Smart installations

3-step smart installation

1. Before installation

We work in partnership with meter operators (MOPs) that carry out smart meter installations on our behalf. They’ll arrange a time and date with you – please bear in mind your organisation will be without power for about 20 minutes.

You’ll need to provide easy access to your existing meter. This will be the location of your smart meter too, unless your Distribution Network Operator has agreed to relocate your meter or said your site needs additional preparation work.

2. During installation

The engineer will install your smart meter, check that it’s working and explain how it works.

The Data and Communications Company (DCC) runs a secure, wireless network dedicated to the UK’s smart rollout. It’s this network – not the internet – that your meter will use to transmit your data.

There’s a small chance that a smart meter on your premises won’t have a strong enough signal to connect to this network. In this case, or if other issues prevent us from completing your installation, the engineer will explain what options are available.

3. After installation

Assuming the connection between your smart meter and the DCC’s network is working, your usage information will be transmitted to us automatically.

To offer you the most useful analysis possible, we’ll collect your usage data in half-hourly segments.

While we don’t expect you to experience any issues with your smart meter, you can ask us any questions about it by emailing smart@drax.com.

Things to consider

On occasions, there may be connectivity issues between your meter and the national wireless network, which can lead to gaps in your data collection. If this happens, we may need to ask you for a manual reading to ensure we’re able to issue a bill that accurately reflects your usage.

It’s also worth noting that, depending on the timing of your installation compared with our monthly production of bills, the first bill we send may be estimated. If you receive an estimated bill and want to talk to us about it, please email smart@drax.com.

If you decide to switch from Drax to another supplier, you won’t have to change the smart meter we’ve installed. However, it may not operate in smart mode for a short time, due to interoperability issues with the new supplier. So, before switching, ask your new provider what support they can offer for the meter.

We want to make sure you’re happy with your smart meter, and with the service that we (and our installation partners) have provided. Soon, you’ll be able to complete an online survey and provide feedback – look out for our email about this.

Our promise to you

By signing up to the Smart Metering Installation Code of Practice (SMICoP), we’re committed to providing you a great service. This means we’ll:

i. Explain the benefits of smart meters
ii. Let you know your engineer’s name and make sure they identify themselves once on site
iii. Only use representatives with the right skills, experience and resources to complete the job
iv. Minimise the disruption to your business during the installation
v. Make sure the engineer shows you how to use your new equipment after it’s installed.

If you're interested in getting a smart meter for your organisation, register below.