Smart meters

We're only installing the latest SMETS2 meters, also known as second generation smart meters. That means you're free to switch away from Bulb in the future without losing any features on your smart meter or In-Home Display.

Homes with a first-generation meter (SMETS1) don't need to sign up for a smart meter upgrade. That's because a national software update will bring them in line with second generation meters (SMETS2) so they can be read by any supplier. This update is due by the end of 2020. Once it's complete, we'll start to get SMETS1 readings again automatically, without the need to physically replace your meters.

Your smart meter will make your bills more accurate, but it can't actively reduce the amount of energy you use. One of the main ways smart meters can save you money is through your In-Home Display, which shows your energy costs in real time. Being able to see how much you're spending when you boil the kettle or use the tumble dryer can help you to make small changes to reduce your energy usage and cut your bills, too.

Everyone is entitled to a smart meter but not everyone is eligible just yet. We're only putting smart meters in homes where the installation is likely to be successful, and that depends on a few things. When you sign up for an installation, we'll check that we have the right meters for your home, that there's enough space for the installation engineer to work safely, and that your home has a strong enough signal from the smart meter network.

If you're not eligible yet, don't worry. We're working hard to offer everyone a smart meter if they want one, so we'll invite you to book an installation as soon as we know it's likely to be a success.

Like a traditional meter, smart meters have a number that counts up to show how much gas or electricity you've used. The main difference is that the numbers are on a screen, instead of an analogue dial. That means you can still read them like your old meter if you want to, but you won't need to share your readings with us because we'll get them automatically.

Find out how to read your smart meter

Smart meters can't collect personal information like your name, your address or your bank account details. The kind of data your meter can collect is protected by law, and only includes your meter readings, supply numbers and meter serial number. You can choose how often your smart meter shares this information with your supplier. This needs to be at least once a month for you to benefit from more accurate bills.

Find out what happens to your smart meter data

Every Bulb member is on our low cost Vari-Fair tariff, and that won't change when you get a smart meter installed. We're working towards a smart tariff, which would help Bulb members with a smart meter pay less for energy used overnight when demand on the grid is low. When it's open to all members, you'll be able to choose the tariff you prefer.

Read more about Bulb's smart tariff