6 things you need to know about Smart meters

1. What are Smart meters?

Smart meters are the next generation of electricity meters. Like a traditional meter, a smart meter measures how much electricity you use. Using digital technology, smart meters give you more accurate information on your energy usage - helping you to manage your bills and facilitate Ireland’s growing renewable generation.

With smart meter services, your electricity usage could be recorded every 30 minutes or every 2 months, depending on the smart meter services suitable for you.

This will allow you to view and manage your usage more easily and identify ways to save on your energy usage

2. Smart meters are being installed for free

Smart meters are currently being installed by ESB Networks across Ireland, at no extra cost to replace the traditional meters. Smart meters are optional.

By the end of 2024, every home, farm and business in Ireland will have the option to have a smart meter installed. ESB Networks will notify you when they are rolling out smart meters in your area.

For more information on the roll-out of smart meters, please contact ESB Networks.

3. A better way to manage your energy costs

Smart meters can provide you with greater access to accurate information on your energy usage*, giving you greater control over your home's energy consumption and bills.

In trials, consumers reduced consumption by up to 3% and peak demand by 8%.

Being able to see your usage will allow you to make decisions on what you use and when - ultimately giving you the opportunity to save money and take small steps towards lowering your carbon footprint.

*In areas with adequate connection energy usage can be reported half-hourly for the previous day.

4. You're in control

New smart meters mean new smart products and services, giving you more choice and allowing you to move energy usage to times when electricity is cheaper. Upgrading to smart meters will allow the electricity grid and network to be managed more efficiently, leading to less faults and outages.

Smart meters can be read remotely**, enabling more accurate billing with smarter breakdowns and, significantly reducing the need for manual meter readings and estimated bills.

**In areas of low connectivity smart meter reads will be every 2 months remotely reducing the need for manual meter reads and estimated bills.

5. Smart meters for a greener Ireland

By choosing SSE Airtricity, you’re already using 100%† green electricity, and have joined thousands of Irish homes and businesses taking small steps to a more sustainable future.

Smart meters and services will help Ireland to become more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Reducing energy consumption during peak hours will reduce Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels overall. By choosing 100%† green energy and using a smart meter, you’re contributing to a cleaner, greener Ireland for everyone.

6. You can still switch energy suppliers

You can still switch suppliers when you have a smart meter, SSE Airtricity and other energy providers will be providing more information on the benefits of using smart meters and new services in 2021.

When you’re with SSE Airtricity you’re also using 100%† green energy, you can feel good every time you flip a switch.

For any queries related to smart meter installation in your area, please contact ESB Networks.