The Facts About Commercial Energy Meters In The UK

To help businesses across the UK we have been pulling together information around one key question, which many may want to know the answer to… “What are the major types of commercial energy connections & meters in the UK”. 

Read on to find out more…

Three-phase electric power is a common method of electric power generation and transmission for national distribution in the UK. It’s a system mainly used to power larger sites and systems that contain motors, furnaces, and devices that require a high start up current or continuos load in excess of the capability of a single phase supply which domestically is limited to 100A  equivalent to a maximum of 24 kW or less for a single supply to a consumer unit.

Three-phase electricity gives a smoother delivery of energy compared to single-phase or two-phase power allowing machines to run more efficiently and last longer, its also a more efficient means of long distance transmission and distribution. In some cases three-phases can work in a way that wouldn't be possible with a single-phase.

Whilst three-phase electricity is rarely used for domestic purposes, it is essential for electricians, electrical engineers, and other technically skilled individuals to fully understand how three and single phase sysytems. As well as how they are integrated and power factor corrected to ensure maximum efficiency and minimise any metered/consumption costs. Poor power factor correction can result in unnecessary losses and an unnecessary increase in cost to the consumer.  Whilst it is not cost effective at the domestic level at an industrial level its well worth seeking professional advice to see if modern motor controllers are in place.

From what we have outlined above it is hopefully evident that 3 phases meters are important and now we want to cover the different types.

How to tell what type of 3 phase meter you may have.

PLus the types of three-phase commercial energy meters businesses use.

Half Hourly or Non-Half Hourly Meter:

These meters take readings every half-hour, allowing businesses to monitor their energy usage throughout the day. Businesses can choose between a half-hourly three-phase meter or a non-half-hourly three-phase meter.

Automated Meter Reading (AMR):

The most popular three-phase meter is the AMR meter. It automatically sends readings to the energy supplier, providing a more accurate bill to the customer. Unlike smart meters, AMR meters do not allow businesses to view the usage from the meters directly; they only send it to the supplier.

SMET2 Three Phase Smart Meters:

Introduced in August 2020, these are the second generation of smart meters that integrate the same technology as three-phase meters. They allow customers to view their automatic readings on a display at their place of work or home. These  offer the ability to read and track energy usage on devices like phones or tablets, provide automatic readings for accurate billing, and help reduce energy consumption.

Why does all this matter???

Why its so important that you understand this is because different meters in different parts of the UK can have different unit costs for electricity. As well if you have a certain type of meter this may dictate who can supply you your energy and those the costs of this.

Not only this though, as you can see from the words above there maybe some savings to be had just by looking at how your energy is delivered to you.