E.ON Next Smart Meter Guide: Installation & Benefits

March 12th, 2025
E.ON Next Smart Meter Guide: Installation & Benefits

E.ON Next provides smart meters. These devices help customers track their energy usage in real-time. With smart meters, you receive accurate bills. They replace old electricity meters and gas meters. This switch means you will not need to do manual meter readings anymore. It also helps you understand the usage in your home better.

How Smart Meters Work

A smart meter is a digital device. It keeps track of how much energy you use. Then, it automatically sends this data to your energy supplier. All of this occurs through the smart meter network.

  • Say goodbye to estimated bills – now your bills are based on real energy use.
  • Track in real-time – you will see your usage on an In-Home Display (IHD).
  • No more manual readings – the meter updates your supplier automatically.
  • Helps meet net-zero goals – it supports bringing renewable energy into the grid.

Smart meters play an important role in the UK’s smart meter rollout. A lot of smart meter customers are already using them.

How to Get an E.ON Next Smart Meter

Most E.ON Next customers can get a smart meter for no extra cost. This offer is part of the UK government’s smart meter rollout. Here’s how you can see if you qualify and schedule an installation.

Eligibility and Booking

To get a smart meter, you must:

  • Be an E.ON Next customer with a standard electricity or gas meter.
  • Own a home where you can install a smart meter (most houses can).
  • Make sure you have a good mobile signal, as smart meters need it to send data.

How to Book an Appointment:

  • Online: Log in to your E.ON Next online account, visit the smart meter section, and schedule an appointment.
  • Phone: Call E.ON Next customer service to pick a convenient time for installation.
  • Chat: Contact E.ON Next using the mobile app or the website chat to request an appointment.

Hot Tip: Make your booking early for a better chance. Smart meter appointments are very popular. Their availability can change based on where you live.

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E.ON Next Smart Meter Installation Process

Installing an E.ON Next smart meter is simple. It often takes about 1-2 hours. The installation follows the Smart Metering Installation Code of Practice. This code makes sure everything is correct, safe, and does not affect your energy supply much.

How to Prepare for Your Smart Meter Installation

To ensure your smart meter installation goes smoothly, just follow these steps:

  • Check Meter Accessibility: Your electricity meter or gas meter should be easy to get to. Please move any furniture or items that block access before the appointment.
  • Ensure Parking for the Technician: If you have a driveway, make sure there is a parking spot for the technician’s vehicle.
  • Verify Mobile Signal Strength: Smart meters use mobile networks to send readings. If your home has a weak mobile signal, let E.ON Next know so they can think of other options.
  • Prepare for a Temporary Power & Gas Supply Cut-Off: Your energy supply will be turned off for a short time while the technician changes your meter.

Hot Tip: If you have questions about your smart meter after it is set up, ask the technician for a user guide. This guide will help you understand your smart meter and use the In-Home Display (IHD) effectively.

What Happens During the Installation?

When the technician comes, they will follow a clear plan to install your smart meter correctly. Here are the steps they will take:

1. Meter Replacement

  • The technician will turn off your electricity or gas supply for a little while.
  • They will remove your old electricity meter or gas meter.
  • A new smart meter will be installed safely, following all safety guidelines.

2. Testing & Setup

  • The technician will connect your smart meter to the smart meter network. This is to ensure it works well with E.ON Next.
  • A signal test will be done to check if readings are sent automatically.
  • If there are any issues, changes will be made to fix them.

3. In-Home Display (IHD) Setup

  • You will receive a small digital screen (IHD) that provides instant updates about your energy consumption.
  • The IHD will show your energy use in pence, kWh, and how it affects your carbon footprint.
  • A technician will set up your IHD and ensure it operates correctly.

4. User Demonstration & Energy Saving Advice

  • The technician will teach you how to read your smart meter. You will also learn to use the IHD to track your energy usage.
  • You will find out how much energy each appliance uses. You will also learn to set alerts for energy usage.
  • You will get a smart meter user guide. It will help you in the future.

Good to Know: If you have a prepayment meter, you can get a smart prepayment meter. This type of meter lets you add money using an app, a Payzone hub, or at the Post Office.

What to Do After Your Smart Meter Installation

Once your smart meter is installed and running, you can start monitoring your energy use. You’ll be able to enjoy the advantages it offers.

  • Watch Your Energy Usage: Use your IHD to check how much energy your home is using right now.
  • Look at Your First Bill: Your bills will now be based on actual usage, not estimates.
  • Create Usage Alerts: Many smart meters let you set spending limits to help manage your energy costs.
  • Check Readings Are Sent: If you spot estimated readings on your energy bills, contact E.ON Next to resolve any issues.

How to Read an E.ON Next Smart Meter

Your In-Home Display (IHD) provides real-time updates on your energy consumption. It shows the amount of electricity and gas you use in pence and kWh, plus how it affects your carbon footprint. If you want to read your smart metermanually, just follow these steps.

Reading Your E.ON Next Electricity Meter

If you want to check your electricity usage by hand, follow these steps:

  • Find Your Smart Meter: It is usually located near your fuse box or inside a utility cupboard.
  • Press the Main Display Button: This will turn on the screen. Some models might need you to press several times to see different options.
  • Check for the kWh Reading: The screen shows your electricity use in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
  • Write Down the Numbers Before the Decimal Point: Ignore any numbers after the decimal; they do not matter for your bill.

Hot Tip: If your smart meter has a screen that lights up, press the button a few times to turn it on. Then, you can look at the display.

Reading Your E.ON Next Gas Meter

  • Find Your Gas Smart Meter: You can typically find it outside the house or near your boiler.
  • Press the Display Button: Some meters require you to hold the button for a few seconds to turn on the screen.
  • Look for the Gas Usage Reading: The meter shows how much gas you have used in cubic meters (m³).
  • Record the Reading Before the Decimal: You just need the whole numbers when you give your meter readings.

Good to Know: Gas meters are not the same as electricity meters. They measure gas in cubic meters (m³). This amount is changed into kWh for your energy bills.

How to Read an E.ON Next Smart Meter

Why Your Smart Meter Might Not Work

Sometimes, smart meters may fail to send readings. Here is what you should check:

  • Mobile signal problems – Smart meters connect with a secure smart meter network, but weak signals can cause issues.
  • IHD display not working – You may need to reset it or it could be out of range.
  • Supplier switch problems – Switching to a new suppliermight lead to a brief loss of smart features.

If problems keep happening, E.ON Next may send an engineer to help solve them.

E.ON Next Smart Meters and Energy Tariffs

Using a smart meter can help you find a better energy plan. Here’s how it can help you:

  • Increase control of energy costs – discover the energy each appliance uses.
  • Get flexible rates – some energy suppliers offer cheaper prices during slower hours.
  • Stay away from busy times – shift energy usage to when the grid is less crowded.

Some E.ON Next smart meter plans include time-of-use tariffs. These plans let you pay less at night.

How Smart Meters Help Reduce Energy Bills

  • Keep track of daily energy use – don’t waste power.
  • Find high-energy appliances – switch to energy-efficient ones.
  • Create a usage budget – receive alerts if you go over your set energy use.
  • Lower overall consumption – small changes can cut your bills over time.

How Smart Meters Support the UK’s Energy Grid

  • Improves demand management – it helps balance the national grid.
  • Supports renewable energy – it makes using solar and wind power easier.
  • Reduces carbon footprint – it helps homes cut their emissions.
  • Enables better energy planning – suppliers can share power more effectively.

The Data Communications Company (DCC) manages the smart meter network. They ensure it is safe and operates effectively.

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How to Switch and Save on Energy Bills

Using a smart meter helps you look at different rates. This way, you can find cheaper energy prices. Here are some ways you can save:

  • Keep an eye on your energy usage as it happens – change your habits to save money.
  • Check energy rates – Free Price Compare helps you find the best price.
  • Look for time-of-use rates – some suppliers offer discounts for using energy during off-peak hours.
  • Find discounts for smart meters – some energy suppliers have special deals.

Hot Tip: Check your smart meter readings often. This way, you can ensure you are not overpaying.

FAQs About E.ON Next Smart Meters

Do I have to get a smart meter with E.ON Next?

No, you do not need smart meters, but they can help manage your energy bills. They can also help you avoid extra estimated charges.

Will my smart meter work if I switch energy suppliers?

The newest smart meters (SMETS2) can connect with various suppliers. This allows you to change suppliers easily and without problems.

Can I switch back to a standard meter?

Many suppliers help people use smart meters. They do this so energy can be used better and saved.

What happens if my smart meter stops working?

Check your IHD and mobile signal. If you still have problems, contact your energy supplier to arrange a fix.

Can I refuse the installation of a smart meter?

Smart meters offer several advantages. However, you are not required to install them. You can choose not to have one without any penalties.

Is there any cost associated with installing a E.on Next smart meter?

E.ON Next offers free smart meters to their customers. They also take care of the installation at no extra charge.

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