Smart meters are transforming the way we use energy, delivering real-time insights to power our lives when the grid is at its most sustainable.
Flexibility refers to the energy market's ability to respond to the grid's supply and demand needs.
The grid was built to a ‘standard profile’ which assumes a small peak in the morning when most people are starting their day and a bigger peak when most people return home and start their evening routines.
However, the rise of EV charging, electrification of heating, and increased adoption of renewable energy sources (all great things!) are shifting demand patterns, and pressure on the grid is increasing.
In the past, rising energy demands often meant one thing: burning more fossil fuels. However, that approach won’t suffice if we’re serious about achieving net zero by 2050. Instead, the solution lies in using the energy we already have more wisely.
So what do we do? Shift some of our usage to times when the grid is under less pressure. Sounds simple. Unfortunately, it's not so simple. We need to consider renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, and how we can ensure their optimal use when these sources are at their most abundant. Additionally, we can’t store electricity in the grid like we can with gas; we need to rely on smart technology to unlock real-time insights into when the grid is at its fullest and greenest, so we can make the most of it.
It’s all about using energy more smartly, maximising renewable energy sources and minimising reliance on fossil fuels during peak demand. This would also unlock massive savings for people like you and me. Smart meters are at the heart of this mission.
On top of this, the UK parliament states the UK stands to save a whopping £3-8 billion per year by 2050 by using energy more flexibly: a win-win with savings for you and a healthier planet for all.
Don’t have your hands on a money-saving smart meter yet? You can register your interest below for one, and we’ll let you know when we’re installing in your area.
According to Smart Energy GB, over 38 million smart meters have been installed across the UK. We love them for their automatic readings, energy-saving benefits, and as a nifty tool for tracking usage. But what makes a smart meter central to our mission for energy flexibility?
Smart meters record energy use in near real-time (as frequently as every half an hour). This smart data is passed to your energy supplier, allowing them to bill you accurately and enabling you to track your home usage efficiently.
But most importantly, knowing how and when you use energy allows for a system where we can start to understand what energy is needed and, importantly, where it is required.
This enables us to start shifting domestic energy usage to different times of day and subsequently reward you for doing so. A bit like travelling off-peak on a train – often we’d like you to use more when the grid is less busy and there's less traffic (so to speak). These periods are cheaper, greener, and the grid is less busy.
Smart meters can also seamlessly integrate with home tech like EV chargers, storage heaters, and batteries - allowing suppliers to automate and optimise your energy use to make the most of the greenest times of day.
Without smart meters, we wouldn’t be able to verify your usage or pass these savings back to you - that’s why they are so crucial in the quest to balance the grid. Not only for the planet, but also for your wallet!
Cutting down or powering up at certain times of day can have a significant impact on the planet and unlock massive savings.
Cornwall Insights states that households can save up to £375 a year by making the most of a flexible energy system by 2040.
Your smart meter tracks your incredible efforts to shift your energy usage to specific times of day, and we can pass any savings directly to you.
We reward customers for using less power - and give them the chance to win mystery prizes too.
Customers with a smart meter can join their local fan club and benefit from 100% renewable energy, straight from the turbine to their home.
The electricity you’d normally use will cost the same, any extra power you use will be free.
With a smart meter, you can access our cutting-edge smart tariffs, which are designed to help you proactively manage your energy use and save. Most of our tariffs work by optimising and automating the low-carbon technology in our homes, shifting usage to cheaper times of day.
Super cheap EV smart charging and six hours of cheap home electricity a night!
Switch a typical heat pump and other electricity use to our Cosy Octopus tariff and save £291 on your electricity bills
The UK's only smart export tariff. Sell your solar for a great flat rate or Agile market rates.
All of these tariffs are designed with one thing in mind: creating a flexible grid that can more easily meet growing demands and accelerate the transition to a greener energy system.
If you're unsure which tariff is right for you, you can take our handy quiz.
Smart meters are more than just a tool for measuring energy use; they’re the key to building a connected, low-carbon home. As more people opt for smart appliances, having a smart meter installed facilitates the automation of energy usage, especially alongside our clever smart tariffs.
For example, smart meters seamlessly integrate with tech like heat pumps and smart thermostats, ensuring your home is warm and cosy while intelligently optimising energy use for more affordable consumption.
In homes with solar panels, smart meters track when you're generating excess energy and help you maximise its potential, whether that’s storing it in a battery, sharing it with the grid, or shifting your own usage to match production.
Discover how combining products like solar panels, EV chargers, and heat pumps with a smart meter can help you save money.
Octopus’s Centre for Net Zero (CNZ) is at the forefront of innovative smart trials focused on decarbonising the grid and enhancing people-powered flexibility.
By researching and testing consumer behaviour and smart technologies, CNZ is gaining valuable insights into building a more flexible and resilient energy system. Smart trials are also a great way to save money on your energy.
To participate in these trials, you will need a smart meter, which will enable us to track any savings that are due back to you.
Prevent renewable sources being shut down during periods of low demand.
We’ll let you know when there’s lots of renewable power on the grid and give you a reward for using it.
Shift your energy usage away from the busiest times of day and reduce reliance on dirty coal and diesel stations.
Energy flexibility isn’t just a short-term fix; it’s the cornerstone of a truly sustainable energy future.
As we decentralise fossil fuels, having millions of homes and businesses linked via an extensive smart system that can respond dynamically to energy availability wil be essential.
If not, find out how easy it is to get one installed and book yours today!
Published on 25th September 2025 by:
Hey I'm Constantine, welcome to Octopus Energy!
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