What is a smart meter?
A smart meter is a type of energy meter that sends automatic gas and electricity readings to energy suppliers to ensure more accurate bills. They replace manual meters, which require you to take your own meter readings and submit them to your supplier.
Smart meters also come with an in-home display. This display gives you near real-time information about your consumption and how much it’s costing you.
How do smart meters work?
Smart meters work by using a secure national communication network (called the DCC) to automatically and wirelessly send your actual energy usage to your supplier. If you have a smart meter you don't need to rely on estimated energy bills or provide your own regular readings.
However, most smart meters in northern England and Scotland use radio signals to transmit readings, while those in the rest of England and Wales use mobile technology. This can mean that meters using radio signals can be more susceptible to performance issues if the signal isn't strong enough, whereas meters using mobile technology can be boosted by an aerial if needed.
What are the pros and cons of smart meters?
Like most forms of technology, smart meters have their advantages and disadvantages. If you're not sure about having a smart meter installed, it's worth weighing up the pros and cons of smart meters.
What are the benefits of smart meters?
- More accurate bills
Smart meters put an end to estimated bills. You’ll be charged only for the energy you use, without having to provide meter readings and/or have a stranger come into your home to read your meter.
- Energy system modernisation
Smart meters are part of the effort to create a smart grid, which is part of providing low-carbon, efficient and reliable energy to Britain's households.
- Exclusive energy tariffs
Some suppliers offer exclusive energy deals to households with a smart meter, or those willing to have a smart meter installed.
What are the disadvantages of smart meters?
- Going "dumb"
Smart meters can lose their smart functionality when you switch away from the supplier that installed them. If you're put off switching because you're keen on the benefits of your smart meter, you could miss out on any savings you could make by changing suppliers.
- Professional installation required
Your smart meter will need to be installed by a professional, which means you may have to wait for an appointment to become available. Your supplier will send someone to install your smart meter and show you how to use it.
How can I use a smart meter to save on my energy bills?
You can connect your smart meter to Uswitch's free mobile app so you can track your energy usage around the home and see the direct impact it has on your bills. This will enable you to change your energy habits and keep your bills at a manageable level.
Are smart meters free?
It will not cost you anything to have a smart meter installed. However, the overall cost of the rollout is covered by adding a small extra fee to your energy bill.
Can I switch energy supplier if I have a smart meter?
The short answer is yes. However, upgrading the gas and electricity system of Great Britain is no small task, and that means there are some issues around smart meters and switching:
First generation/SMETS1 smart meters
The first generation of smart meters (called SMETS1), which were installed at the beginning of the smart meter rollout, can temporarily lose smart functionality when they switch energy suppliers. You can still switch if you have a SMETS1 smart meter. However, in some cases, your smart meter will stop sending data to your new supplier, which means you'll have to revert back to providing meter readings.
A SMETS1 upgrade has been planned that will make these meters multi-supplier compatible - they should be upgraded remotely with no need for a visit from an installer.
It's worth noting that even if your smart meter reverts to 'dumb mode' because you've switched to a cheaper energy supplier, it will still provide real-time updates on your consumption through the in-home display. This visibility provides powerful knowledge that many households find very useful.
Second generation/SMETS2 smart meters
These newer model smart meters are fully compatible with the DCC (the secure national network that the meters use to communicate with suppliers). This means if you have a SMETS2 meter you should have no issues with energy switching.
Case study "I phoned up to find out information about switching my gas and electric and spoke to Adele who couldn't be any more helpful! I had a smart meter fitted with my current provider and was worried about how this would affect me switching and what would happen. Adele explained the process and what would happen, she also went into detail and explained about gas and electric bills with regards to the daily charge and unit charge and found me the best deal saving £370 a year! I would definitely recommend this service to anyone when renewing their gas and electric tariffs."
Hannah, Uswitch customer
How do I know if I have a SMETS1 or SMETS2 meter?
The rollout of SMETS2 meters didn't start until 2018, so if your meter was installed before then it's safe to assume you have a SMETS1 meter. Even after 2018, suppliers were still trying to use up their stocks of first-generation meters, so it's possible you still have a SMETS1 meter even if it was installed more recently.
The only definitive way to find out which type of smart meter you have is to contact the supplier that installed it.
Will a smart meter save me money?
A smart meter itself won't save you money, but having one installed can offer much insight into how to lower your bills, and you could get access to some cheaper energy tariffs.
Your in-home display lets you see how much energy you are using at different times of the day, week, month or year, which could help you cut your energy usage and your bills by highlighting ways you can be more energy efficient.
The display allows you to see how everyday tasks - such as making a cup of tea, using your tumble dryer or watching TV - impact not just your kWh consumption but also your energy bills. When your next gas and electricity bill arrives, there won’t be any nasty surprises and you can better manage your household budget.
To encourage faster roll-out of smart meters, some suppliers are offering discounted tariffs to homes that have a smart meter fitted (or are willing to have one installed), so at the moment it is possible to get cheaper energy just by embracing the benefits of a smart meter.
When will I get a smart meter?
All households in England, Scotland and Wales must be offered a smart meter from their energy supplier by the end of 2025. That does not mean you will have a smart meter by that date but it means you should be contacted (if you have not already) by your supplier about getting a smart meter.
British Gas smart meters
Between now and the end of 2025 all customers will be able to claim their smart meters, including prepayment customers.
British Gas is working to ensure all their customers can benefit from smart meters now, but smart meter technology is not ready for every home just yet. That means you'll need to have either your electricity, or your gas and electricity with British Gas.
If your home isn't ready, you can register your interest and be added to the waiting list to receive a smart meter from British Gas. Once you're on this list, you'll be kept up to date and informed of when you can get a British Gas smart meter installed.
Visit British Gas to register interest in a smart meter.
E.ON Next smart meters
E.ON Next is currently fitting smart meters as part of a regional rollout.
If you're particularly interested in getting a smart meter, you can register your interest with E.ON Next and it will be in touch to let you know if you're currently eligible to be offered one. If not, E.ON Next can let you know what any of the next steps are.
EDF Energy smart meters
EDF Energy is currently installing smart meters on a small scale to test and refine the installation experience for their customers. It's aiming to start increasing the number of installations in the second half of this year in order to meet the deadline.
If you're interested in getting smart meters and EDF Energy is your current supplier, you can register your interest on its site.
Octopus smart meters
Octopus customers can get a smart meter by registering their interest online. This could mean that they get access to trial promotions as well as being able to access a range of smart meter-specific tariffs beyond the usual fixed and standard variable options.
OVO smart meters
Some households aren't currently eligible for OVO to install smart meters in - for example, high-rise blocks of flats may not support smart meters depending on where the current meter is.
OVO will get in touch when you're eligible to have a smart meter installed and you can select an appointment time that suits you.
ScottishPower smart meters
After installing and testing smart meters in 2015 on a small scale, ScottishPower is now installing smart meters as part of a wider rollout.
ScottishPower customers will be notified when the supplier is scheduling installations in their area. When you receive a letter you can arrange an appointment.
How does smart meter installation work?
Your energy supplier will work with you to arrange your smart meter installation, though they will likely work with a third party to fit the meter.
On the day of your smart meter installation, an engineer will need access to your existing gas and electricity meters. It should only take a couple of hours to install your new smart meters, and you’ll likely lose power for a short time while your old meters are being replaced.
Ofgem has enacted the Smart Metering Installation Code of Practice, which protects consumers by prohibiting sales attempts during installation (unless previous consent has been given by the household). Remember that smart meters are free to install, so you shouldn’t be asked to pay anything.
The code also ensures companies will properly explain how the smart meters work, and outline how households can use the data available to them to improve their energy efficiency.
Do I have to have a smart meter?
No – smart meters are not compulsory. If you don’t want a smart meter you are under no obligation to have one installed in your home.
You can refuse a smart meter or discuss any concerns you have with your supplier. Many energy companies have dedicated teams to handle questions about the technology and the smart meter installation process.
Can I have a smart meter if I'm on a prepayment meter?
Yes. Smart meters work in credit and prepayment form. In fact, prepayment customers may have more flexible payment options available to them with smart meters, including remote top-up facilities.
Are smart meters safe?
According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), all smart meters are subject to the same safety regulations and testing of any in-home technological devices, including baby monitors and mobile phones.
Smart meters are also covered by EU and UK safety legislation, which means they have undergone rigorous testing. And, according to Smart Energy GB, the smart meters used in Britain exceed every UK and EU safety standard.
Smart meters emit low radio frequency emissions in much the same way as other wireless devices. These allow energy suppliers to accurately track household energy consumption and will put an end to estimated bills.
According to Public Health England (PHE), the exposure to low-frequency emissions from smart meters is lower than that caused by appliances such as microwaves and TVs.
How do I read a smart meter?
One of the main benefits of smart meters is that you don't have to provide regular meter readings to your energy supplier. However, if your meter has lost its smart functionality or you want to take a reading for any other reason, you’ll need to know how to read a smart meter.
It should be easy to view your smart meter reading on your in-home display by selecting the 'meter reading' option from the menu.
If you can't find your smart meter reading on your in-home display or want to take a meter reading from the smart meter itself, your supplier should be able to talk you through the process over the phone, as it will differ depending on what type of smart meter you have.
Smart meters for renters and landlords
Smart meters are not just for homeowners – you can also have a smart meter if you’re a renter. As long as you’re the account holder for the energy bills, you are entitled to ask for a smart meter from your supplier without your landlord’s permission.
However, Ofgem recommends telling your landlord before getting a smart meter in a rented property. If your tenancy agreement says you need your landlord’s permission to structurally alter your property, “your landlord or letting agency should not unreasonably prevent it.”
If your landlord is the energy account holder and pays the gas and electricity bills directly, it’s up to him or her whether to install the smart meter in their rented property.
The same rules apply regarding smart meters for landlords. If you’re a landlord and you pay the energy bills, it’s your decision whether to install a smart meter in your rented property. If your tenants pay the bills, they are entitled to ask their supplier to install a smart meter.
Smart meters and solar panels
Some households with solar panels have reported that either their supplier's smart meter cannot currently support them, or have reported issues with the tracking of usage and generated energy.
If you have solar panels, ensure your supplier is made aware of this when they contact you about installation.
Can I get an accessible smart meter?
The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) has worked with Energy UK and geo, which is an energy technology business, to develop an Accessible In-Home Energy Display smart meter. This smart meter includes a range of accessibility features to help those who need them gain a better understanding and more control over their energy usage. It has been given the RNIB Tried and Tested accreditation, certifying that it meets the minimum requirements for blind and partially sighted people to be able to use it.
The displays can be requested from various suppliers, including:
- Bristol Energy
- EDF Energy
- E.ON Next.
Accessible smart meters have all the features of a standard smart meter, but also include the following functions:
- Text-to-speech functionality with adjustable volume
- Buttons that vibrate to confirm they have been pressed
- Three coloured LEDs to indicate electricity usage
- LED button to replay speech
- Large typeface
- TFT screen with a high contrast colour scheme optimised for visual impairment and colour blindness.
These accessible meters don’t cost customers anything, but they may not be available to you depending on your supplier’s accessible meter availability and general smart meter roll-out plans in your area. You can get in touch with your supplier to find out whether it can offer you an accessible meter.
