Smart meters have become an integral part of modern energy management, offering real-time data, improved billing accuracy, and better control over energy consumption.
For UK property owners, landlords, and investors, understanding the role of smart meters with suppliers like National Gas and Power is essential for efficient property operations and ensuring compliance with national energy initiatives.
This guide explains how smart meters work with National Gas and Power, their benefits and limitations, and what property owners should consider when managing smart meter installations across their portfolios.
Smart meters are digital devices that automatically measure and send electricity and gas usage data to suppliers using secure wireless technology.
They eliminate the need for manual meter readings and estimated bills, providing:
Accurate, real-time usage monitoring.
More predictable billing cycles.
Greater visibility over energy consumption for property owners and tenants.
In the UK, the Government has mandated the rollout of smart meters through energy suppliers, targeting nationwide adoption to help modernise the energy system.
Availability:
National Gas and Power offers smart meter installations to eligible residential and small business customers.
However, availability can vary based on location, property type, and meter compatibility.
How to Request Installation:
Contact National Gas and Power’s customer service team directly.
Confirm eligibility and schedule an appointment with an approved smart meter engineer.
Timeframe:
Installations typically take 1–2 hours per property, depending on meter accessibility and site conditions.
National Gas and Power currently supports:
Electricity Smart Meters (SMETS2):
The latest standard compatible across all suppliers.
Gas Smart Meters (paired with electricity meters):
Used for properties receiving dual-fuel services.
Older first-generation meters (SMETS1) may lose functionality if switching suppliers. Therefore, installations today focus on SMETS2 smart meters to ensure interoperability.
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Accurate Billing | Eliminates disputes over estimated readings. |
| Energy Monitoring | Helps landlords and tenants manage consumption more efficiently. |
| Automated Meter Readings | Reduces administrative burden for property managers. |
| Enhanced Sustainability | Enables informed decisions for energy-saving strategies. |
| Limitation | Impact |
|---|---|
| Regional Availability | Installation not yet universal across the UK. |
| Compatibility Issues | Some older meters may not communicate with new suppliers if switching later. |
| Communication Signal | Properties in remote locations may face installation delays. |
Coordinate Early: Arrange smart meter installations during property vacancies or between tenancies to avoid disruptions.
Communicate with Tenants: Ensure tenants understand how to use smart in-home displays (IHDs) and track their consumption.
Monitor Performance: Regularly check smart meter data via the National Gas and Power online portal to detect unusual consumption patterns.
Review Tariff Options: Some suppliers offer special tariffs linked to smart meter usage (e.g., time-of-use pricing).
Fraser Bond offers comprehensive utility management support, including:
Smart Meter Coordination: Managing installations across single units or full portfolios.
Utility Transition Management: Ensuring minimal disruption during property transitions or renovations.
Energy Efficiency Advisory: Helping landlords leverage smart meter data to improve property sustainability profiles and market appeal.
Billing Verification: Monitoring post-installation billing to ensure supplier accuracy.
Our expertise ensures that smart meter adoption strengthens your property management operations rather than complicating them.
Smart meters represent a major advancement in property utility management, offering real-time visibility, improved billing accuracy, and operational efficiencies.
While National Gas and Power supports smart meter rollouts, property owners should plan strategically around installation timing, tenant communications, and compatibility considerations.
Fraser Bond’s professional support ensures that your smart meter strategy enhances your property investment’s performance, efficiency, and tenant satisfaction.
