Smart meters might look like a small upgrade, but they’re quietly transforming the way agents, landlords and tenants handle utilities. From fewer admin headaches to a smoother move-in process, they’re helping everyone save time, stress and even a bit of cash.
And with the UK Government pushing ahead with its national smart meter rollout, now’s the perfect time for agents to get ahead of the curve.
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Smart meters measure energy use in near real time, show the cost on a handy in-home display, and automatically send readings straight to the energy suppliers.
No manual readings. No estimated bills. No disputes with your tenants.
Government smart meter roll-out scheme
They’re being rolled out to all homes and businesses across Great Britain as part of the government’s Smart Meter Implementation Programme (SMIP), a nationwide plan to upgrade the UK’s energy infrastructure. The aim?
📜Modernise how energy is measured and billed
🌍Help the UK meet its net-zero emissions target by 2050
🤝Give customers better control over their energy
By 2030, the government wants every eligible property, domestic and non-domestic, to have access to a smart meter. (Source: gov.uk, Oct 2025)
Making sure smart meters are accessible for the properties that you manage, may have some surprising benefits for your agency. Here are our top 5 ways smart meters could help you:
1. 🤝 Fewer disputes with tenants
Accurate readings = fewer disputes at move-in or move-out.
☑️ Agents can avoid tenant-landlord conflicts about final bills.
☑️ Utility registrations and supplier changes become faster and simpler.
💡Octopus Energy have recently recently rolled out their Octopus Home Mini: Free device that streams live energy data via Wi-Fi, helping tenants see exactly where their energy goes in real time.
2. 💰 Reduce billing issues & save admin time
Smart meters do the legwork for you and your tenants, meaning:
✅Readings go straight to suppliers automatically.
✅Fewer calls, fewer emails, fewer mistakes.
✅Less admin for your agency
💡 Smart stat: Smart meters are expected to save UK consumers £1.5 billion in energy costs by 2035, thanks to more accurate billing and better energy habits — helping tenants save money and agents enjoy smoother move-ins.
(Source: UK Government Smart Metering Benefits Report)
3. 🏠 Better tenant experience
Smart meters hand tenants the power to take control of their energy.
⏰ Track usage in real time
👀 Spot high-consumption appliances
😃 Keep bills predictable and fair
When tenants understand their usage, they make smarter choices, and feel more in control of their home. That sense of independence helps them feel less trapped by rising costs and more empowered to manage their own utilities.
4. ⚙️ Stay compliant & future-proof
The government’s post-2025 smart meter policy ensures that every eligible domestic and non-domestic property can access a smart meter.
For agents and landlords, that means:
☑️ Staying aligned with national sustainability and compliance targets
☑️ Supporting the UK’s net-zero mission
☑️ Future-proofing portfolios ahead of regulatory change
Getting smart meters installed isn’t just proactive, it’s a step towards a smarter, greener property market.
5. 🏛️ Government focus:
The Smart Meter Policy Framework Post-2025 will ensure all businesses and households can access smart meters by 2030 - supporting the Clean Power 2030 Mission to deliver clean, affordable, and secure energy for everyone.
The good news: getting a smart meter is simple and free for most tenants. But a little help from agents can make the process even smoother. Here’s how:
Check eligibility first 🔍
Most suppliers, including Octopus Energy, British Gas, EDF and E.ON, offer free smart meter upgrades. Tenants (or landlords if the property’s bills are in their name) can book an installation directly through their supplier’s website.
Encourage communication with the supplier 💬
If tenants are responsible for their own utilities, you or the landlord should let them know they can request a smart meter installation themselves, and pass on your permission. If utilities stay in the landlord’s name, the agent or landlord can make the request instead.
Share the benefits upfront 🫶
When you tell tenants that smart meters mean:
❌ No estimated bills
🕰️ Real-time usage tracking
💰 Easier budgeting
🦶 A smaller carbon footprint
You’re helping them see it’s a win for their wallet and the planet.
Update tenancy info ✏️
Once a smart meter’s installed, keep these details handy:
-
- Meter serial numbers (for gas and electricity)
- MPAN and MPRN (supply reference numbers)
- Supplier name and installation date
- Smart meter type (SMETS1 or SMETS2)
- Meter location
- Latest meter readings (at move-in/move-out)
- In-home display details (if available)
This helps with smoother changeovers, more accurate move-in/move-out reads, and avoids utility confusion between tenancies.
💬 Pro tip: Agents who actively support tenants in getting smart meters tend to face fewer billing queries and less supplier admin later. A little advice now saves a lot of follow-up later. Send them this household guide to smart meters when they first onboard, helping them make smart decisions that benefit you both!