What your smart meter upgrade means for you
The ESB smart meter rollout is taking place across Ireland now, so whether you’re a homeowner or a business, you’ll get your new smart meter free of charge soon. Here’s what you need to know.
What is a smart meter?
It’s a device that measures how much electricity you use.
Smart meters differ from traditional meters because they use digital technology and give you real-time accurate information on your energy usage throughout the day.
Once you have a smart meter, you won’t need to submit readings or have someone read your meter, and you’ll no longer get estimated meter readings.
How does smart metering work?
Smart meters contain a wireless transmitter, allowing you to see how much electricity you use and when it’s used. Your smart meter will collect data on your electricity use every 30 minutes.
This information is also relayed to ESB Networks, who build and manage the networks, and your electricity supplier.
For now, smart meters are being rolled out in Ireland for electricity only. Your gas meter will continue to function as usual and you should continue to provide your gas meter readings regularly.
Are smart meters safe?
Yes. The ESB states your smart meter will be safe and will comply with all necessary requirements and international standards.
Smart meters use similar technology to your mobile phone. Health authorities globally, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have assessed the scientific evidence and there are no established health effects.
How do you know if you have a smart meter installed?
You can tell if you have a smart meter by checking for a digital display unit in your home that shows your real-time energy usage.
Unlike traditional meters with dials or spinning discs, smart meters send your energy consumption data automatically to your supplier.
if your smart meter is in a hard-to-access area, you can check your online account with your electricity supplier, which may have your meter type listed as ‘Smart.’
What’s the difference between a smart meter and a standard meter?
Both meters record your energy usage, but with a standard electricity meter, you must manually submit regular readings to ensure accurate bills.
A smart meter, on the other hand, automatically tracks and sends energy usage to your supplier, meaning accurate, up-to-date bills.
They come with a digital display that shows how much energy you’re using in euros and cents, helping you monitor and manage your consumption more easily.
Smart meters also support smart meter plans, which include discounted energy at specific times during the day and night.
In summary:
Why are homes getting switched to smart meters?
Smart meters have several advantages for homeowners, energy suppliers, and the environment.
Here are some of the things your smart meter will do:
What are the pros and cons of smart meters?
Smart meters can help reduce your energy bills and give more insight into your energy usage. However, smart meter installation also has some disadvantages.
Pros
Cons
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How to read your smart meter
- Default display 1. Shows the cumulative kWh reading for a 24-hour period 2. Current time-of-use tariff (i.e T1, T2, T3) day, night and peak 3. Meter connection status
- Date/Time display: You can select the time/date screen by pressing the left button.
- Cumulative kWh display: You can toggle between the total kWh used for time-of-use tariffs (T1, T2, T3) - day, night and peak - to see your energy usage patterns.
- Other options: By pressing the left push button, you can scroll through a number of displays before returning to the default, cumulative display.
What about prepayment smart meters?
A pay as you go smart meter allows you to pay for electricity in advance.
Unlike a regular prepay meter, however, it lets you track your energy usage in real time, helping you stay in control of your budget.
With no surprise bills and easy top-up options via app, online, or local shops, they’re ideal for managing household energy costs more efficiently.
Both Pinergy and Prepay Power offer Pay as You Go smart plans.
Smart meter plans
Smart meter plans were introduced with the roll out of smart meters, and typically offer different prices for electricity at different times of the day, or week (also known as Time-of-Use (ToU) tariffs).
To find out more about smart meter plans, including if you should switch and how to pick the right deal, read our in-depth guide on choosing the best smart meter plan in Ireland.
Once you switch to a smart tariff, you can’t move back to a standard plan.
When are smart meters coming to your area?
As part of the National Climate Action Plan, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has tasked ESB Networks with the rollout of the National Smart Metering Programme for all of Ireland.
It’s a phased rollout, with 1.9 millions meters installed to date, and the government aiming to have every home and business equipped by the end of 2025.
ESB Networks will be in contact when they reach your area, to let you know when your meter will be upgraded and whether you need to be present.
Do you have to get a smart meter installed?
No, smart meters are not compulsory. If you’d prefer not to have a smart meter you can refuse, although you’d miss out on all the benefits they offer.
To opt out of getting a smart meter, you need to contact the ESB Network and provide your MPRN .
How do you get a smart meter if you don’t have one?
You can apply to ESB Networks or contact your electricity supplier for an early installation. You’ll need your 11-digit MPRN number to hand which can be found on your electricity supply bill.
The replacement work will be carried out by either an ESB Networks technician or an electrical contractor working on behalf of ESB. All installers will carry a photo ID badge to identify themselves.
What about day/night meters?
If you have a day/night meter, it will be replaced by a smart day/night meter; while 24-hour 3 phase meters will be replaced with smart, 24-hour meters.
Will you have to pay for your smart meter upgrade?
No, all smart meter installations are free of charge.
If you’re looking for other ways to save money on your energy bills, we have a number of useful guides to help you cut your energy costs. See our Top energy savings tips for ways to use less energy in the home.
If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, our guide What help can you get paying your energy bills? provides helpful advice.
You may also want to try our free energy comparison tool to see if you could make savings by switching your supplier.
Switch and save up to €843 on your energy bills
It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving
