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Energy monitoring soars in popularity

  • 56 percent of adults with a smart meter are monitoring their energy use more this winter than last
  • 89 percent find their smart meter in-home display useful, with 38 percent using it more this winter than last
  • 48 percent say being able to see their energy use in pounds and pence is the most useful function of the in-home display
  • Over half (56 percent) feel more in control of their energy usage this winter than last 
  • 78 percent know how much their household is spending on electricity, while 72 percent know how much they are paying for gas
  • 90 percent have implemented at least one new energy-saving habit this winter for the first time

16th February 2023:  With energy bills at a record high, new research has shown that over half (56 percent) of adults with a smart meter are monitoring their gas and electricity use much more closely this year.

The survey of 2,000 adults, carried out by OnePoll on behalf of Smart Energy GB, discovered that 89 percent of respondents find their smart meter in-home display useful, with 38 percent using it more this winter than last. Nearly half (47 percent) said that the most useful feature was being able to see their energy use in pounds and pence.

This increased monitoring has led to an enhanced awareness of energy costs, with 32 percent saying that they have a better understanding of what they are paying for electricity and gas this winter than last. Over three-quarters (78 percent) of respondents said that they know how much their household is spending on electricity this year, while 72 percent said they know how much they are paying for gas.

Smart meters are having a positive impact in helping people feel more on top of things too, with 44 percent of respondents stating that being able to check their energy consumption on their in-home display makes them feel in control, and 29 percent saying it makes them feel organised. 

With talk of bills increasing into spring, 64 percent of smart meter owners have taken more steps to reduce their energy consumption this year than last, with 90 percent implementing at least one new energy-saving habit this winter. These include turning off lights in a room no one is using (46 percent), wearing extra clothes to keep warm (45 percent), only boiling the water they need in the kettle (39 percent), and switching devices off rather than leaving them on standby (37 percent). 

And, armed with a good understanding of their energy use, 68 percent said that they are interested in initiatives offered by their energy company to pay them to use less energy, such as National Grid ESO’s Demand Flexibility Service.

While smart meters are helpful for everyone, they can be especially useful for those who have chosen to be on a prepay tariff, enabling households to see when they are close to using up their credit and to top up remotely via their mobile or online. Additional financial support such as the Energy Bill Support Scheme is also automatically uploaded onto smart prepay meters, whereas customers with analogue meters are required to redeem a voucher sent through the post.

Victoria Bacon, Director at Smart Energy GB said:

“At a time when energy prices are so high, many people are looking for ways to better monitor and manage their usage at home.  

“The in-home display which comes with your smart meter allows you to track and adjust your energy usage, as it provides near-real time information in pounds and pence about your gas and electricity use. As our survey demonstrates, people are finding this really helpful.  

“Smart meters also put an end to estimated bills and manual meter readings, which means no more scrabbling around in cupboards taking meter readings, and only paying for the energy you actually use.”

Energy Saving Trust has come up with a list of tips on how to make your household more energy efficient, which could lead to a saving on your bills. 

Smart meters are available at no extra cost; simply contact your energy supplier to request an installation or visit smartenergyGB.org for more information.

Energy Saving Trust Tips:

  • Installing A++ rated double glazing could save around £235 a year.
  • Replacing an old D-rated boiler with an A-rated boiler could save around £305 a year.
  • Washing at 30 degrees uses around 57% less electricity than washing at higher temperatures.
  • Turning your central heating thermostat down by one degree could save you £145 every year.
  • In general, smaller TVs use less energy. Choosing a 55’’ TV over a 65’’ TV could save £25 a year in running costs.
  • Replacing all your light bulbs with LEDs could save around £65 a year on lighting bills.
  • If everybody in a typical household stuck to a 4-minute shower, it could save around £115 on energy bills every year.
  • Cutting back washing machine use by just one cycle per week could save a household £14 of energy every year.

Find out more at energysavingtrust.org.uk

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

About the research

The survey of 2,000 UK adults with a smart meter was conducted by market research company OnePoll and data was collected between 31st January - 8th February 2023.