Page last updated on 2nd October 2025
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The benefits of smart meters for small businesses
Managing a small business has its challenges, but a smart meter could help. Installing a smart meter can bring transparency and accuracy to the way you manage your business budgeting. Keep reading to learn more.
The benefits of getting a smart meter for your small business
Installing a smart meter in your small business can offer many valuable benefits.
A smart meter can offer access, accuracy and control over your energy use and business budgeting, allowing you to gain clear insight into your business's energy consumption and receive accurate bills, not estimated ones.
Say hello to accurate energy bills
Because smart meters track your energy use in near-real time, your small business will only be charged for the energy it actually uses. This means you'll be able to say goodbye to estimated bills, providing helpful transparency for your business budgeting.
Smart meters are making energy bills simpler
With a smart meter, your monthly energy bills will be sent automatically and directly to your supplier. This means no more time wasted on fiddly meter readings, freeing up time for you to focus on your business.
Access to your historic energy data
Small businesses with a smart meter are able to request free access to 12 months of smart meter data from their energy supplier, which can help you with budgeting for future bills and help reduce bill shock.
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Business owners are benefitting from their smart meter
"We can see how, just by making small adjustments, we can save some money on our energy bill."
Aidan, Shoe Shop Co-owner
"It's helped me track energy costs. I can see how the business’s energy use fluctuates and take a closer look at why."
Hannah, Cafe Owner
"In our business, small things add up. Our smart meter helps us feel more in control of an area that otherwise feels unpredictable."
Asia and Gianluca, Bistro Owners
"Our smart meter saves us time by automatically sending meter readings to our supplier, it’s one less admin task."
Barrie, Restaurant Owner
"The best bit about having a smart meter is knowing where I am financially."
Claire, Women's Gym Owner
"I’ve a good idea of what my bill is going to be, so I don’t get any surprises when it comes in."
Marcelle, Tailoring Shop Owner
"Having a smart meter means I have more time to spend on my business, focusing on baking and customer service."
Hannah, Cafe Owner
"Our smart meter helps us see patterns over time, spot when usage is unusually high, and make adjustments quickly."
Asia and Gianluca, Cafe Bar Co-owners
"Having a smart meter provides peace of mind knowing our energy usage is being regularly monitored."
Barrie, Restaurant Owner
"The more you’re aware of your how much it’s costing to run a business, the better. A smart meter helps with budgeting."
Claire, Women's Gym Owner
Which businesses can get a smart meter?
Whether your business can get a smart meter or not is based on a few different factors.
You may be eligible for a smart meter if your business:
- has fewer than ten employees, or their full-time equivalent (including the business owner)* or;
- has an annual turnover of less than £1.67 million or;
- uses no more than 100,000 kWh of electricity per year or;
- uses no more than 293,000 kWh of gas per year
*You may also be able to get a smart meter installed if you have a small business with more than ten employees based on the annual turnover and energy consumption criteria listed above.
Watch: Benefits of smart meters for small businesses
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Smart meters are being installed in small businesses across Britain. They give you the information you need to better manage your energy usage, helping you to manage your budgets. This includes businesses with separate business premises, and those based at home that use a separate gas or electricity meter for their business.
If you currently have a shared meter in your business space, ask your landlord about getting a smart meter for your building. When it’s time for your installation, your energy supplier will work with you to find a time that’s convenient for you both. They may even offer installations on a Saturday, or in the evening, to minimise disruption to your business.
Many small businesses can get a smart meter at no extra cost, but contact your supplier today to find out more about what they are offering and to see if you are eligible.
If you haven’t already got a smart meter, you can request one from your energy supplier below. If your business works with a Third-Party Intermediary (TPI) or broker, please contact them directly to request your smart meter.
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Installation FAQs
How long is an installation?
The installation process is normally smooth and fast, typically lasting an hour per meter replacement. During this time, there may be a very brief interruption to your electricity supply. This is because the installer will need to disconnect your old meter to connect your new smart meter. The installer will inform you of any expected power outage beforehand, so you can make arrangements if necessary. If your smart meter is being installed in a commercial or industrial property, the installer may be able to isolate the meter during installation, which would prevent any interruption to your business operations. Please talk to your supplier if you are worried about your energy supply being cut during the installation, as they may be able to schedule a timeslot outside of your standard business hours or work around your business's schedule.
Installation outside business hours?
Yes, it is possible to arrange a smart meter installation for your small business outside of business hours. Most energy suppliers will offer flexible installation times to accommodate your business needs, including evening or weekend appointments. When you contact your energy supplier to arrange an installation, be sure to let them know if you require a specific time slot outside of regular business hours. They will do their best to schedule an appointment that suits your needs and minimises any disruption to your business operations.
Different gas and electricity meters?
If your business's gas and electricity are supplied by different suppliers, we suggest having your electric smart meter installed before your gas smart meter.
Do I need to be there for the install?
You will need to let the installer in on the day and make sure they can get access to your traditional meters. So, you might need to clear out the cupboards, or make space for the installer to work. If you have any access issues, or concerns about the disruption this could cause within your small business, do let your supplier know. They might be able to help.
Will my installer be qualified?
Yes, all installers have to pass a formal qualification and have to meet specific national standards. These standards are set out in the Smart Metering Installation Schedule. All the energy suppliers have signed up to this code, which is regulated by Ofgem, who have powers to enforce it by fining suppliers if necessary. So you can be sure the installation of your smart meter is safe.
Are installs safe?
The smart meter installation process is planned with the consumer in mind. This includes providing important information to the consumer before installation and ensuring that the engineers carry out the installation in a courteous and professional manner.
Want to find out more?
Learn more about smart meters and how they can benefit your small business using the links below...