Energy experts at comparison website Uswitch have outlined the benefits of smart meters in rental properties.
According to the company’s research, over three-quarters (84 per cent) of private renters would find it useful to have a smart meter installed to stay on top of their energy usage.
Smart meters provide accurate bills, tools to monitor energy usage, and access to time-of-use tariffs, where electricity can cost less at certain times of the day.
A smart meter will send a supplier daily or half-hourly readings, depending on the tariff, to make your bills more accurate.
Some energy providers reward customers with reduced unit rates or bill credit for using electricity during off-peak hours, usually between 11pm and 8am.
There are also schemes that offer free or discounted electricity during hours when green energy is more abundant on the grid.
Who can request a smart meter?
The energy bill payer can choose to have a smart meter installed.
Tenants responsible for the energy bills in the property can request an installation.
However, tenants should ask for permission from the landlord first, as a tenancy agreement may include a clause preventing you from installing one.
But, Ofgem advises that landlords should not unreasonably refuse such requests.
When utilities are included in the rent, landlords can decide whether to install a smart meter in their rental property.
This is because the choice rests with the account holder, in this instance, the landlord.
The exception to this is if the energy provider determines that the current meter needs to be replaced, for example, if it’s faulty or could lose accuracy.
Since many traditional meters are no longer being made, a smart meter will be installed.
Smart meters can be switched to “dumb mode” through a request to the supplier; however, doing so removes the benefits of having one.
Why have a smart meter?
For renters:
*Using it to keep track of their energy usage and their account balance.
*Certain schemes and tariffs can be accessed by tenants who have arranged for smart meter installation, which reward them for optimising their energy usage.
For landlords:
*Benefitting from receiving an accurate billing at the end of a tenancy, which will make it easier to manage end-of-tenancy bills.
*Good for vacant periods to keep a close eye on energy consumption in empty properties and regular meter readings can ensure an account balance is accurate.
What if you can’t install a smart meter?
In some instances, it may not be possible to have a smart meter due to technical issues, asset availability for complex meter types or logistical limitations.
If you live in a flat or a property where your meter isn’t in the house, there may be some difficulty installing a smart meter.
Energy providers will use “comms hubs” and/or additional communication devices to attach to the outside of the home.
Tenants should speak with their energy supplier to discuss the different options available to them.
Poor signal may affect a smart meter’s effectiveness because it relies on connecting with the DCC (Data Communications Company) network through mobile signal or radio signal, to share data with your energy supplier.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, says: “Understanding your rights around smart meters for your rental home is the first step to improving energy efficiency and managing your usage more effectively.
“However, there is still some misunderstanding about whether tenants in rental properties can install a smart meter.
“If you are responsible for the energy bills, you’re entitled to request a smart meter, which can lead to more accurate billing and access to smarter tariffs.
“Renters should always ask their landlords for permission first before getting a smart meter installed.”
