British Gas Smart Meter Guide: Installation & Benefits

What Is a British Gas Smart Meter?

A British Gas smart meter is a new type of gas or electricity meter. It measures your energy usage in real time. The meter sends these readings automatically to British Gas. This means you no longer get estimated bills. It also helps you keep track of your electricity use and energy bills more accurately.

Smart meters work by using a safe wireless network. This helps them talk to energy suppliers like British Gas. As a result, your bills are based on actual usage instead of estimates.

Key Benefits of Smart Meters:

• Accurate Bills – You won’t get estimated bills anymore. Meter readings are sent automatically.
• Real-Time Energy Tracking – You can see how much gas and electricity you are using. Just use the British Gas app or check your in-home display.
• Better Energy Management – This helps you cut standby energy waste and save money.
• Prepayment & Credit Meter Options – It works for both prepayment meters and Direct Debit customers.

How Many British Gas Customers Have Smart Meters?

As part of the UK smart meter rollout, British Gas has set up more than 9 million smart meters in homes and businesses (Ofgem, 2025).

British Gas has one of the highest rates of smart meter use among energy companies.

Ofgem wants everyone to have smart meters by 2026. However, there are still some delays.

How to Get a Smart Meter from British Gas

To get a smart meter from British Gas, just follow these steps:

1. Log in to your British Gas online account.
2. Visit the smart meter request page.
3. Type in your email and postcode to see if you can get one.
4. Choose a time that works for you.
5. A British Gas engineer will set up the meter and show you how it works.

Tip: You can install smart meters for free. However, the tariffs stay the same.

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How Smart Meters Work & What’s Included

How Smart Meters Work

• It checks energy use every 30 minutes.
• It sends meter readings to British Gas using a secure network.
• It shows real-time costs on an In-Home Display (IHD).
• It works with prepayment meters and credit meters.

What Comes with a Smart Meter?

Smart meters send meter readings to British Gas automatically. This means you do not have to take manual meter readings anymore.

Do British Gas Smart Meters Help Save Money?

Smart meters do not lower energy tariffs directly. However, they help customers save energy and lower their bills.

• Households with smart meters usually save between £36 and £50 every year. This is because they can see and cut down on energy use (Ofgem, 2025).
• Customers on British Gas prepayment tariffs can top-up easily using the app instead of a physical key.
• Prepayment customers with smart meters can save up to £100 each year thanks to better tracking of their usage (British Gas, 2024).

British Gas Smart Meter Tariffs vs Other Suppliers

Smart meter customers can get special pricing plans, like time-of-use rates. Here’s a comparison of British Gas smart meter tariffs:

Tip: British Gas smart meters let you use time-of-use tariffs. This means you can pay less when energy use is low, like during off-peak hours.

Common Smart Meter Issues & Solutions

Some customers have technical problems with their British Gas smart meters.

Tip: If your British Gas smart meter isn’t working, you should call 0333 202 9802 for help.

Smart Meter Adoption in the UK: How British Gas Compares

Smart meter installations across the UK (2025):

• Half of UK homes now have a smart meter.
• British Gas is in charge of the rollout, with more than 9 million meters installed.
• Landlords are being encouraged to put smart meters in their rented properties.

Ofgem wants to make sure that by 2026, every home is offered a smart meter.

How to Switch & Save with British Gas Smart Meters

• Look at energy tariffs to find the best smart meter plan.
• Use the British Gas app to track energy use and save money.
• Check for savings on prepayment – smart meters can lower prepayment costs.
• Cut standby energy waste – switching off appliances on standby can save up to £70 each year (Ofgem, 2025).

Tip: By changing to a time-of-use smart meter plan, electric vehicle owners can save as much as £150 each year.

FAQs About British Gas Smart Meters

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