One key development that energy consultants need to understand thoroughly is smart metering. Smart meters are transforming the energy industry with improved consumption data helping to modernise the energy system and bring new opportunities for businesses.
In this latest Talk Power blog, we’ll explain the importance of smart meters and the main points energy consultants need to know.
Why Are Smart Meters Important?
Unlike ‘Non-Half-Hourly’ (NHH) meters, smart meters can record and send meter readings automatically, up to every half-hour. This brings important benefits for businesses, as well as the energy system.
With the majority of the UK now using smart or advanced/AMR meters, and the government continuing to set supplier targets for smart meter installations as a key part of the energy transition, it’s important for energy consultants to understand the wider value of smart metering.
For energy consultants, understanding the importance of smart meters goes beyond just their basic functionality
Here are some key reasons why smart meters are crucial, not just for the energy sector, but for businesses too:
- Improved Data Accuracy – Traditional meters rely on manual readings, which can result in human error, inaccurate billing and delays. Smart meters eliminate this issue by providing automated, real-time data collection. This enhances the accuracy of energy usage data and ensures consumers are billed accurately, without estimation errors or delays. Accurate data collection also benefits energy consultants in offering data-driven insights to your customers.
- Real–Time Energy Monitoring – Smart meters provide detailed, time-stamped data on energy usage, up to every half hour. This allows consumers and businesses to monitor their consumption patterns in real time. Energy Consultants can leverage this data to identify energy inefficiencies, suggest tailored solutions, and help clients optimise their usage patterns. Whether it’s for identifying peak usage times or understanding how different appliances impact energy consumption, smart metering opens opportunities for more strategic energy management.
- Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings – One of the primary benefits of smart meters is their ability to facilitate energy savings. With access to granular, real-time data, energy consultants can pinpoint areas where energy is being wasted, or where efficiency improvements can be made. This allows energy consultants to have a more accurate and informed approach to energy-saving measures. You as an energy consultant can then suggest operational changes, better load management, or even recommend renewable energy sources to reduce overall costs.
- Demand Response and Load Shifting – Smart meters provide a unique opportunity for demand response programs. These programmes help balance supply and demand by adjusting the energy consumption behaviour of users. With a smart meter, energy consultants can help clients to take advantage of dynamic pricing, where energy costs fluctuate based on demand and supply. By shifting energy use to off-peak times, businesses can significantly lower their energy bills whilst contributing to a more stable energy grid.
- Compliment other Technologies – Smart meters are not standalone devices, they are often paired with other energy management technologies, such as smart thermostats and renewable energy sources like solar panels. Energy Consultants need to understand how these systems work together to create an optimised energy network. The integration of smart meters with these technologies enhances control, efficiency and flexibility in managing energy use across a variety of settings. Half-hourly data from smart meters can help businesses access the best products and tariffs, as new technologies increasingly rely on integration with smart meters.
- Regulatory Compliance – Governments and regulatory bodies are increasingly recognising the importance of smart metering in improving grid efficiency and achieving sustainability goals. Energy consultants should be well versed in local regulations surrounding smart meters, including installation mandates, reporting requirements and the transition from traditional to smart meters, . particularly given the major industry changes under Ofgem’s Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) programme begin to take place from September 2025.
- Understanding these industry reforms and regulations ensures energy consultants can guide clients through the compliance process smoothly, help them avoid penalties, stay ahead of market changes and take advantage of new opportunities.
The RTS Meter Switch-off: Businesses with RTS meters require urgent smart meter upgrades
The industry is phasing out old meter types, which must be replaced with smart or advanced/AMR meters. For some, this is particularly urgent: all Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters will soon stop working and must be upgraded to a smart meter before 30 June 2025, when the industry is switching off the RTS Service. Businesses with RTS meters must arrange urgent meter upgrades to avoid losing heating and hot water functionality.
Conclusion
For energy consultants, understanding smart metering is no longer optional – it’s essential. As the energy landscape evolves, smart meters provide valuable data that enables more efficient energy management, cost savings and improved sustainability.
By staying informed about the latest advancements in smart metering technologies, consultants can offer better solutions to their clients, optimise energy usage, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
To read more about Smart and AMR meters for businesses visit this link.
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