What is a smart meter for business?
A business smart meter records energy use and communicates readings remotely. SMETS2 meters follow the Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications; advanced meters are a separate non-domestic category. Advanced electricity meters must store half-hourly data [S1]. Request your meter type and usable consumption records before assessing charging, solar or batteries. These explanations concern Great Britain. Checked October 2026.
What does a smart business meter do?
A business smart meter measures energy use and sends readings remotely, while a SMETS meter can also receive information. SMETS means Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications [S1].
For your site, the useful output is a time-based consumption record to discuss alongside bills. It can support planning for chargers, solar and batteries; the meter itself does not establish spare electrical capacity.
How are SMETS2 and advanced meters different?
SMETS2 is a technical specification for smart metering. Advanced meters, often described as automatic meter reading (AMR), are a separate category. Government definitions require advanced electricity meters to store half-hourly data, with timely customer access and remote supplier access [S1].
In Great Britain, non-domestic SMETS2 operation uses the Data Communications Company system. Larger supplies fall under advanced-meter obligations, while the smaller-site mandate has different rules [S2]. Ask your supplier which category applies; a large premises label alone is insufficient.
How can you use half-hourly data alongside bills?
Ask for a downloadable file with dates, units and estimated readings identified. An illustration only: assume a 30-minute record contains 10 kilowatt-hours (kWh), a measure of energy. Average power is 10 ÷ 0.5 = 20 kilowatts (kW). It does not establish the highest instantaneous demand.
Ofgem explains how measured half-hourly consumption can support settlement [S3]. Keep that industry process separate from the prices in your contract. Read half-hourly metering and network charges, load profiles and business electricity price data.
Request the free customer data-access route and check who is authorised to receive records [S2]. Do not put account details into a public enquiry attachment.
Next step
Explore cutting energy costs, then get matched with an installer that covers your area.
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Common questions
Does a digital display prove that your meter is smart?
No. Ask your supplier to confirm its type and communications status; SMETS and advanced meters differ [S1].
Is an AMR meter necessarily SMETS2?
No. Advanced meters and meters complying with SMETS are distinct categories in the government definitions [S1].
What does half-hourly settlement mean?
Ofgem describes allocating consumption and suppliers' electricity costs to each half-hour period [S3].
Can you nominate someone else to access business meter data?
Yes. Supplier obligations cover free access to smart or advanced meter energy-use data, including through a nominated third party [S2].
Who should arrange a meter installation?
Contact the electricity supplier responsible for the account; suppliers have the non-domestic rollout and operating obligations [S2].
Ask about your site
Sources
- Smart meters statistics methodology note, definitions, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero,Last checked 19 October 2026
- Non-domestic smart meter rollout, energy supplier obligations, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero,Last checked 19 October 2026
- BSC Modifications P272 and P322 frequently asked questions, Ofgem,Last checked 19 October 2026