Can I Get a Monitor for My Smart Meter?
That little screen showing what your energy is costing is called an in-home display, and it is one of the genuinely useful parts of having a smart meter. If yours has broken, gone blank, or you never received one, you can usually get a replacement, often for free. This guide explains how, and what to do if your display is older than 12 months.
At a glance
- What it is
- An in-home display (IHD)
- Broken under 12 months
- Usually replaced free
- Who to ask
- Your energy supplier
- Requirement
- Your smart meter must be connected
Key takeaways
- The monitor is called an in-home display (IHD), and it shows your energy use and cost in near real time.
- If it broke within 12 months, your supplier should replace it free of charge.
- You can request one as long as your smart meter is connected and sending readings.
- If it is older than 12 months, you may need to buy a replacement or ask your supplier about options.
What is a smart meter monitor?
The monitor is a small, portable screen known as an in-home display, or IHD. It talks to your smart meter and shows how much gas and electricity you are using, and what it is costing, updated through the day. Seeing the pounds tick up when the kettle or tumble dryer goes on is exactly what makes it useful for cutting your bills.
The IHD is separate from the meter itself. Your meter still sends readings to your supplier even if the display is broken, so a faulty IHD does not affect your billing, just your ability to see your usage.
Can you get a free replacement?
Often, yes. If you have had the in-home display for less than 12 months and it has broken or stopped working properly, your supplier should replace it free of charge under the smart meter warranty. Contact your supplier, explain the fault, and ask for a replacement.
One caveat: if there is evidence the damage was caused by you (for example, a cracked screen from being dropped), the supplier may apply a charge. Policies vary, so it is worth asking.
How to get one
The steps are straightforward:
- Check your meter is connected and sending readings. If your bills show smart readings, it is.
- Contact your energy supplier, by phone, app or online chat, and request an in-home display.
- Quote the fault if you are replacing a broken one, and ask whether it is covered free.
Suppliers commonly provide models such as the Chameleon IHD3 or IHD6 as free replacements under warranty.
If your display is older than 12 months
Outside the 12-month window, a free replacement is not guaranteed. Your options are:
- Ask your supplier anyway. Some will still help, especially if the meter is fine and only the display has failed.
- Buy a third-party display. Independent smart meter monitors are available to buy and can work with UK smart meters, sometimes with extra features and app connectivity.
- Use your supplier's app. Many suppliers now show the same usage data in their smartphone app, which can do the job without a physical display at all.
Frequently asked questions
Is the smart meter monitor free? A replacement is usually free if the display broke within 12 months and the fault is not your doing. Older displays or accidental damage may incur a charge.
Can I get an in-home display if I never had one? Yes, as long as your smart meter is connected. Contact your supplier to request one.
Does a broken display affect my bills? No. Your meter still sends readings to your supplier. A faulty display only stops you seeing your usage; it does not change what you are charged.
Keen to cut your energy use? A working display is a good start; see cheap ways to add value to your home for energy-efficiency upgrades that also help your bills.
