When you’re renting, there is plenty that’s outside of your control. Noisy neighbours, messy flatmates and fighting for bathroom or kitchen time are just the start!
One area you can get more control over at home is your energy use. There are lots of things you can do to reduce your energy use to save money, like switching appliances off standby mode and washing your clothes at 30°.
Another action you can take is requesting a smart meter from your energy supplier. They’re offered at no additional cost, and could help you identify small changes you can make to become more efficient and save money.
Research shows that 9 in 10 private renters say they’ve experienced benefits from having a smart meter1, including helping them to:
- save time by not having to send meter readings
- save money on their bills by using the information from their smart meter to make small changes to save energy
- better manage their household finances1
If the energy bill is in your name, it’s your choice to have a smart meter installed. Ofgem, the energy regulator, does recommend you let your landlord know before you make the change – there could be a rule in your tenancy about the type of meter that can be installed. They also say, however, that if you do need permission that your landlord should not unreasonably prevent the installation.
Visit Smart Energy GB’s website where you can learn more about the benefits of smart meters for renters, as well as a tool to help you contact your energy supplier to ask for an installation.
1Opinium Research for Smart Energy GB, private renters study Oct 2023
The views expressed in this content are solely those of the author alone and do not necessarily represent the views of TDS, its officers, or employees. To read more on TDS views, visit our Policies & Procedures webpage.
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