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The cost-of-living crisis

Manage your energy bills using a smart meter

The cost of living and pressure on household budgets remains high. That's why the RSPCA is pleased to have partnered with Smart Energy GB to help pet owners take control of their energy bills this winter.

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Struggling with the costs of pet care? You’re not alone. 

If you are feeling concerned about affording to care for your pet, you’re not alone:

  • 78% of pet owners say it’s become more expensive to look after their pet in the last year. 

  • 49% of pet owners are worried about being able to afford their bills—50% of the adult population are concerned about their energy use specifically and feel they should try to use less.

As living expenses soar, pet owners are facing impossible choices —whether to feed yourself or feed your hungry puppy. Some even have to contemplate the sad reality of giving up their companion.

How can a smart meter benefit you and your pet?

Providing a comfortable and heated place to live is essential to creating a suitable environment for your pet. A smart meter is a simple, helpful device that makes managing your energy use easier. They offer a seamless way to track and manage your gas and electricity usage without the worry of hidden or unnecessary costs. 

What are the benefits of using a smart meter:

    1. Get automatic meter readings & accurate bills

Smart meters record how much gas and electricity you use in real time. The meter sends this information directly and securely to your energy supplier, so you’re only charged for what you use, no need to estimate.

2. See your costs in near real time

You can request an in-home display, a small display in your home that shows you how much energy you’re currently using and how much this is costing you in pounds and pence. You can easily check how much you’ve spent today, this week, or this month. 

3. Make simple adjustments for saving money

Smart meters allow pet owners to save money by displaying real-time energy costs. If your usage seems high, you might switch off the TV; if it’s low, you could turn up the heating. They also help you catch anything left on accidentally, ensuring you're not wasting energy, or money.

Energy saving behaviour

Smart Energy GB data shows that smart meter owners are more likely to carry out energy saving behaviours than non-owners. 

4 in 5 smart meter owners are are also happy with their smart meter*

Getting started with a smart meter is simple

Getting a smart meter installed is easy. Your gas and electricity supplier will handle everything, replacing your old meters at no extra cost to you. An engineer will come to your home, install the meter, and walk you through how to use it, making sure you feel confident and comfortable with your new device.

To get started, simply CLICK HERE today, or contact your energy supplier directly.  You can also find suppliers' free-phone and text phone numbers here. 

*82% of 6,149 smart meter owners are happy with their smart meter. Smart Energy GB Outlook research, conducted by Yonder Consulting, May 2024