What is a smart meter?
A smart meter is an innovative digital device that takes automatic, accurate readings of your electricity and gas. When we replace your old meter with a smart meter, free of charge, you will receive a 100% accurate bill, so you only pay for what you actually use!
How a smart meter works
- Your smart meter takes accurate readings of your electricity usage every half an hour and your gas usage daily
- Readings are automatically sent direct to us at first:utility via a mobile communications link (there is no need for manual meter readings)
- We convert your energy usage data into meaningful, easy to understand information (simple diagrams and graphs) that you can view online
- You receive an accurate energy bill and only pay for what you actually use
Find out about how we will install your smart meter>
What's the difference between an electricity monitor and a smart meter?
An electricity monitor, or Energy Monitoring Unit, is a visual device that you can have in your home, which will give you a quick estimated view of how much electricity you use at certain times of the day, how much it costs and the level of C02 your household is emitting. It is not a smart meter - only smart meters give accurate energy bills based on actual usage - but it can be useful for highlighting where you can cut down on your electricity.
Find out more about Energy Monitoring Units here>
No more estimated bills!
Our smart meters really are smart. They automatically send daily readings to our operations centre and we use this information to only bill you for the energy you actually use.
Your monthly energy use information is displayed in graphical format on your bill. We even let you know if your carbon footprint has increased or decreased each month. We enable you to view in detail your monthly, weekly, daily and (for electricity) half hourly energy usage information, giving you a clear picture of how you use your electricity and gas and where you could save money.
View a sample first:utility electricity and gas bill>
No need to take meter readings!
Because our smart meters send meter readings of your electricity and gas straight to us, you won't need to take manual meter readings ever again, or let somebody in to your property to read your meter. Smart meters are the hassle free energy solution.
Monitor your energy usage online
Along with your free smart meter, we will also provide you with a first:utility online account where you can view your daily energy consumption and monthly bills, at your convenience. This gives you visibility and control of your electricity and gas usage, allowing you to implement changes within your home to reduce utility costs and help the environment.
Find out more about viewing your energy usage>
To make the most of the information your first:utility account provides, take a look at our quick video demo. It demonstrates how you can view the breakdown of your energy usage and identifies areas where you can make energy and cost savings.
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Click the view button below to launch an example real time, active online account (it opens in a separate window). You will see a bar chart showing monthly energy use. Click the bars of the graph to break down usage by each day and every half an hour.
View your electricity usage via Google PowerMeter
first:utility are the first and only UK energy company to have partnered with Google, and bring Google PowerM
eter to our customers who have a free smart meter installed. In addition to your first:utility online account, you can sign up to Google PowerMeter free of charge, enabling you to review your electricity usage in near-real-time from your iGoogle homepage.
