This is a sponsored post on behalf of British Gas
I was recently contacted by British Gas asking if I’d like help spread the message about smart meters via my blog – slightly different to the usual feedback I get from my blog, I must admit. But one that certainly intrigued me. As a big fan of British Gas (provided you ask me before my bill arrives, ha ha) and an even bigger fan of energy saving, I was more than happy to help out.
As a father, I’m naturally concerned about doing my bit when it comes to ensuring the planet my children “inherit” is – as the signs on the toilets always say – the same way as it was when I arrived. I’m also, let’s face it, a bit of a penny-pincher, so anything which helps me save money AND reduce energy consumption seemed like a win-win to me. So, what are they doing?
As part of a government commitment to installing a “Smart meter” in every home by 2019, British Gas are trying to help bring that forward by installing smart meters in homes, businesses and the like – right from 2012. Apparently I may even be considered for an “early roll-out” myself – news that made me more excited than it probably should, ha ha.
As part of the roll-out / education piece, they’re also looking for people to help them spread the message about smart meters, explaining what they are and how they apply to them. So here’s my take:
Rather than explain what they are, this video will do a much better job than I ever could – so how about watching that first? I’ll rejoin you on the other side…
Hopefully you’re now fully clued-up. So, why would you want to install a Smart Meter before the planned deadline? Well, if you’re a nerd like myself it opens up a whole world of information on your energy usage. They’ve even got a smartphone app which you can link up to your meter, giving you constant access to your data!
The online interface allows you to check things like your current consumption across the day (and night), a comparison to your neighbourhood’s average, your carbon footprint – you can even set “targets” for every usage and have an alert when you’re getting near to the target/limit! Great if you’re trying to save a bit of cash, particularly during the summer months I reckon.
The biggest benefit I can see, though, is that they spell an end to estimated bills – something which I don’t mind saying has bugged me for years. No more pesky person coming round (or ringing up) to read your meter, no more confusion over why your bill contains data which might not match your meter – easier all round, as far as I can see.
If you’re lucky enough to have a wind turbine or solar panels, the Smart Meter will even integrate with these to show how much you’re producing, and all that data which is important to people who are “growing their own” electricity – as I one day plan to.
If you want to learn more about Smart Meters, I suggest you head over to the British Gas Facebook page, or just their website of course.