PUBLISHED: 20:56, Mon, Dec 2, 2019 | UPDATED: 21:28, Mon, Dec 2, 2019
Martin Lewis, 47, is a well-known household name in Britain thanks to his top money-saving tips. The Money Saving Expert regularly shares his wisdom with the nation. Today, he appeared on ITV’s The Martin Lewis Money Show to discuss the topic of smart meters.
Many Britons often wonder whether it’s well, smart, to get a smart meter or indeed whether they have to get one.
What is a smart meter?A smart meter is a new gas and electricity meter with an in-home display to show how much energy you use. It replaces your current gas and electricity meter.
According to Big Six provider EDF Energy: “[A smart meter] calculates how much energy you’re using, what this costs over time and the cost every hour as you’re using it.
“You can see this information on your smart meter display (if you choose to have one), as well as data about your carbon emissions.
“Once installed, smart meters automatically send us all this information. This helps avoid the need for estimated bills, so you’ll only pay for the energy you use."
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Martin Lewis: Many Britons often wonder whether it’s well, smart, to get a smart meter (Image: Getty Images/ITV)
Martin Lewis: Lewis explained that it’s not compulsory to get a smart meter installed (Image: ITV)
On tonight’s show, Lewis explained that it’s not compulsory to get a smart meter installed - it’s legally optional.
However, some energy suppliers tell their customers that they’ll need a smart meter to benefit from the lowest prices, unless it’s not practicable. They'll also sometimes tell them they're going to install one, without always saying it's optional.
Customers should be aware, clarified Lewis,
