Upgrading your business energy: the benefits of installing a commercial property smart meter.

We’re living through a shift in how we power our properties. The transition to ‘smart’ property management is well and truly underway, and for UK landlords, it’s about more than just convenience – it’s about keeping up with the competition.

With the UK government setting ambitious energy targets for the next few years, it’s important to look into improving efficiency if you own a commercial building. Plus, energy suppliers are already working towards rolling out smart tech to small businesses.

This is where smart meters come in. As a landlord, a smart meter gives you access to important data that could help you manage your energy account and futureproof your investment before the rules tighten up. Join us as we dig into the topic and answer some of your most pressing questions about business smart meters.

The legal bit: Do commercial property businesses need a smart meter?

At the moment, it isn’t a legal requirement for every business to have a smart meter installed immediately. However, the landscape is starting to change.

Under the current rules, energy suppliers had to offer a smart meter to all eligible small businesses by the end of 2025. However, you don't legally have to opt in yet (we’ll discuss this next), unless your current meter is faulty or is no longer certified. In these cases, you’ll need to replace it with a smart meter because traditional meters aren’t made any more.

But what about looking ahead? Well, the government has just finished consulting on introducing stricter rules around smart meters. One proposal that might kick in around 2027, could prevent suppliers from offering new fixed-term contracts to businesses that refuse a smart upgrade.

In short, while you aren't forced to have a smart meter right now, resisting the switch is becoming more and more difficult and could limit your tariff choices in the future.

Attracting tenants and buyers: Why a commercial property smart meters matters.

In the modern market, information is currency. Potential commercial tenants and buyers – especially those with a focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) mandates – could be more attracted to buildings that offer transparency.

A ‘plug-and-play’ setup where a tenant can walk in and immediately access energy data could be a big draw. It saves them the hassle of arranging an installation themselves, gives the next tenant freedom of how to pay, and proves that the building is managed proactively.

Many tenants want to know their carbon footprint accurately for their own reporting. A building that forces them to rely on estimates or manual readings can be seen as less attractive.

Keep your energy use in check with a smart meter.

One of the biggest financial drains for a commercial or residential landlord is the ‘void period’, which is basically the time between tenants when your building is empty.

Previously, when the heating was left on or a valve was leaky, you may not have realised until a hefty bill arrived three months later. This all changes with a smart meter. You can monitor energy use in empty units remotely. So, if there’s a sudden spike in gas use on a Tuesday night in an empty warehouse, that’s an immediate red flag for a potential leak or even a squatter.

Real-time data from a smart meter could also help you make better evidence-based decisions about equipment. Instead of guessing that your unit needs a new HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, the data can show you how your current system performs under load, helping you spend money where it’s actually needed.

Can a smart meter boost your property’s EPC rating?

We have to be honest here. Installing a smart meter alone doesn’t automatically tick a box that jumps your EPC rating from a 'D' to a 'B'. The EPC assessment also looks at the actual fabric of your building – from insulation and windows to boiler efficiency. It’s not only about how the energy is measured.

However, smart meters could be a gateway to a better rating. You can’t manage what you’re unable to measure. Once again, it’s about using the data from your smart meter to show where energy is being wasted.

This insight could help you to make more targeted upgrades, like fine-tuning heating schedules or discovering where the roof insulation isn't performing. These types of upgrades combined could go towards improving your EPC score.

The two main smart meter options for commercial sites explained.

Not all smart meters are the same. In the commercial world, you’ll likely encounter two main types:

1. SMETS2 (Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications 2): These are the modern standard for smaller businesses (Profile Classes 01-04) and domestic properties. These meters use a special national network (the DCC) to communicate. They all work together, so even if you decide to change energy suppliers, your smart meter will keep working as it should.

2. AMR (Automated Meter Reading): These are typically used for larger industrial supplies (Profile Classes 05-08). They record energy use every 30 minutes and send the data to your supplier. While they’re seen as the more advanced option of the two, they sometimes use older communication tech.

For most new retail units, offices, and mixed use developments, SMETS2 is the way forward. It ensures compatibility with future suppliers and offers the smoothest experience for incoming tenants. Developers should specify SMETS2 where possible to ensure the site is futureproofed.

Your frequently asked questions about business smart meters.

You asked so we’ve answered. Explore the answers to some of your most pressing questions on smart meters. 

How much does a smart meter installation cost?

We want to make the smart meter installation process as simple as possible, which is why we don’t charge you a fee.

How long does the installation take?

Installation usually takes around 1 hour per fuel type, but it can be even less for new connections. 

How will I be billed?

You’ll be billed on a monthly basis based on accurate readings from your smart meter.

How long does a new connection take?

Once your site is ready and your MPxN (Meter Point Administration Number) is registered, we can have meters on the walls in an average of 15 days. Read our guide on new meter connections.

If I agree to a 12 or 24 month contract, what happens when a tenant moves in?

Your contract will simply come to an end.

Why is a business account used for a residential property?

If your account is going in a company or business name and you’re not living in or profiting from the property, it’s deemed a business account, at least, initially.

What if I want a top up meter?

We don't currently offer this for businesses. However, if your property has a residential tenancy agreement, your tenant can choose how to pay with the possibility of a remote switch.

Ready to take the next step? Book a smart meter appointment today.