Smart Meters and IHDs: What Do They Do?
Energy Advice
- They work together, but they’re not the same. The smart meter is the digital meter on your wall that sends automatic readings for accurate bills; the In-Home Display (IHD) is the small screen that shows your use and cost
- Your IHD shows today’s spend and usage so you can spot quick wins, set budgets and track changes over days and weeks
- Your smart meter works, even if the IHD is off. Your smart meter still records and sends readings
Smart tech can take the guesswork out of managing your energy bills, especially while budgets remain under pressure. Here’s a simple guide to what the meter and the IHD each do and how to use both together to cut costs.
Smart meter vs IHD: the differences at a glance
Smart meter (the meter on the wall)
- Measures your gas/electricity and sends readings automatically over a secure network to your supplier, so no more estimated bills.
- Unlocks options like smart prepayment and time-of-use tariffs (where prices vary by time of day).
IHD (the little screen on your counter)
- Shows near real-time electricity and half-hourly gas use in £ and kWh, plus daily/weekly history.
- Lets you keep tabs on spend during the day so you can adjust habits.
What the IHD shows (and how to use it to save money)
- Today’s spend and usage: Check the number before and after you boil the kettle, run the tumble dryer or switch off standby; seeing the change in minutes makes it easier to act.
- Many IHDs let you set a budget and review how you’re doing across the week, which is a great way to avoid a late-month spike.
- If you don't want to use the IHD, that’s okay; your smart meter still works. You can read the meter itself or check usage in your supplier app/account.
Smart prepayment
If you’re on prepayment, your IHD can show your current balance and today’s spend. With smart prepay, you can usually top up on your phone or online as well as in a shop, and there’s emergency credit to help you avoid losing supply if you run out unexpectedly (you pay it back on your next top-up).
Frequently asked questions
No. It isn’t compulsory, but without one you’ll keep sending readings and you won’t be able to access certain smart tariffs and services.
Yes; no upfront fee. Suppliers recover costs over time through bills, and a typical install takes around 90 minutes.
Often yes. If the bill is in your name, you can usually request a smart meter (it’s still good practice to inform your landlord).
Important: the RTS switch-off
If you have electric heating or a multi-rate/economy tariff, you might have an RTS (Radio Teleswitch Service) meter. RTS is in the process of being phased out, with a managed switch-off taking place across the country. This means:
- Your supplier must replace RTS equipment (usually with a smart meter) and should give at least two weeks’ notice
- You shouldn’t be worse off because of the change; you’ll have the chance to discuss tariff options before installation
- There are no fees; if anyone asks you to pay to replace an RTS meter, it’s a scam
- Signs you may have RTS include a separate box near your meter labelled “radio teleswitch” or being on tariffs like Economy 7/Economy 10 or Total Heat Total Control
How LEAP can help
Apply for a LEAP energy advice call. We can check your smart meter and IHD settings and help you set a realistic budget. We can also talk through smart prepay options, top-ups and emergency credit. If you’re on an RTS setup, we’ll also help you plan the switchover.
