Energy Bills and Switching Suppliers UK 2026 — Complete GuideSmart Meters Guide UK — What You Need to Know
Complete guide to smart meters in the UK. How they work, benefits and concerns, how to get one, and whether you should accept a smart meter.
If you are comparing tariffs, switching options, and bill-control tactics, start with the Energy Bills and Switching Hub for the full decision framework.
If you are planning insulation, heating upgrades, and grant-backed home improvements together, use the Energy Efficiency Hub as your main route map.
Smart meters are becoming the standard. Here’s everything you need to know.
Read more: See our Energy Grants guide for a complete overview of this topic.
What Is a Smart Meter?
How It Works
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Measures usage | Like normal meter |
| Sends readings | Automatically to supplier |
| In-home display (IHD) | Shows real-time usage |
| No estimates | Bills always accurate |
| Two-way communication | Can receive tariff updates |
Components
| Part | Purpose |
|---|
| Smart electricity meter | Measures electric use |
| Smart gas meter | Measures gas use |
| Communications hub | Sends data securely |
| In-home display | Shows usage and costs |
Benefits of Smart Meters
For You
| Benefit | Details |
|---|
| Accurate bills | No more estimates |
| See real-time usage | On IHD |
| No meter readings | Happen automatically |
| Better budgeting | Know costs as you go |
| Time-of-use tariffs | Access cheaper rates |
In-Home Display Shows
| Information | Benefit |
|---|
| Current energy use | See what’s on now |
| Cost so far today | Track daily spending |
| Historical data | Compare usage patterns |
| Gas and electricity | Both fuels |
| Running costs | See expensive appliances |
Tariff Opportunities
| Tariff Type | Benefit |
|---|
| Time-of-use | Cheaper rates at certain times |
| EV tariffs | Very cheap overnight charging |
| Export tariffs | Get paid for solar export |
| Agile tariffs | Variable pricing by half-hour |
Types of Smart Meter
SMETS1 vs SMETS2
| Feature | SMETS1 | SMETS2 |
|---|
| When installed | 2013-2018 | 2019 onwards |
| If you switch supplier | May lose smart function | Keeps smart function |
| Network | Supplier-specific | National network (DCC) |
| Recommendation | Ask for upgrade if you have one | Current standard |
Checking What You Have
| Indicator | SMETS1 | SMETS2 |
|---|
| Installation date | Before 2019 | 2019 onwards |
| Lost smart when switching | Yes | No |
| Ask supplier | They can confirm | They can confirm |
Getting a Smart Meter
How to Request
| Step | Action |
|---|
| 1 | Contact your energy supplier |
| 2 | Request smart meter installation |
| 3 | Book appointment |
| 4 | Installation takes 1-2 hours |
| 5 | Engineer shows you IHD |
What to Expect
| Stage | Details |
|---|
| Appointment | Engineer visits your home |
| Power off | Brief interruption during swap |
| Duration | 1-2 hours typically |
| Cost | Free from your supplier |
| IHD setup | Engineer sets up and explains |
Eligibility
| Situation | Can Get Smart Meter? |
|---|
| Standard home | Yes |
| Rented property | Yes |
| Flats | Usually yes |
| Old wiring | May need upgrade first |
| Prepayment | Yes (smart prepay) |
Concerns and Answers
Common Worries
| Concern | Reality |
|---|
| Data privacy | Data protected, opt out of half-hourly sharing |
| Health (EMF) | Emit less than mobile phones, same as WiFi |
| Switching problems | SMETS2 works with all suppliers |
| Meter accuracy | Regulated and tested |
| Forced installation | You can refuse |
Data and Privacy
| Data Type | Who Sees It |
|---|
| Daily readings | Supplier (for billing) |
| Half-hourly readings | Optional — you choose |
| Real-time on IHD | Only you |
| Sharing with third parties | Only with your consent |
If You Have Problems
| Issue | Solution |
|---|
| IHD not working | Contact supplier for replacement |
| Meter not sending | Engineer visit may be needed |
| Lost smart function | Request upgrade to SMETS2 |
| Readings seem wrong | Contact supplier to investigate |
Smart Prepayment
How It Works
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Same smart meter | But in prepayment mode |
| Top up remotely | App, online, phone |
| No shop visits | Unless you prefer |
| See balance | On IHD and app |
| Emergency credit | Still available |
Benefits Over Traditional Prepay
| Smart Prepay | Traditional Key/Card |
|---|
| Top up from home | Go to shop |
| See balance easily | Check meter |
| Better tariff access | Limited deals |
| Switch suppliers easily | Harder to switch |
Using Your Smart Meter
Making the Most of IHD
| Feature | How to Use |
|---|
| Daily budget | Set target and track |
| Appliance detective | Turn things on, see impact |
| Spot waste | Find always-on drains |
| Compare days | See pattern differences |
Saving Money
| Strategy | How |
|---|
| Watch the display | Notice what uses most |
| Time heavy usage | Use cheaper rate periods |
| Spot standby drain | Turn things off properly |
| Track heating cost | Know your daily heating spend |
| Set budget alerts | Some IHDs allow this |
Time-of-Use Tariffs
| Tariff Type | How It Works |
|---|
| Economy 7 | Cheaper overnight (7 hours) |
| EV tariffs | Very cheap 00:00-05:00 |
| Agile tariffs | Price changes every 30 mins |
| Best for | EV owners, storage heaters, flexible users |
Summary: Smart Meter Checklist
Before Installation
| Consider | Notes |
|---|
| Your meter type | SMETS2 is current standard |
| Rental? | Can request — landlord can’t refuse |
| Old wiring? | May need update |
| Prepayment? | Smart prepay available |
During Installation
| Expect | Details |
|---|
| 1-2 hour appointment | Engineer in home |
| Brief power cut | During meter swap |
| IHD demonstration | How to use display |
| Free | No charge from supplier |
After Installation
| Action | Benefit |
|---|
| Learn your IHD | Understand the display |
| Check readings work | Confirmed on account |
| Consider time-of-use tariff | If lifestyle suits |
| Watch and learn | See what uses energy |
Key Points
| Point | Details |
|---|
| Not compulsory | You can refuse |
| No direct savings | Helps you change behaviour |
| SMETS2 best | Works with all suppliers |
| Privacy protected | You control data sharing |
Smart meters don’t automatically save money, but they give you the information to take control of your energy use. For most households, they’re a sensible upgrade — especially if you want access to time-of-use tariffs or just accurate bills.