Otis Singleton
Smart meters are a key part of the shift to a more flexible and greener energy system. They can help you save money and carbon emissions by providing you with accurate information about your energy usage and access to tariffs that reward you for using power outside of peak times. Energy companies have been installing second-generation smart meters for several years, and by the end of 2025, everyone in England, Scotland, and Wales should have been offered a smart meter by their supplier. Some of the companies that are currently offering smart meters include British Gas, OVO Energy, and ScottishPower.
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What You'll Learn
Energy companies that offer smart meters
Energy companies have been offering smart meters to their customers for several years. By the end of 2025, all energy suppliers in England, Scotland, and Wales are required to have offered their customers a smart meter for gas and electricity.
Some of the energy companies that currently offer smart meters include British Gas, OVO Energy, and ScottishPower. British Gas is working to ensure all their customers can benefit from smart meters, but smart meter technology is not yet ready for every home. OVO Energy uses the next-generation type of smart meter called a 'Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications 2' meter, or a 'SMETS2'. ScottishPower is also installing smart meters as part of a wider rollout and will notify customers when installations are being scheduled in their area.
Energy companies must take "all reasonable steps" to install smart meters in their customers' homes, and companies that don't meet their annual installation targets can face penalties. Smart meters offer several benefits, such as removing the need for estimating energy use, providing access to tariffs that reward off-peak energy use, and helping to improve the electricity network to be more efficient and greener.
It's important to note that not all energy suppliers are currently offering smart meters, and there may be eligibility requirements for installation. For example, some households, such as high-rise blocks of flats, may not be suitable for smart meter installation due to the location of the current meter. Additionally, smart meters will need to be replaced approximately every 10 years, which is more frequent than traditional meters.
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How to get a smart meter installed
Smart meters are a key part of the wider electricity system's transition from passive electricity grids to 'smart grids'. Smart grids use digital technology, allowing network operators to more accurately predict how much electricity is required and when, enabling them to better match supply with demand.
Energy companies are required to take "all reasonable steps" to install smart meters in their customers' homes. By the end of 2025, everyone in England, Scotland, and Wales should have been offered smart meters by their suppliers for gas and electricity.
If you haven't been offered a smart meter yet, you can request one from your supplier. You can apply for a smart meter to be installed through your supplier's website, your online account, or by calling their customer service centre. Your supplier will then get in touch to schedule an installation appointment.
Before the installation, your energy supplier should inform you of any preparations you need to make, such as clearing the area around your current meter or arranging access to the main fuse switch. If there is something unusual about your home or meters, such as solar panels or a meter located behind a locked door, be sure to inform your energy company in advance.
On the day of installation, an engineer will arrive within a specified time slot and replace your old meters with new smart meters. This process typically takes between 75 and 100 minutes. They will then test your smart meter to ensure it is functioning correctly. Once your smart meter is up and running, the engineer will show you how to use it and may offer energy-saving tips.
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Switching energy suppliers with a smart meter
Smart meters are not compulsory, and some people prefer to stick with traditional meters. However, smart meters can make money and carbon savings for you, your energy company, and the wider energy system when used correctly. They can also help you budget, especially with rising gas and electricity prices.
If you have a traditional meter, your energy company must take "all reasonable steps" to install a smart meter in your home. Energy companies have targets for smart meter installations, and they can be penalised if they don't meet them. However, you can ask your energy supplier to install a traditional meter with its communications turned off if you prefer.
Smart meters are not currently being installed in Northern Ireland, but this is set to change. In the rest of Britain, the smart meter network covers 99.3% of homes, according to Smart DCC, which operates it.
If you have a smart meter and want to switch energy suppliers, the process is generally quick and easy. There is no disruption to the power supply, and consumers continue to receive accurate billing throughout the process. If you have a first-generation SMETS1 meter that hasn't been upgraded yet, there's a chance it might temporarily stop sending automatic readings when you switch suppliers. In this case, you might have to send your new supplier manual readings for a short period. However, if you have a second-generation SMETS2 meter, your switch should happen automatically without disrupting your readings, supply, or payments.
By the end of 2025, everyone in England, Scotland, and Wales should have been offered a smart meter by their energy supplier.
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Smart meter compatibility issues
Smart meters are a great way to keep track of your energy usage and can even help you save money and cut down on energy wastage. Energy companies in the UK have been installing second-generation smart meters for several years now. These are automatically connected to the smart meter network, so all energy firms should be able to operate them. However, there have been some teething issues with smart meters, with some customers reporting problems with their devices.
First-generation smart meters, which were installed by some energy suppliers initially, can lose their smart functions when you switch to a different energy supplier. This is because different energy providers use different types of technology, which are often not compatible with each other. As a result, your smart meter may stop functioning as a smart meter and may need to be replaced. In some cases, the new supplier may need to fit a new smart meter if they are unable to use the one installed by your previous supplier.
To avoid this issue, it is important to check with your new supplier before switching to see if they can support your current smart meter. If not, you may need to request a replacement meter that is compatible with their system. It is worth noting that energy companies are under pressure to meet their annual installation targets and are required to take 'all reasonable steps' to install smart meters.
In addition to compatibility issues when switching suppliers, some smart meters have also faced connectivity issues. These issues can affect the accuracy of your bills, as the readings from your smart meter may not be transmitted properly to your energy provider. If you suspect connectivity issues with your smart meter, it is recommended that you contact your energy provider to investigate the problem.
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Benefits of smart meters
Smart meters are becoming increasingly popular as consumers seek to reduce their energy consumption and save money. They offer a range of benefits that traditional electricity meters do not, such as real-time monitoring of electricity usage, automated remote meter readings, and accurate billing.
Accurate billing and reduced costs
Smart meters provide customers with detailed information about their energy consumption, including when and how much power is used, which enables them to better manage their energy bills. With smart meters, customers can monitor their energy usage in near real-time, allowing them to understand their usage patterns and make informed decisions to reduce their consumption and lower their bills.
Improved customer experience and satisfaction
Smart meters eliminate the need for manual meter readings, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. They provide accurate and timely billing information, reducing the likelihood of estimated bills and resulting in improved customer satisfaction.
Enhanced data collection and analytics
Smart meters offer continuous and automatic data collection, allowing for a more precise measurement of energy usage. This data enables energy suppliers to better understand their customers' usage habits and develop more customer-centric services. It also helps utilities to identify areas of high power consumption and implement sustainability initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint.
Greater control and efficiency
Smart meters provide customers with greater control over their electricity use by offering a range of pricing plans and enabling them to make informed decisions to optimize their consumption and reduce their bills. Additionally, smart meters can help utilities improve their system efficiency and balance energy flow, resulting in a more reliable and resilient grid.
Convenience and time savings
Smart meters offer convenience by automatically sending meter readings to the utility provider, removing the need for on-site visits and manual submissions of final readings when changing energy suppliers.
Overall, smart meters offer a range of benefits, including improved accuracy, enhanced data collection, greater control for customers, and reduced costs, resulting in a better experience for both customers and energy providers.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't have to accept a smart meter if you don't want one. However, choosing not to have a smart meter might mean you have a limited choice of energy tariffs.
Smart meters can make money and carbon savings for you, your energy company, and the wider energy system when used correctly. They can also give you access to tariffs that reward you for using power outside of peak times.
Your supplier is responsible for fitting any smart metering equipment. Energy companies must take 'all reasonable steps' to install smart meters in their customers' homes. If your current meter is a next-generation (SMETS2) type of smart meter, there should be no issue switching to OVO.
Your installer may offer safety and energy-efficiency advice. They can also help you understand how to use your in-home display, which will help you easily track your costs and understand your energy usage.
