We’re partnering with Smart Energy GB, the independent, non-profit organisation helping households understand the benefits of smart meters.
As part of the partnership, our staff will offer one-on-one support sessions and workshops across our nine community pantries, reaching over 1,580 people.
The one-on-one sessions will focus on energy management guidance and advice on how a smart meter could benefit individuals who use our services.
Smart meter resources, including posters and leaflets, are now available across our nine pantries. These materials help explain the benefits of smart meters in the home, and how they can help people gain greater control over energy bills.
In addition, Pantry staff will also be trained on smart meters and the in-home display via a dedicated e-learning module provided by the National Energy Action, the national charity working to end fuel poverty in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
“We are excited about the new partnership with Smart Energy as we see first-hand the challenges faced by those in fuel poverty through the Pantry. Unaffordable energy bills are one of the leading causes for people accessing food provision services such as ours, so we support anything that can be done to counter this.
One of the key aims of the Pantry is to help our members regain control over their finances and smart meters can be a valuable tool in managing household budgets by giving individuals the information with which to make informed decisions regarding their energy usage.”
– Beyrom Irani, St Giles’ Pantry Team Leader
A separate poll also found that people who say they have saved money with their smart meter estimate it has lowered their bills by an average of £176 per year.***
Some other key facts and benefits that the partnership will highlight include:
- Smart meters send gas and electricity readings direct to energy suppliers, so you shouldn’t have to check the meter anymore.
- You don’t need internet access to have a smart meter
- You’ll get more accurate bills based on the energy you’ve actually used, not an estimate
- If you want to, you can use the smart meter display to track what you’re spending, in pounds and pence. That could help you budget for your energy bills and avoid surprises.
You can also use the smart meter display to see if and when you’re using more energy than usual, for example, if you’ve been using an appliance that uses a lot of energy. That could help you take steps to reduce your energy use.
If you have an app with your supplier, you will also be able to track energy use and cost over time depending on your supplier and tariff. The more frequently you share energy use information with your supplier, the more they can help you manage your energy use.
Smart meters are also available for those on prepay meters. A smart meter in prepay mode allows you to top up flexibly too. You can still top up in a shop, as well as other ways such as online or using your mobile phone.
If you rent your property, you can still get a smart meter. If your gas and electricity bills are addressed to you and you pay them, you can choose to have a smart meter installed. Just let your landlord know before you get one. If you don’t pay your energy bills, you can ask your landlord to get a smart meter installed for you.
If you’d like a smart meter, contact your energy supplier. They will be able to tell you whether you can have a smart meter.
To download or print free resources on smart meters, available in various languages and accessible formats, visit the Smart Energy GB Resource Centre.
* Research conducted by Yonder, May 2024.
** Research conducted by OnePoll, surveying 2,000 UK adults between 7th-10th April 2025.
*** Poll conducted by Censuswide from 31.03.2025 – 01.04.2025.