SMART/AMR metering for your business

Why should my business consider a Smart Metering System?

Helps aid hassle-free billing

Smart Metering Systems can be programmed to automatically take meter readings at regular intervals, before remotely sending this information to us over a secure data network. This function can reduce the need for reads to be submitted manually and can help support a more accurate billing programme with fewer estimated reads.

Supports our nation’s net zero promise

With the information Smart Metering Systems offer, including near real-time consumption, the UK will be able to better integrate renewable sources of energy systems without wastage, shifting the reliance away from fossil fuels and drastically reducing our nation’s carbon footprint, in line with our national net zero strategy.

What is a Smart Meter?

A Smart Meter is the next generation of energy meter, conforming to the Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications (SMETS). This device replaces your existing meter and allows for wireless two-way communication between your meter and your supplier.

SMETS1

The first generation of Smart Meters, largely installed prior to 2018, allowed communication through a mobile network.

SMETS2

Most suppliers, including Crown Gas & Power, now install second generation devices, which communicate through a purpose-built highly secure network managed by a central service provider, the Data Communications Company (DCC).

The DCC is in the process of migrating existing SMETS1 meters over to this centralised network.

What is an AMR?

An Automated Meter Reader (AMR) device is still ‘smarter’ than your standard traditional meter, offering the same benefits as described above and still counts as a Qualifying Smart Metering System, where a Smart Meter would not be appropriate.

AMR devices still have a capability to automatically communicate readings to Crown Gas & Power, albeit using slightly different technology and a one-way communicative infrastructure.

Which metering solution is suitable for my business?

Metering arrangements can vary between businesses, owing to different meter sizes, set-ups or locations so it is recognised that the same device may not be suitable for all situations.

Our third-party service provider will be able to determine which metering solution will be suitable for your business on the day of installation, but generally the following principles apply:

Metering Requirement (Gas/Power)	SMETS	AMR
High Annual Consumption (>732,000kWh / Profile Class 5-8)
Large Meter Capacity (>11cm3 / >100 Amps)
Micro business
Non-Micro business

Non-microbusiness customers will be offered a choice of SMETS/AMR where either technology would suit the meter size, set up and or location.

Can I still switch supplier if I have a Smart Metering System?

Yes. Customers with a Smart Metering System can switch energy supplier in the same way that anyone with a traditional meter can.

The vast majority of SMETS2 and AMR devices should retain their ‘smart’ functionality in continuing to report readings to your new supplier following a switch. If you currently have a SMETS1 meter and you choose to switch, while it will continue to record your energy usage, it may temporarily be unable to communicate this information to your new supplier. Manual reads may be temporarily required until your meter point is migrated into the central DCC network.

What should I expect from the installation process?

We will ask our metering service provider to contact you and arrange an appointment to visit your premises. If you are a non-micro business customer, you will be offered a choice between AMR or SMETs technology.

Installations normally take around two hours and are arranged in advance to ensure minimal disruption to your business. All of our meters comply with UK and EU safety standards and are fitted by trained third-party installers, who have passed formal qualifications.

Smart & Advanced Metering consumption data access

If you have a Smart or Advanced Meter, you can freely access and download your consumption data via our online portal. You can access or register at any time by clicking on the My Account on our website header.

You can call us on 0161 762 7744, speak to us on Live Chat via our website, or email us at hello@crowngas.co.uk – if you or your nominated third-party need further help registering or logging onto your online account, to discuss consumption data or request historical data greater than 12 months old.

For further information see our consumption data page here

Still unsure?

Smart Energy GB is the not-for-profit, Government-backed campaign helping everyone in Britain understand the importance of Smart Meters and their benefits to people and the environment. For more information, please visit their website or follow them on twitter @SmartEnegryGB.

What are we doing to support the national Smart Meter Roll Out?

It is the UK Government’s ambition is to ensure that all homes and businesses have a Smart Metering System installed by mid-2025. To support this, suppliers are required to install a minimum number of ‘Qualifying Metering Systems’ each year, as per a Government set target.

Progress Report – Gas

Progress Report – Power

Apply for Smart/AMR Upgrade

If you would like to apply for a Smart/AMR upgrade, please complete the form below:

Information relating to electricity Radio Teleswitch Service meters

What is the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS)?
Some old electricity meters rely on the longwave radio service to switch between peak and off-peak times. Updates to RTS meters are transmitted via Longwave radio broadcasts, the same frequency used by the BBC for their radio programming.

Historically, this old technology was used to optimise energy usage, for example operating heating and hot water systems.

The Radio Teleswitch Service is being discontinued.

The BBC has declared plans to move its exclusive Longwave content to other broadcasting platforms. The anticipated end date for Longwave transmission is 30^th June 2025. This means that RTS meters may no longer work properly.

I have an RTS meter, what shall I do?

Where we identify a customer with an RTS meter we will contact you so that we can arrange for a meter exchange, which in most cases will mean installing a new smart meter.

If you have any further questions about RTS meter then contact us.