Are smart meters worth the hassle?

In the latest in our series of questions to the boss, we focus on the issue of smart meters.

Question:

I’m hearing a lot about these smart meters that energy suppliers are offering at the moment – should I get one and are they worth the hassle?

Business Juice:

“Well firstly it’s essential that you have a checklist to ask your supplier:

1. Is it interoperable? – Or in other words at the end of my supply contract can I:
   1. move freely to another supplier?
   2. move and retain the smart meter functionality with a new supplier?
   3. move and still be able to use the meter even if its only in a traditional ‘dumb’ meter capacity?
2. How much does it cost?– or in other words:
   1. am I signing an additional contract with you for metering services?
   2. and if so for how long?
   3. And at what cost?

The answers you want are: 1.1) Yes 1.2) Yes 2.1) No

If the answer to 1b) is ‘No’ and you still want to have the freedom to move supplier then:

1c) must be ‘Yes’ or you will have the hassle of needing a new meter next time you switch.

And if the answer to 2a) is ‘Yes’ then you need to fully consider the financial commitment.

Now that probably sounds a bit of a minefield. That’s because it is. But good news is not in total short supply.

A number of suppliers are waking up to the benefits of smart meters and offering them as an inclusive package in their energy supply contracts including full interoperability. Those benefits?

• Accurate invoicing
• Cost visibility
• Cashflow management
• Energy usage reduction
• One less thing to worry about in your business

On balance the right smart meter solution makes sense for just about every business bar the largest with remote Half Hourly meters already fitted.

The key however is to ensure that the deal is right for you and your business for the long term.

Read our Business Juice guide to smart meters for more information of what a smart meter can do for your business.

Ask the Boss

If you’d like a burning business energy question answered then please contact us on 0800 051 5770 or email hello@businessjuice.co.uk and you could be featured in the series.