Electricity metering
- New Electricity Metering at Swiss Farm – A Fairer, Smarter Way Forward
At Swiss Farm Touring & Camping, we’ve always worked hard to keep our pitch pricing transparent and straightforward — and to give every guest exceptional value. For many years, we’ve included electricity in your pitch fee, trusting that most people would use what they need and no more.
In recent seasons, we’ve seen a significant rise in electricity use across the park — in some cases, extreme overuse. This has left us with a difficult choice: keep raising pitch prices for everyone, or introduce a fairer system where guests only pay for what they use. We’re choosing fairness. - What Our Data Tells Us
We’ve analysed electricity use across over 3,000 guest stays between February and June 2025. Here’s what we found:
Nearly 9% of guests used more than 20 kWh per day — nearly three times the average UK household
One guest used 878 kWh over a 28-night stay — averaging 31.4 kWh per day
High usage was often linked to guests heating awnings, running multiple electric heaters, or using high-consumption appliances like air fryers and electric showers
These few high users pushed up the park’s energy bills, which in turn forced everyone’s pitch prices to increase — even those using electricity responsibly - A Simple, Fair Solution
From 2026, all touring pitches will be equipped with smart electricity meters. These will track your usage in real time and help us apply a clear, fair-use policy.
You’ll still receive a daily electricity allowance, more than enough for typical use:
Seasonal Daily Electricity Included
February, March & November- 12 kWh per day
May, September & October- 10 kWh per day
June, July & August- 8 kWh per day
These limits are based entirely on real usage data, ensuring that:
68.7% of guests will pay nothing extra
An additional 17% will pay just 30p to £2 total across their stay
Only the most excessive users will see a higher charge, in line with their actual usage - What Happens If You Go Over?
If your usage exceeds your daily allowance, you’ll simply pay for the extra at cost — 25p per unit (kWh), the same rate we pay. There are no mark-ups, hidden charges, or penalties.
You’ll be able to:
Track your usage on your phone in real time
Pause your electricity when you’re out for the day
Adjust your usage to stay within allowance, if you wish
We believe this system is fair, transparent, and easy to manage. - How It Works
On arrival, our warden will help you set up your Metpow smart meter
You’ll get access to a simple app where you can view your usage in real time
You’ll only be charged if you go over your allowance — and only for the excess
Don’t have a smartphone? No problem — we’ll manage your metering manually from reception - Why We’re Doing This
To make pricing fairer for the majority of guests who use energy responsibly
To stop rising pitch prices caused by extreme overuse
To reduce wasteful energy use and our environmental impact
To future-proof the park and keep Swiss Farm a five-star experience for everyone - Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay extra for electricity now?
Not unless you use more than the generous daily allowance. Most guests won’t pay anything.
Why does electricity use matter at a campsite?
Because caravan and motorhome appliances are often less efficient than at home, especially for heating and water, leaving electric heaters on 24/7, running appliances in awnings, or using electric showers can rack up significant usage.
What uses the most electricity?
Appliances that generate heat or cold are the biggest culprits:
Electric heaters (especially in awnings)
Water heaters
Air fryers
Electric showers
Hairdryers, kettles, and fridges/freezers
How can I reduce my usage?
Switch to gas where possible, turn off heaters when out, avoid heating awnings, and don’t leave water heaters running unnecessarily. - Final Thoughts
We know change isn’t always welcome — but this change is about protecting what makes Swiss Farm special. By making electricity usage transparent and fair, we can:
Keep pitch prices stable
Reward those who use energy responsibly
Ensure our beautiful park remains a great-value, five-star destination for years to come
If you have questions or concerns, please speak to our reception team. We’ll always do our best to help.
Metpow smart electric metering
