Opus Energy
Smart Meter FAQs
Who is the offer available to?
The offer is open to business customers supplied by Opus Energy and is subject to availability and to IMServ’s Terms and Conditions of installation and meter provision.
How long is the offer open for?
Opus Energy recognise the significant benefits that Smart Meters can offer and therefore, currently, no fixed time has been applied to this offer.
How can I sign up to the free Smart Meter offer?
Customers can register their request for a Smart Meter online.
Once registered, your request will be passed to IMServ. They will contact you directly to discuss the terms of the contract under which they will install and maintain your Smart Meter. Once you have entered into this contract with IMServ, they will arrange for the installation of your Smart Meter. Whilst Opus Energy remains the registered supplier of your electricity, we will pay for the monthly charges associate with the meter. This will continue whilst Opus Energy is the registered electricity supplier.
What is the Smart Meter contract?
The IMServ contract is a five year lease agreement, which includes the arrangements for installing the meters, managing the operations of the meter and collecting the meter reads automatically. When you enter into this contact, we agree with IMServ that, while Opus Energy is your registered electricity supplier, we will pay the monthly charges associated with the meter.
Who are IMServ?
IMServ is the UK’s leading energy solutions and AMR / SMART metering provider putting you in complete control of your energy usage and costs. Leading the industry since it was established; IMServ has delivered more knowledge to more customers in more places, whilst meeting industry targets and becoming a benchmark for excellence.
With years of experience IMServ offers piece of mind that you are dealing with true professionals, helping you to reach your business and environmental objectives.
Is the contract with Opus Energy or the Smart Meter provider?
The contract is with the Smart Meter provider, IMServ.
Why do I need to sign a contract with IMServ?
As the contract is for five years it means that you aren’t tied into an electricity supply from Opus Energy. If you switch to another electricity supplier at any point in the future, then you can take your Smart Meter contract with you.
IMServ are specialist providers of Smart Meters. They are able to offer a team of Customer Service Agents who can provide specialist advice and assistance with your Smart Meter and can provide help in the unlikely event a problem occurs.
How long does my business have to close for with no electricity whilst the Smart Meter is being installed?
IMServ will be able to provide you with an indication of the expected down time, prior to installation. They will work with you to ensure the installation takes place at the most convenient time for your business. For most premises the electricity will be disconnected for between one to two hours during the installation time. For other customers there will be no down time during the installation.
What happens if I switch supplier?
If, at some point in the future, you switch to another electricity supply company, your agreement with IMServ for provision of the Smart Meter will continue to be in place. At this point, Opus Energy will no longer pay for charges for your Smart Meter on your behalf. You or your new supplier will need to pay these charges direct to IMServ.
What happens if I move out of the property?
Subject to the terms of your agreement with IMServ, you will be able to give notice to terminate your Smart Meter contract with IMServ when you move out of your current property.
What happens if there is a problem with the Smart Meter?
We have chosen meters that form some of the latest metering technology in the industry and as such have an excellent record for performance. However, if in the unlikely event you do have a problem with your meter, IMServ as part of their agreement with you, will arrange for an engineer to visit your premises to investigate the issue.
What types of Smart Meter are they?
The meters are manufactured by PRI and have the functionality to provide automated meter reading services, as well as recording consumption data captured every half hour.
How does the Smart Meter take remote meter readings?
The Smart Meter records the electricity consumption data and has the capacity to store this information for up to a year. The meter is dialed and sent to your supplier using GPS technology.
Will there be a display so that I can read my own meter?
Yes, the meters have a display so that you can see your electricity consumption, however the display will only show cumulative readings.
Will I be able to see how much electricity I am using as I use it?
IMServ can provide online functionality so that you can see how much electricity your business is consuming and when it is using it. There is an additional cost for this functionality, if you are interested please contact IMServ who would be happy to talk through the options with you.
What are the customer benefits?
You will receive actual meter reads on a monthly or quarterly basis, without the need for a visit to your premises. This information is used on your invoice and therefore significantly reduces the use of estimated meter reads, and provides improved billing accuracy.
How does a Smart Meter contribute to making bills more accurate?
Smart Meters provide actual meter reads taken directly from the meter and the premises. Opus Energy invoices using the actual meter reads, significantly reducing the need for estimated meter reads.
I have heard that a Smart Meter can help reduce energy expenditure – how?
IMServ can provide online functionality so that you can see how much electricity you are using and when your business is consuming it. Having this information to hand will allow you to cut back on electricity consumption at certain times of the day. There is an additional cost for this functionality, if you are interested please contact IMServ who would be happy to talk through the options.