Smart meters for business
Take control of your energy and avoid estimated bills with a smart meter. Join millions who have upgraded for accurate readings and valuable insights. It’s quick, easy, and completely free.
What are the benefits of a smart meter for your business?
No extra cost or extra effort
We'll install your smart meter completely free of charge.
Once it's set up, your smart meter automatically sends us readings.
Goodbye to estimated bills
With a smart meter, your energy use will be recorded every 30 minutes, giving you clearer and more accurate business electricity bills.
Cost savings due to accurate bills
Thanks to half-hourly meter readings, bills will be based on your actual usage - no more estimates or unexpected adjustments.
See your energy use clearly
With Energy360, you’ll get a clear view of when and how your business uses energy. Spot waste, make smarter decisions, and keep costs down.
Our existing customers can request a smart meter
Log in to your online account
Log in to your business energy account to begin your journey towards a smart meter upgrade.
Submit a meter reading
After submitting your meter reading, click the "Request a Smart Meter" link and complete the form.
Review and installation booking
We'll review your details. If your business is eligible for a smart meter, our third-party installer will contact you within 6 weeks to book your installation.
Business smart meter installations
Watch our quick video to see what happens during a business smart meter installation.
Getting ready for your business smart meter installation
- Choose a convenient time for your electricity/gas to be turned off
- Ensure access to meters and parking for the technician
- Installation takes about 1 hour
Our smart meter installation partners
We use third parties to install our smart meters.
Who are Energy Assets
Energy Assets are Britain's largest independent meter asset manager and data services provider. They work with British Gas business to complete gas metering installations for (AMR) and SMETS2 smart gas meters for micro businesses.
Who are IMServ?
IMServ is one of the UK’s leading experts in energy metering and data collection. Since 2000, they’ve delivered specialist operational services and installed over 50,000 smart meters for British Gas business, helping customers take control of their energy use.
Who are SMS?
SMS is a smart energy specialist with over 20 years of experience and a leader in delivering and funding smart energy infrastructure and zero-carbon technologies. We’ve partnered with them to provide smart meters and metering services to our customers across the UK.
Smart meters help UK businesses of all sizes
Whether you're an independent shop, a growing start-up, or a large company in retail, hospitality, or manufacturing - get accurate bills and manage energy with confidence.
Retail
Manufacturing
Restaurants
Our customer reviews about Smart meters for business
Smart meters for small businesses
Running a smaller business? Our smart meters are designed to help shops, cafes, salons, and startups get the same benefits as larger companies.
With real-time energy tracking, accurate bills, and no more manual meter readings, it's easier to stay on top of costs and focus on growing your business.
What are the benefits of smart meters for small businesses?
- No estimated bills - pay only for what you use
- Minimum disruption during installations
- Track your energy use to find savings more easily
Smarter savings with PeakSave for Business
With a smart meter, you can join PeakSave for Business - a rewards scheme that helps you save by making small changes to when you use electricity.
This supports our mission to power UK businesses with cleaner, greener energy. Join over one million homes and businesses in cutting costs and smoothing out energy demand nationwide.
Need support with your smart meter?
Already have a smart meter? We’re here to help you keep it running smoothly and stay in control of your data.
Smart meter not working
If your smart meter has stopped sending readings, it may have temporarily lost connection - just like a mobile phone. It usually reconnects automatically, but if not, our guide can help you check for common issues and what to do next.
Opt out of smart meter data sharing
Your smart meter automatically shares readings to make your bills accurate and give you better visibility of your energy use.
If you'd prefer not to share your data automatically, you can opt out anytime.
How your smart meter data is used?
Your smart meter sends automatic readings that help make your bills more accurate and support a smarter, more efficient energy system. And while your meter shares information about your energy use, keeping your data safe and private is always our top priority. Here’s what you need to know.
Data privacy
Your smart meter data is encrypted before it leaves your meter. Only the information needed for accurate billing is shared. Your personal details are never shared. All processes follow UK data protection laws, including GDPR.
Who sees your data
Only authorised organisations can access your smart meter data. It’s never sold or used for marketing, and is used only for billing, fixing issues and balancing the grid. Ofgem ensures the process stays fair and transparent.
Security and compliance
Your data travels through secure industry networks that are regularly checked and audited. Smart meter systems meet strict national cybersecurity standards, helping keep your information safe.
Smart meter myth‑busting
Smart meters are often talked about, but not always understood. With so much information out there, and not all of it accurate, it can be hard to know what’s true. This quick myth‑busting video cuts through the confusion, tackles the most common misconceptions, and shows how smart meters really work.
Why can’t I get a business smart meter yet?
Not every business is eligible to get a smart meter straight away. This could be because:
Your current meter isn’t supported yet
Some gas and electricity meter types can’t be upgraded right now. We’ll be in touch as soon as your meter becomes eligible.
Weak mobile signal on site
Smart meters need a reliable mobile network to send readings. If the signal at your premises is too weak, we won’t be able to complete the installation, and we’ll talk you through your options.
Installation constraints at your premises
Most smart meters can be fitted where your old meter is. Sometimes, site conditions mean we can’t install safely until changes are made. That’s why upgrades are subject to a survey.
If you’ve requested a smart meter and don’t hear back within 6 weeks, it means your site isn’t currently eligible for an upgrade.
Read more about Smart meters for business
Frequently asked questions about PeakSave for Business
Understanding Smart Meters
What is a smart meter?
A smart meter is a gas or electricity meter that works by sending meter readings using technology similar to a mobile phone. The new generation of smart meters are called SMETS2.
SMETS2 meters are different to other smart meters as they continue to work even if you change energy supplier.
Data is transmitted through a communications hub to a company called DCC (Data and Communications Company). DCC manages the communications infrastructure that connects smart meters with the business systems of energy suppliers and network operators via a secure wireless network.
Once you're connected we'll regularly receive your smart meter readings. You'll no longer need to send us manual meter readings and you'll get more accurate bills as you'll only be charged for the energy you've used.
Not everyone is eligible to have a smart meter installed due to metering set up requirements and/or poor signal issues. If you've applied for a smart meter, but are not currently eligible to have one, we'll send you a letter explaining next steps.
Read our Business smart meter FAQs
How can a smart meter help my business support net zero?
Choosing a smart meter is a simple step that can make a significant difference for your business and the planet. Smart meters provide real-time insights into your energy use. This helps you cut waste, lower costs, and reduce carbon emissions. By using energy more efficiently, your business supports the UK’s transition to a low-carbon future.
What are the benefits of smart meters for small businesses?
Smart meters give small businesses accurate bills, real-time energy tracking, and eliminate manual meter readings, making it easier to manage costs. Installation is quick with minimal disruption, and you only pay for what you use, meaning no more estimated bills.
Do smart meters increase my business energy bills?
No, smart meters don’t increase your bills. They help make them more accurate by sending automatic readings, so you only pay for what you use, not estimates.
Will my business be charged if I get a smart meter?
No, installation is free for eligible businesses, and there’s no extra cost for the meter itself.
Do I need to pay for an upgrade to a business smart meter?
We install business smart meters at no extra cost. This does not include new connections. And there may be a charge if you're a non-micro business and you opted to exchange an AMR meter for a SMETS2 meter.
Why are smart meters important for the Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement?
Smart meters send accurate energy readings every 30 minutes, which Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) uses to settle your energy use based on real data rather than estimates.
This means fairer bills, smarter energy management, and supports a cleaner, more efficient energy future. Existing customers can request a smart meter upgrade today.
What about my other meters not supplied by British Gas?
If you have other meters on site, not supplied by us, your other supplier will be in touch.
If you have more than one meter with us that requires a smart meter upgrade, please advise us when we book your installation appointment.
Getting a smart meter
Why do British Gas business upgrade all their customer's smart meters?
Smart meters are part of a nationwide effort to modernise the energy system and reduce carbon emissions. The UK Government aims to install smart meters in all homes and businesses by the end of 2025. Currently, over 21.5 million smart meters are in place, with 8 million installed by British Gas.
Smart meters are key to upgrading the UK's outdated energy system and to reaching net zero by 2050, slashing carbon emissions by as much as 45 million tonnes - the equivalent of taking 26 million cars off the road for a year.
Read more at Smart Energy GB and Government guidance on Smart meters.
Find out more ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Renewable business energy - it's quick and easy to switch to green energy and help your business become more sustainable
Energy saving tips - ways to use less and manage your business energy more efficiently
I’m a Lite customer, do I need to have a smart meter?
If you choose our British Gas Lite product, we’ll provide a smart meter if you don’t already have one.
With smart meters, we’ll automatically receive your readings so you will get accurate bills and only be charged for the energy you've used.
Can I get a business smart meter if I rent my premises?
Yes, as long as you’re the account holder and have permission to access the meter, you can request a smart meter upgrade
Can I switch energy supplier with a smart meter?
Yes, you can switch suppliers with a smart meter. If you have a newer SMETS2 meter, smart features will continue; older SMETS1 meters may need to be upgraded to retain full functionality.
How long does it take to install a business smart meter?
Normally, an installation of a business smart meter takes about an hour. If your meter is in a hard-to-reach place, or your set up is complicated, your installation may take longer.
When we install your smart gas or electricity meter, we may need to turn your electricity off for about 40 minutes.
We need ensure messages go between your gas and electricity meters and this is the reason we may need to switch your electricity off when installing a gas meter.
Our installation partners
We may sometimes use partners or sub contractors for your smart meter installation.
- NDS
- ICD
- I&C Gas
- WGSM
- Bluesky (ADM installs only)
- Energise
- Mane Metering
- I&C Gas Services Limited
- Commercial Gas Service Limited
- STR Metering
- Tanner Gas Services
- Kris Roberts Limited
- PJ Woods
Why can’t some businesses get a smart meter?
Some businesses can’t get a smart meter yet because it depends on the type of meter they currently have, the mobile signal at their premises, and the results of an installation survey. Smart meters need a strong mobile signal to send readings, so if the signal is weak, the engineer won’t be able to complete the upgrade.
Certain gas and electricity meter types also aren’t supported at the moment, which means we can’t upgrade them until future rollout phases. During the survey, if we find anything that prevents installation, we’ll explain why and talk you through the options available.
I had a business smart meter installation booked but no-one turned up. What do I do?
If we've missed your appointment please call the installation partner to see if it can be re-scheduled.
If you're a micro business, find out more about the Electricity and Gas (Standards of Performance) (Suppliers) Regulations 2015.
What third parties do we use for your smart meter installation?
We may sometimes use partners or sub contractors for your smart meter installation. These are:
- Energy Assets
- IMServ
- SMS
- NDS
- ICD
- I&C Gas
- WGSM
- Bluesky (ADM installs only)
- Energise
- Mane Metering
- I&C Gas Services Limited
- Commercial Gas Service Limited
- STR Metering
- Tanner Gas Services
- Kris Roberts Limited
- PJ Woods
I'm a large business. What type of smart meter can I have?
If you use more than 100,000 kWh electricity, or more than 293,000 kWh gas a year and you're a non-micro business you can choose between an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) smart meter and a SMETS2 smart meter. Both offer similar benefits, depending on your needs - see the comparison table below.
| SMETS2 smart meter | AMR smart meter | |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic meter readings | ||
| Accurate billing1 | ||
| Consumption data2 | ||
| Appointment time to suit you | ||
| No additional cost to install | ||
| Change of supplier | Your smart meter should operate with the same functionality |
Your smart meter should operate with the same functionality as long as the supplier has an agreement with the operator of the AMR meter |
| When can I get one? | Subject to availability | Now |
If you choose an AMR meter now and want to change to a SMETS2 meter at a later date, you may be charged for the new meter.
Using and managing your smart meter
I’m a British Gas business customer, how can I request my smart meter data?
If you have a business smart meter that's submitting reads and you're receiving accurate bills, you'll be able to request your smart meter data.
To do this, all you need to do is chat with us and well email you within 10 working days. If we can't access your data well let you know.
I’m a Lite customer, how can I access my smart meter data?
You or a third party you’ve nominated/broker) can now view 12 months historical smart consumption data.
To do this, all you need to do is chat with us and we’ll email you within 10 working days. If we can’t access your data we’ll let you know.
What is CoMCoP and why does it matter for smart meters?
CoMCoP (Consolidated Metering Code of Practice) sets the standards for energy suppliers to provide a professional and consistent experience when installing smart meters for business customers. It ensures clear communication, minimal disruption, and ongoing support, even if a smart meter cannot be installed. You can trust that the process is managed with care and transparency.
Why has my smart meter stopped sending readings?
If your smart meter has stopped sending readings, it may have temporarily lost connection. It usually reconnects itself, but if the issue persists, visit My business smart meter is not working - what can I do? to learn about common issues and what to do next.
After your business smart meter installation
When will I receive my first bill?
The date you get your updated bill will depend on when in the month you have your installation and your smart meter successfully starts sending signals or polling.
I've got a business smart meter installed but received an estimated bill. Why is this?
Sometimes we may not be able to get your smart meter readings due to things like poor signal strength. In these cases, we may have to send you an estimated bill, or ask you to take a meter reading.
I've got a business smart meter with British Gas. What if I change supplier?
Having a business smart meter doesn't affect your right to switch energy suppliers. However, your smart meter may not continue to work depending on the type you have installed. If you have the latest generation SMETS2 meter, it will continue to work.
Check with your new supplier, but you may have to go back to submitting your own meter readings until you get the next generation of smart meter installed.
Remember that you can quickly and easily get a renewal quote with us and we'll upgrade your smart meter.
Why is my new business smart meter set to zero?
All new meters are set to zero. Our engineer will make a note of the final reading from your old meter and the zero reading on your new meter. The details will be logged on the Smart installation leaflet and left with you for your records. Meter readings can take up to 30 days to update on our system.
How do I read my new business smart meter?
You don't need to send us readings from your smart meter as it does this automatically. To find out where your reading is displayed, see the 'Smart installation' leaflet that was given to you after your meter was installed. For more information, see:
Where can I get more energy saving advice?
There are many ways you can help make your business more energy efficient. Read our Business energy saving for help with your business energy efficiency.
I have a smart meter, how can I request the smart meter data?
You can request, up to 12 months, of your smart meter data, if you're the contact on your business account. You can also nominate a third party by contacting us.
Before energy brokers can request your smart meter data, you'll need to send us a letter of authority (LOA).
What should I do if I think my smart meter is faulty?
If your smart meter has stopped sending readings, it may have temporarily lost connection. It usually reconnects itself, but if the issue persists, visit My business smart meter is not working - what can I do? to learn about common issues and what to do next.
More FAQs
What is a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter?
The Radio Teleswitch Service is an industry-run service that will end soon. Read more on Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS).
What is a data logger on my gas meter and why do I have one?
A data logger is a device fitted to your existing gas meter to record and send your meter readings automatically. It works in a similar way to a smart meter by using mobile network technology to send your readings to us remotely.
If you have a data logger, it usually means your current meter can’t be upgraded to a gas smart meter yet, but we can still receive accurate readings without you needing to take them manually. You can still read your meter yourself if you want to.
