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Smart meters put the power back in your hands by showing you what is consuming your electricity usage. Understand the important pros and cons of smart meters with us before you opt for a smart meter plan in your household.

Smart meters are advanced digital devices that measure your energy usage in real-time and communicate this data to both you and your utility provider. Some of the uses for smart meters include:

  • Real-Time Data Collection: Smart meters continuously monitor your electricity, gas, or water usage and provide real-time data.
  • Two-Way Communication: Smart meters enable two-way communication between your home and the utility company.
  • Accurate Billing: Smart meters send precise, real-time data, ensuring accurate billing without the need for manual meter readings
  • Outage Detection: Smart meters can automatically notify the utility company of power outages.
  • Energy Management: Help you track and optimise your energy consumption, with support for time-of-day tariffs and load limiting.
What are Smart Meters?

What are Smart Meters?

Smart meters are an upgrade from traditional meters. Traditional meters require manual readings and often lead to estimated bills. Smart meters give you more accurate information on your energy usage using digital technology – this can help you to manage your consumption, become more efficient and reduce your bills.

If you don’t currently have a smart meter, ESB Networks will notify you when they are installing in your area. You can also request one through ESB Networks below.

Differences from Traditional Meters

Data Collection:

  • Smart Meters: Real-time data
  • Traditional Meters: Manual readings

Communication:

  • Smart Meters: Two-way
  • Traditional Meters: One-way only

Billing Accuracy:

  • Smart Meters: Precise
  • Traditional Meters: Estimated bills

Outage Detection:

  • Smart Meters: Automatic notification
  • Traditional Meters: No detection

Energy Management:

  • Smart Meters: Usage insights
  • Traditional Meters: No feedback

Smart meters are a more advanced and efficient energy management option.

Benefits of Smart Meters

Smart meters offer several benefits over traditional meters. Benefits include:

Accurate Billing:

Smart meters provide precise, real-time data, eliminating the need for estimated bills and manual meter readings.

Energy Efficiency:

Smart meters offer real-time insights into energy consumption, helping users identify usage patterns and optimise their energy use, leading to potential cost savings.

Outage Detection:

Smart meters can automatically notify utility companies of power outages, enabling quicker response and resolution. 

Environmental Impact:

Smart meters support the integration of renewable energy sources and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by optimising energy distribution.

Enhanced Customer Experience:

Smart meters give users detailed data to better manage energy, helping them make informed choices for a more personalised and efficient energy experience.

Do I need to sign up to a smart plan?

Do I need to sign up to a smart plan?

If you have a smart meter, you will still need to opt in to a smart meter plan. We have a range of smart plans to suit your needs and lifestyle. Check out the link below to see which plan is smartest for you.

Please note: due to industry rules for smart metering, if you move to a smart tariff, it’s not possible to revert back to a non-smart tariff or an old meter type.

How to Read Your Smart Meter

How to Read Your Smart Meter

•    Display Screen: Digital display shows current usage

•    Reading the Numbers: Cycles through various data points

•    Understanding Units: Measured in kWh (electricity), m³ (gas)

•    Accessing Data: You can access detailed usage data through an online portal or a mobile app provided by your utility company.

For more information on reading smart meters, check out our article ‘How to Read a Smart Meter’.


How to Get a Smart Meter in Ireland

Getting a smart meter in Ireland is a straightforward process.

  • National Rollout: Managed by ESB Networks
  • Installation: Consumers notified in advance
  • No Cost: Free upgrade
  • Smart Plans: Optional plans to maximise benefits
  • Benefits: Accurate billing and better energy use

ESB Networks Rollout Process

  • National Rollout: 2.4 million meters upgraded
  • Installation Schedule: Phased with advance notice
  • No Cost to Consumers: The upgrade to smart meters is free of charge for consumers. 
  • Enhanced Features: Real-time data and insights
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Ensures smooth rollout

Eligibility and Installation

  • Eligibility: Most homes/businesses qualify
  • Notification: You will receive a notification from your utility provider when your area is scheduled for the smart meter upgrade. 
  • Appointment Scheduling: Set convenient time - the installation typically takes about 1-2 hours.
  • Installation Process: A qualified technician will install the smart meter, replacing your existing meter. The power may be temporarily turned off during the installation.
  • Post-Installation: Start tracking usage in real-time - you will have access to online portals or mobile apps for detailed consumption data.

Smart Meter Plans by Energia

<p>Data Dani</p>

Data Dani

The Smart Data plan for anyone who loves insights and wants to save by shifting their energy use outside peak hours. With day, night and peak rates.
<p>Smart Drive Sean</p>

Smart Drive Sean

Our 2 or 4 band Smart Electric Vehicle (EV) Drive plans offer cheaper and longer night charging window! The greener choice for EV owners.
<p>Multi-tasking Maya</p>

Multi-tasking Maya

Smart 24 Hour. The no-nonsense plan for busy homes using lots of energy throughout the day. With a simple, flat rate and Energy Insights for tracking.

Privacy and Data Usage

Data Collection: Smart meters collect detailed data on your energy usage, including the amount of energy consumed and the times of day it is used.

Data Transmission: This data is transmitted securely to your utility provider, often in real-time, to ensure accurate billing and efficient energy management. 

Privacy Protections: Utility companies implement strict privacy policies and security measures to protect your data from unauthorised access and misuse. 

Consumer Control: You have the right to access your energy usage data and understand how it is being used. Some providers offer online portals or apps for easy access. 

Regulatory Compliance: Smart meter data usage is regulated to ensure compliance with privacy laws and standards, protecting consumer rights.

Who Can Access Your Smart Meter Data?

  • You: Via display or app
  • Energy Supplier: Only with consent and per agreement
  • Network Operators: Anonymised data only
  • Third-Party Apps: User-controlled access

What Smart Plan is best for me?

We have a number of smart plans available for you to choose from.

FAQs About Smart Meters