Integrate Smart Gas & Electricity Meters with Smart Home

Smart electricity meters are common in UK and European homes. They track energy usage in near real time and send readings directly to your energy supplier, removing the need for manual meter readings. The good news is they can also be used as part of a smart home setup for insights to energy use and smart automations.

What Is a Smart Meter

Smart meters measure your electricity (and gas, if you have a dual fuel meter) usage digitally. They communicate with your supplier via a secure wireless network, called the DCC (Data Communications Company) network in the UK. They also usually come with an In Home Display (IHD), showing how much energy you’re using.

Can a Smart Home System Integrate with a Smart Meter

Yes, but with some limitations.

You can’t connect directly to a  smart meter over the DCC network, but there are ways to access energy usage data through third party platforms and devices. 

Ways to Integrate Smart Meters with Smart Home Systems

Use a Consumer Access Device (CAD)

A CAD connects to your smart meter and gives you access to real time energy usage data. Some models allow this data to be shared over Wi‑Fi with other devices or cloud platforms.

Popular options:

• Hildebrand Glow (via the Bright app)
• Geo Home
• Chameleon IHD with smart integrations

These can feed data into platforms like Home Assistant, SmartThings, or directly to your phone.

Use Energy Monitoring Platforms

Some third party platforms like Loop or Hildebrand Bright access your smart meter data via the DCC network (with your permission). They can then feed data into other smart apps or send alerts when your usage spikes.

These platforms offer:

• App dashboards
• Energy saving advice
• Integration with IFTTT or other automation tools

Home Automation Systems

If you use Home Assistant, SmartThings, or Hubitat, you can connect them to energy data sources (such as Glow CADs or MQTT feeds) to automate actions.

For example:

• Turn off non‑essential devices if usage passes a set limit
• Adjust heating schedules based on daily usage trends
• Run energy heavy devices (e.g. washing machines) during cheaper off peak periods (if you’re on a time of use tariff)

Voice Assistants

Energy usage data can also be integrated with Alexa or Google Assistant, depending on which CAD or platform you’re using. This allows voice queries like:

• “How much electricity have I used today?”
• “When is the cheapest time to run the dryer?”

Steps to Integrate a Smart Meter with Your Smart Home

1. Check your meter type
   Make sure you have a SMETS2 smart meter (or SMETS1 that has been upgraded). These support CADs and third party data access.
2. Buy a compatible CAD or sign up to a smart energy app
   Choose one that suits your smart home setup. Glow, Loop and Geo are some of the more user‑friendly options.
3. Link your smart home / app to your smart meter
   This may involve providing your MPAN and other account details.
4. Connect the CAD to your home Wi‑Fi or automation platform
   Use the manufacturer’s instructions or community guides for platforms like Home Assistant.
5. Create smart automations based on your energy data
   You can use routines, or local automations to act on your usage data.

Pros of Smart Home and Smart Meter Integration

• Better energy awareness: Real‑time usage tracking can lead to behavioural changes and lower bills.
• Automation based on actual use: Instead of timers, actions respond to real energy data.
• Optimised use of off‑peak energy: Great for tariffs like Octopus Agile or Economy 7.
• Environmental benefits: Reducing unnecessary usage lowers your household’s carbon footprint.

Cons and Limitations

• Not plug and play: Requires extra hardware or subscriptions in many cases.
• Integration not supported by all meters or energy suppliers.
• Costs: Some CADs and energy apps come with upfront or ongoing costs.
• Data delays: Depending on the system, some data may be near real‑time, while others lag by 30 minutes or more.

Tips and Final Thoughts

• If you’re switching supplier, check if they support data sharing via apps like Loop or Bright.
• For smart home users who enjoy tinkering, platforms like Home Assistant offer the best integration options.
• Keep your security in mind. Make sure any third party devices or apps are reputable and handle data responsibly.

Integrating a smart meter into your smart home can offer real benefits. While the process isn’t entirely straightforward, once it’s set up, you’ll have more insight and control over how your home uses electricity and gas.