An Economy 7 smart meter looks like a modern digital energy meter, but it is specifically designed to display two separate sets of numbers instead of one. These two sets of numbers represent your on-peak (normal) and off-peak (low) energy usage.
Key Visual Characteristics of an Economy 7 Smart Meter
While the precise appearance can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and the specific model, an Economy 7 smart meter will generally share these defining features:
- Physical Appearance: It typically resembles a compact, often white or grey, digital device. These meters are usually mounted on a wall where your traditional energy meter would have been.
- Digital Display: The most prominent feature is its digital LCD screen. Unlike older analog meters with spinning dials, smart meters provide clear, easy-to-read numbers.
- Dual Readings: For Economy 7 tariffs, the meter's display is configured to show two distinct energy consumption readings. These are often clearly labeled to differentiate between the two rates:
- 'Low' or 'Rate 2': This set of numbers tracks your energy consumption during the cheaper, off-peak hours (typically the Economy 7 period).
- 'Normal' or 'Rate 1': This set of numbers tracks your energy consumption during the standard, on-peak hours.
- Indicator Lights: Smart meters usually have small LED lights that might flash. These lights indicate that the meter is actively recording energy usage and transmitting data wirelessly to your energy supplier.
- Buttons: There are typically one or more buttons on the meter's front panel. These allow you to cycle through various display screens, including the individual readings for your 'low' and 'normal' rates, as well as real-time energy usage and other information.
Functionality and Display
The primary purpose of an Economy 7 smart meter's dual display is to accurately track and separate your energy consumption according to the two different pricing periods. This allows energy providers to bill you correctly for your usage during both the cheaper overnight hours and the more expensive daytime hours.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Meter Body | Compact, typically white or grey, digital unit mounted on a wall. |
| Display Type | Digital LCD screen for clear numeric readouts. |
| Reading Labels | Displays two distinct readings, often marked 'low' and 'normal' or 'Rate 1' and 'Rate 2'. |
| Purpose of Dual Readout | To separate and record energy consumption for on-peak and off-peak tariffs. |
| Indicator Lights | Small LEDs may flash, signaling energy consumption and data transmission. |
| Interaction | Buttons present for cycling through display information. |
This setup ensures that even with the added "smart" capabilities of automatic data transmission, the meter clearly presents the necessary information for consumers to understand their Economy 7 tariff usage.
