This guide provides practical tips for you to get the most out of smart meters, ultimately helping you save money and reduce your environmental impact.

Smart meters are the future of energy management for homes in Ireland. These meters provide real-time information on your energy use, helping you make informed decisions about how to save energy and reduce costs.

Here’s a quick guide to understand how they work and how you can benefit from them.

What is a smart meter?

A smart meter is an advanced electricity meter that digitally records your energy consumption and sends the data directly to your energy supplier. Unlike traditional meters, it doesn’t require manual readings, ensuring accurate billing and enabling better energy usage tracking.

What are the benefits of a Smart Meter

Accurate Billing: Say goodbye to estimated bills. With smart meters, you’re only billed for what you actually use.

Energy Awareness: Smart meters provide detailed insights into your energy consumption, allowing you to identify which appliances consume the most energy and adjust usage accordingly.

Environmental Benefits: By being more aware of your energy usage, you can take steps to reduce waste, contributing to a greener environment.

How does a smart meter affect pricing

Time-of-Use Tariffs: Smart meters support new pricing structures like time-of-use tariffs, which charge different rates depending on when you use energy. For example, energy may be cheaper during off-peak hours (such as late at night). This allows you to shift heavy energy consumption (like running appliances) to cheaper times, saving money.

How to make the most of your smart meter

1. Monitor Your Energy Usage: Use the online dashboard or in-home display provided by your supplier to monitor real-time energy use.
2. Optimise energy consumption: Schedule high-energy tasks like laundry or heating during off-peak times to take advantage of lower rates.
3. Review bills regularly: Check your energy bills and compare them with your consumption patterns to ensure you’re maximising the benefits of your smart meter.

Don’t have a smart meter? Here is how to get one

1. Contact Your Supplier and Check Eligibility
   Ensure that your electricity supplier is participating in the smart meter rollout. Most major suppliers are involved. Reach out to your energy supplier directly through phone, website, or app.
2. Provide necessary information.
   Be ready to provide details such as your address, account number, and any specific preferences or requirements for the installation.
3. Schedule an appointment.
   Once your request is processed, the supplier will arrange a suitable time for the installation. An engineer will visit your home to install the smart meter.
4. Installation Process and Costs
   The installation typically takes a few hours. The engineer will explain how to use the smart meter and set up any related services, such as access to online usage data. Most smart meters are installed free of charge as part of the rollout, but it’s good to confirm with your supplier.
5. Post-Installation
   After installation, you may receive information on how to monitor your usage and manage your energy consumption through your supplier’s online platform or app.

If you have any issues or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your supplier’s customer service.