Martin Lewis, the well-known personal finance expert, has shared valuable advice on reducing household energy expenses by making use of smart meters. In a recent episode of his BBC podcast, he responded to a listener’s concerns about smart meters — devices often mistrusted by some consumers.
The listener admitted to having consistently declined installing a smart meter, citing their “poor reputation” and a firm refusal to have one fitted. Lewis addressed these worries by highlighting the clear advantages smart meters offer.
He explained, “I’m generally quite pro smart meters. One major convenience is that you no longer need to submit manual meter readings; your energy consumption is automatically sent to your provider.”
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Beyond convenience, Lewis emphasized how smart meters unlock access to a variety of specialized energy tariffs. “These meters enable special rates, such as time-of-use tariffs, which we expect to become more common. For example, you may benefit from cheaper electricity overnight if you can shift some of your usage to those off-peak hours.”
He noted this feature can be especially beneficial for charging electric vehicles or heating homes with storage heaters during cheaper periods, offering substantial savings.
Furthermore, Martin Lewis praised the in-home display included with most smart meters, a tool that allows consumers to monitor energy consumption in real time. “While it might be a bit sobering to see your usage and costs displayed, it’s incredibly effective for managing energy. Many people tell me that seeing their meter run at a certain rate instantly clues them in on forgotten lights or appliances left on, helping them cut unnecessary energy use.”
In summary, smart meters not only simplify billing but empower consumers to adjust their consumption habits and save money on energy bills through new tariff options and real-time feedback.