Smart meter FAQs
Smart meter installation
How can I book or reschedule my smart meter installation?
If you don't currently have smart meters at your property, and would like them, please give us a call or email and one of our team will work through some checks to see if we can book an installation. Alternatively, you can register your interest using your Sainsbury's Energy account, and one of our team will be in touch.
How much does it cost to put a smart meter in?
There’s no additional cost to get a smart meter, and free installation is included. We're supporting the government in updating the UK’s energy system, which includes every home being offered smart meters to give consumers more control over their energy use.
Do they remove old meters when installing smart meters?
To install your new smart meter, the trained installation engineer will need to remove your old meter. They will take a meter reading before removing it, you are welcome to also take a reading, to ensure billing accuracy. During the installation your gas/electricity will need to be switched off for around half an hour, whilst the old meter is replaced. Your engineer will let you know when they are switching it off.
How long does it take for a smart meter to be installed?
Installation time varies depending on whether you are having multiple meters installed (e.g for gas and electricity) and on your property. A single installation will usually take up to an hour. So, it will usually take up to two hours to complete the installation of both a gas and electricy smart meter. You will need to be at home for the installation.
Using your smart meter
Will my smart meter work with Sainsbury's Energy?
If you've already got a smart meter, some or all features may stop working when you switch to us from another supplier. If you lose the features of your smart meter, it'll still work as a normal meter and you'll be able to see how much energy you're using online. However, you will need to submit your meter readings online through your account. Learn how to read your smart meter.
If you haven't got a smart meter, we’ll keep you updated and let you know when changing to a smart meter is an option for you.
How do I use my Smart Energy Display?
Learn how to get the most out of your smart meter using your Smart Energy Display with our handy guide.
How do I change the frequency of my smart meter readings?
When your smart meter is installed you will choose how often it sends us your meter readings - from half hourly, daily, monthly, or never. You can change your smart meter reading frequency at any time online via your account. Please be aware that it can take a few days for your new selection to come into effect.
Why is my bill estimated when I have a smart meter?
You may receive an estimated bill despite having a smart meter if we are not receiving automatic meter readings and you have not submitted a manual meter reading for 1-3 months (depending on your tariff).
If you need to submit your own smart meter readings it could be because you have opted out of sending automatic meter readings. To start sending them automatically you can change the meter read frequency online through your account. Alternatively, it could be because you have a SMETS1 smart meter that was installed by another supplier, which can mean we are unable to receive data from your smart meter.
Can I turn my smart meter off at night?
You cannot turn off the smart meter itself at any time, but you are not charged for the electricity it takes from the supply in order to run. The Smart Energy Display that comes with your smart meter is optional to use, and so you can unplug it at any time. However, you will no longer be able to view your energy usage whilst it remains unplugged.
Frequently asked questions
Do smart meters use a lot of electricity?
Smart Energy Displays use a very small amount of electricity to run, less than 1kW a year. However, they can still save you money by enabling you to change your habits and reduce your energy use. The smart meter itself may also use a small amount of power from the supply, but it doesn’t charge you for the power it uses.
Are smart meters half hourly?
Smart meters can be set to send meter readings at four different frequencies: half-hourly, daily, monthly, or not at all. The more regularly your smart meter is sending readings, the more accurate your billing and the more you are helping improve the carbon efficiency of the National Grid.
Is it worth getting a smart meter?
We’d always recommend that you have a smart meter as they can automatically submit regular meter readings for you, saving you time and improving the accuracy of your billing. They also help reduce the UK’s carbon footprint by providing insights into how and when the UK uses their energy to improve the efficiency of the National Grid. Plus, they give you live updates on your energy use, which could help you save energy and money too by making informed choices about your energy habits.
Do I have to have a smart meter?
You do not have to have a smart meter fitted, however they can provide benefits to you and to the environment. The UK’s energy infrastructure is changing. Similar to the way your TV was upgraded to digital, eventually, traditional gas and electricity meters will be phased out and replaced with smart meters.
If you have signed up for a tariff where having a smart meter is part of your terms and conditions and you refuse to have a smart meter fitted, you may be switched to a different tariff.