With a smart meter, your energy supplier and network operator can automatically read your meter readings. This applies to both your gas and power consumption. You no longer have to communicate them yourself. You also get more insight into your current energy consumption yourself. That way, you can see what your consumption is at the moment. You can do this via the app of your energy supplier, for example

A smart and digital meter are very similar. The main difference is the extra connector of a smart meter, the P1 port. A digital meter also doesn't automatically communicate your meter readings and you can't see your current energy consumption in an app.

Since 2023, a smart meter is mandatory for home owners with solar panels. That's because of the net-metering regulation. With net-metering, you settle the generated energy with your total energy consumption. A smart meter keeps track of the energy you use and your feed in. That's how your energy supplier calculates the feed-in tariff you'll get back at the end of the year. Don't have a smart meter yet? Request one from your network operator.