Last updated: 19 July 2026 · Originally published February 2026 · By James Wright
Last checked: 19 July 2026. Ofgem’s July–September 2026 typical direct-debit cap illustration was £1,862 a year, with average unit rates of 26.11p/kWh electricity and 7.33p/kWh gas. This is not a household forecast: use the tariff and consumption on the bill.
This research-led guide does not claim hands-on testing or a guaranteed saving. An energy monitor reveals use; it does not reduce consumption by itself.
What to compare
| Option | Data source | What it can show | Main check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart-meter in-home display | Smart meter | Near-real-time electricity and gas totals where supported | Supplier/meter compatibility and retention |
| Consumer-access-device/service | Smart-meter data | App history and near-real-time data where supported | Exact meter compatibility, account, export and privacy terms |
| Plug-level monitor | One appliance/socket | Selected load’s kWh and schedule | Maximum load and appliance suitability |
| Whole-home clamp monitor | Electrical tails/circuits | Electricity pattern and estimated appliance events | Installation boundary, accuracy, cloud and export |
| Solar/EV system portal | Inverter/charger | Generation, import/export or charging | Exact hardware, tariff and data access |
Measure a change
Record at least four comparable weeks before and after one change, adjusting for weather or occupancy. Calculate measured kWh avoided × current unit rate. At 26.11p/kWh, 100 kWh of evidenced annual electricity reduction is £26.11. Standing charges are not avoided.
Privacy
Check data granularity, retention, export, third-party sharing, account deletion and whether core local viewing survives a cloud outage.
Smart Home UK Team - Research-led UK smart-home editors who compare manufacturer specifications, UK availability, verified owner feedback and authoritative sources. Independent. No sponsored placements.