not Accurate
The electrical And gas companies state smart meters have been well tested and are as accurate as a traditional metre. These companies are strictly regulated, so there’s no need to worry.
Smart meters are so accurate that they give you feedback in real-time, so you know what your using, paying and you’ll have the opportunity to reduce energy wastage.
Smart Meters Are Dangerous
Another rumour is that smart metres are unsafe. All smart metres carry the CE mark and adhere to the UK and European product safety law. You can rest assured your smart metre is a safe as any other appliance in your home.
Smart metres are always installed by fully qualified engineers who carry out safety checks once fitted. What’s more smart metres can potentially identify any existing problems in your electrical system that you was previously unaware of.
Smart Meters Can Be Hacked
What about hackers? Surely smart metres can be hacked?
While it’s true that any computer can be hacked smart metres share information through their own encrypted system, not the internet. Similar to systems used for internet banking, smart meters are very safe and secure.
Its unlikely hackers will access your information through your smart metre, and they can’t spy on you or listen to your conversations either.
Smart Meters Are Radioactive
What about radiation from radio waves?
While it’s true that smart metres use radio waves to take readings for gas electricity metres, your exposure to radio waves and cells will be very low.
Lower than your smartphone and Wi-Fi already in your home, so way below the maximum exposure recommended by international guidelines.
Relax, your smart metre won’t give you radiation poisoning
Smart Meters Lock You Into One Supplier
Nonsense, you can change supplier with a smart metre it’s just as easy to change supplier as it’s always been.
If you find a better deal inform the new supplier and they’ll do the rest
Some Homes Can’t Have Smart Metres
Original smart metres used SIM cards and mobile phone technology to send readings.
Homes in poor reception areas did have problems, but not anymore.
The latest generation of metres uses a smart data network which covers over 99% of all homes in the UK. It’s unlikely your home will fall into the 1%
Smart Metres Are Compulsory
Smart metres are being pushed hard by the government and energy companies they are however not compulsory.
You have every right to refuse one if you don’t want one for whatever reason. There may come a time, however when you are required to have one by law.