See how much energy you're spending in pounds and pence and get more accurate bills
What is a smart meter?
A smart meter is a newer type of electricity or gas meter. All energy suppliers are installing them as a part of an upgrade to the UK's energy system. In addition, we install credit smart meters and smart Pay As You Go meters.
Smart meters come with a handy in-home display called an IHD. Here you can see how much energy you're using and what it costs.
Smart meters also provide automatic meter readings. You get one meter for gas and one for electricity. The individual electricity and gas meters then automatically send your usage to your supplier.
On this page
Can smart meters be trusted?
We understand that smart meters haven’t had the best press over the years and that you may be reluctant to install one, but we want to assure you there's nothing to worry about. Smart meters are designed with your safety and privacy in mind.
We clear up some misconceptions in our smart meter myth busting video and in our blog.
1. Complete control
See how much you're spending in real time. This can help you make small changes to reduce your energy usage, as well as your bill.
2. Hassle-free
Your smart meter will send readings automatically(1). This way you'll get more accurate bills without leaving the sofa.
3. Low-carbon lifestyle
Understanding where your energy goes will encourage you to think about your carbon footprint and how to live more sustainably.
Get your smart meter
Log into MyAccount to book your installation appointment.
Can't find an appointment today? Simply come back tomorrow as we update them daily.
You can also call 0333 200 5104(2) to book an appointment.
Save up to £60 with Energy Hub(3)
What's more, we'll use your smart meter data to give you a personalised view of your energy use in Energy Hub(4). We'll also show you tips to help you use less energy, saving up to £60(3) and cutting your carbon footprint. Once your smart meter is installed, set up your energy profile in MyAccount.
Energy Hub is accessible via MyAccount and the EDF mobile app. It's available to residential customers who have;
- a gas and electricity smart meter and are on a single rate EDF tariff or
- an electricity smart meter on a single rate or Economy 7 EDF tariff
To access Energy Hub and see your energy use, your smart meter must be commissioned and maintain connectivity with us.
Our latest smart meter reviews from customers
I was originally opposed to installing a Smart meter, but I now wish I had done it earlier. The install was straight forward and the engineer even fixed an issue with a slight gas leak at my meter.
I am now using the EDF app to keep up to date with all of my energy use and bills. The overall experience has been very good and I have applied all of the energy saving advice on the app. Get a Smart meter, it's a no brainer.
Everything you need to know about smart meters
What's the truth about smart meters?
There are a number of smart metering myths out there. Check out our myth-busting blog where we separate truth from myth.
What happens during a smart meter installation?
Our installer will safely replace your old meters with a new smart meter. This takes about an hour for each meter.
How does the in-home display work?
Your smart meter comes with a handy in-home display. Find out how to use it, and get energy tips and advice.
What is a smart Pay As You Go top up meter?
A smart PAYG meter is a smart meter that allows you to manage your energy usage, it comes with a useful in-home display so you can see how much energy you're using in pounds and pence.
With a smart PAYG meter you can:
- top up anywhere and set up auto-top ups
- set budgets
- set up low balance alerts
You can upgrade to a smart Pay As You Go meter if you have a prepayment meter.
Smart meter installations
How to prepare for your smart meter installation
1. Make sure you're in - someone who is at least 18 years of age must be there during the installation. Our engineers will call you on the day of the installation to confirm your appointment, the installation takes about an hour for each meter.
2. Get access to your meter - we need to be able to get to your meters easily. Make sure you have the key to access it if it's located in a cupboard or in a locked room.
3. Keep your pets away - make sure your pets are in another room during the installation so they won't be disturbed.
What happens during the smart meter installation
1. The engineers will call you on the day of the installation to confirm your appointment
2. The engineer will need to come into your home to complete safety checks, even if your meter is outside. If anyone in your home develops coronavirus symptoms before, or on the day of the appointment, please reschedule for a later date.
3. The installation will be carried out. It takes about an hour to install each meter, and your power and gas will each need to be switched off for around 30 minutes. But in some circumstances, it could take longer.
4. After installing your smart meter, our installer will get you connected to your new in-home display (IHD). They'll be able to give you some useful advice on how to get the best out of your new smart meter and in-home display.
We also have helpful guides you can use.
Smart meters for large businesses
Interested in having a smart meter installed for your business?
If you'd like to register your interest in having a smart meter, please let us know by emailing our team as EBSSmartMeterBookings@edfenergy.com and we'll get in touch as soon as we start installing in your area and meter type.
Now you've got a smart meter, it's time to use it!
When it comes to lowering your carbon emissions and reaching your energy reduction objectives, having your smart meter data will help you to baseline your consumption from the start. This will support you in building the investment case as well as help target investments towards the areas with the biggest bang.
Ongoing monitoring will show you if you're achieving return on investment and allow you to calculate the energy and carbon you're saving - helping you prove you're reaching your Net Zero targets.
Smart meters for small businesses
With a smart meter, you'll find it easier to keep track of the energy your business uses and what it costs.
Get a smart meter today!
Log into MyAccount to book your installation today
We have out of hours slots to work around your business needs
You can also call us on 0333 200 5104(2) to book an appointment
Your smart meter questions answered
Want to learn more about electricity meters in general? We have your questions answered. Find out more!
Do I need to pay to have a smart meter installed?
There is no upfront extra cost for the meter, or for the in-home display, it comes with.
Do I need to have an internet connection to have a smart meter?
You don't need to have broadband or Wi-Fi internet to have a smart meter. Every smart has its own SIM card. It'll send your meter readings remotely over a safe, dedicated wireless GSM network.
Is it safe to have a smart meter?
There's no evidence of risk to your health from smart meters. Smart meters we install have been tested to make sure they're safe. They meet and exceed all UK and EU safety standards. Read about smart meter safety.
What happens to my energy data?
The government has put rules in place to protect the data collected from your meter. Your data will help us understand how much energy everyone is using across the country.
I am blind/visually impaired can I still use an IHD?
Yes, our talking Geo Trio in-home display can help you monitor your energy more easily. Find out more about our accessible in-home display monitor.
How do I read a smart meter?
You won't need to read your smart meter as it'll do that automatically(1). You can choose for it to send your meter readings every 30 minutes, every day or every month.
If you'd like to take a reading, look at the screen on your smart meter. It will show your total volume register, which is measured in cubic meters (m3 ). This is the number we’ll use, including zeros, to work out your bill.
You can give us your meter reading through MyAccount, via our mobile phone app or by calling our automated line on 0333 200 5108(2).
Can I get a top-up smart meter?
If you already have a pre-payment meter you may be able to get a Pay As You Go smart meter.
Can I switch to EDF if I already have a smart meter?
You can switch to EDF if you already have a smart meter. If you have a newer smart meter, called SMETS2, we should be able to take your meter readings automatically. We're gradually updating SMETS1 meters, so they'll have the same functionality as SMETS2 smart meters.
Your top Smart PAYG questions answered
How can I top up my smart Pay As You Go meter?
The quickest and easiest way to top up is with our free mobile app. With the app you can:
- Check your balance
- Set low balance alerts
- Set up auto top-ups
- View your top-up history
Download from 
You can also top up calling our automated phone number 0333 009 7111(2) or in a shop with a PayPoint symbol. Find a PayPoint shop near you.
Who can get a smart Pay As You Go meter?
You'll be able to get a smart Pay As You Go meter installed if you have a prepayment meter and our installers are in your area.
How can I set up automatic top-ups?
You can choose when you want to top up your meter and by how much. We’ll take the payments automatically from your chosen debit or credit card. Set up auto top-ups in MyAccount.
Can I get reminders to top up?
You can get text or email reminders to top up by setting up low balance alerts at £5, or another amount you choose. Set up low balance alerts in MyAccount.
What if I run out of credit or can't top up?
We're here to help if you have any issues. Head over to our help and support centre for information and advice.
Click to view our 2022 and 2023 smart meter installation targets.
How do I get a smart meter?
Log into MyAccount to book your installation appointment.
Can't find an appointment today? Simply come back tomorrow as we update them daily.
You can also call 0333 200 5104(2) to book an appointment.
Already have a smart meter?
Save energy at home
Are you looking for some easy tips and advice to help you lower your and save energy?
We're here to help. Head over to our blog for energy-saving advice.