Smart Meters and Metering for Domestic Energy Tariffs in the UK
Everything you need to know about smart meters, meter readings, and how metering supports your domestic energy tariff. Learn how smart meters work, the benefits for your home, how to book an installation, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Applies to households in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). Northern Ireland has a different smart meter programme.
What is a smart meter?
A smart meter is a next-generation gas and electricity meter that securely sends your energy usage to us via the national smart metering network. It replaces traditional meters and comes with an optional In-Home Display that shows near real-time usage in pounds and pence.
How it works
- Electricity smart meter: measures your electricity usage and communicates via a secure Wide Area Network (WAN).
- Gas smart meter: communicates locally to the electricity meter (via the Home Area Network, HAN); the electricity meter then sends both gas and electricity data to us.
- In-Home Display (IHD): shows your usage and costs, updated frequently, helping you keep track.
- National infrastructure: Most smart meters are SMETS2 devices communicating via the Data Communications Company (DCC) for interoperability.
Types of smart meters
- SMETS2: the current industry standard; works across suppliers via the DCC.
- SMETS1: many are being enrolled into the DCC so they can stay smart if you switch. If your SMETS1 is not yet enrolled, it may operate temporarily in traditional mode.
Smart meters do not automatically lower your bill, but accurate, timely data helps you understand and manage your energy use and access time-of-use tariffs where available.
Benefits of a smart meter
Accurate bills
Smart meters send readings automatically, reducing estimated bills and manual submissions.
Track your usage
See near real-time usage and estimated costs on your IHD. Spot patterns and make informed choices.
Supports modern tariffs
Enables time-of-use and smart prepayment options, where available, to suit your lifestyle.
Faster issue resolution
Remote diagnostics can help us solve problems without a home visit wherever possible.
Environmentally helpful
Better visibility of usage can help lower consumption, supporting a lower-carbon energy system.
Easy top ups (prepay)
Top up online or via app/shops where available, with credit added automatically to the meter.
Smart meters and domestic energy tariffs
Smart meters work with a range of UK domestic tariffs. Your tariff type determines how your usage is priced.
Common electricity tariff types
- Single-rate: one unit rate all day.
- Economy 7/10: cheaper night/off-peak rate and a higher day rate; off-peak hours vary by region and meter settings.
- Time-of-Use (ToU): multiple time bands (e.g., peak/off-peak) enabled by half-hourly data with your consent.
Gas tariffs
- Typically single-rate; price varies by supplier and region. Smart meters simply provide automated reads.
ToU availability and eligibility depend on your meter, location, and product availability. We will confirm details before you switch tariff.
Eligibility and availability
- Property type: Most homes can get smart meters. Flats/basements or remote properties may need specific solutions or may have limited WAN coverage.
- Communications coverage: Smart meters require reliable WAN and HAN signal. If not currently available, we will re-check as coverage improves.
- Prepayment: Smart prepayment is available in many areas; functionality depends on meter type and communications.
- Vulnerable customers: If you or someone in your household is vulnerable or needs extra help, please let us know. Our Priority Services support may be available.
Smart meter installation: what to expect
- Book: Choose a suitable appointment time. We’ll confirm what’s needed. Book now.
- Preparation: Ensure clear access to your meters and that any pets are secured. We may need to switch off your electricity/gas briefly.
- Engineer visit: A qualified engineer will install and test the meters and set up your IHD.
- Safety checks: We’ll perform safety tests and show you how to use your IHD.
- Aftercare: We’ll confirm your meter details and begin receiving automatic readings (subject to signal).
Cost: We aim to offer smart meters to eligible customers at no upfront cost, subject to appointment availability. We’ll confirm any charges before booking if applicable.
Time: Typical installation takes 1–2 hours for both meters, though times may vary.
Using your In-Home Display (IHD)
- View near real-time electricity usage and daily/weekly trends.
- Check gas usage (updates in batches, typically every 30 minutes).
- Set budgets and alerts if your model supports it.
- Place it near your electricity meter (but not too close to other electronics) for best connectivity.
If your IHD goes blank or loses connection, see Troubleshooting.
Meter readings
With a smart meter
- We receive readings automatically at agreed intervals.
- If communications are temporarily unavailable, your meter stores readings and sends them when back online.
- You can still submit a manual read if we request one or if you prefer.
Without a smart meter (or in traditional mode)
Submit reads regularly to avoid estimated bills. Typical formats:
- Electricity single-rate: read the 5 digits before the decimal point.
- Electricity Economy 7: two readings labelled “Low/Night” and “Normal/Day”.
- Gas metric (m3): read 5 digits before the decimal. Imperial (ft3) often shows 4 digits.
We’ll confirm the exact format on your bill. If unsure, contact us.
Smart prepayment
- Top up options: Often available online, via app or PayPoint/Payzone locations. Credit is applied automatically to your meter.
- Emergency and friendly credit: Where available, these features can help if you can’t top up immediately. Terms vary; we’ll confirm what applies to your meter.
- IHD functions: Many IHDs show balance and low-credit alerts.
- Switching: Prepayment customers may switch to credit tariffs if eligible. We’ll guide you through options.
Troubleshooting and common issues
IHD not showing data
- Place the IHD closer to the electricity meter and ensure it’s plugged in and charged.
- Restart the IHD. If you’ve recently moved in or switched supplier, it may need re-pairing.
- If the display remains blank or inaccurate, contact us.
Smart meter not sending reads
- WAN signal can vary. Meters usually store readings and resend when signal returns.
- We may ask for a manual reading in the meantime.
- If prolonged, we’ll investigate communications or book an engineer if needed.
SMETS1 acting like a traditional meter
- Many SMETS1 meters are being enrolled into the DCC. Once enrolled, they regain smart functions across suppliers.
- We’ll keep you updated and request manual reads as required.
Economy 7 times seem incorrect
- Off-peak times can vary by region and meter configuration. Contact us to confirm your exact off-peak window.
Your data and privacy
Smart meters record your energy usage. You can choose how often we receive your data:
- Monthly: for accurate billing.
- Daily: better insights and support.
- Half-hourly: unlocks detailed insights and enables certain time-of-use tariffs.
You are in control and can change your preference. We handle your data in line with industry rules and data protection law.
Learn more about smart meters across Great Britain at Smart Energy GB and energy regulation at Ofgem.
Moving home
- Take a final meter reading on moving day (photo if possible), even with a smart meter.
- Tell us your move-out date and forwarding address so we can send a final bill.
- At your new home, let us know the meter serial numbers and opening reads to set up your account quickly.
Safety and compliance
- Installations are carried out by qualified engineers following UK safety standards.
- Gas work complies with Gas Safe requirements. Do not tamper with meters or associated equipment.
- If you smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Do smart meters cost extra?
We aim to offer smart meters to eligible customers at no upfront cost as part of the national rollout. We’ll confirm any charges before you book.
Will a smart meter work if I switch supplier?
SMETS2 meters are designed to work across suppliers via the DCC. Many SMETS1 meters are being migrated to the DCC; once enrolled, they also work across suppliers.
How often do you receive my data?
You choose monthly, daily, or half-hourly. We’ll use your preference to bill accurately and provide insights. You can change this at any time.
What if I have poor signal at my property?
We’ll check WAN/HAN coverage before installation. If signal is weak, we may defer installation, fit auxiliary equipment where appropriate, or re-check in future as coverage improves.
Can I keep my Economy 7 tariff with a smart meter?
Yes, smart meters support multi-rate tariffs such as Economy 7. Off-peak hours depend on your region and meter configuration. We’ll confirm your times.
What if my IHD is lost or broken?
Contact us to discuss replacement options and costs. Even without an IHD, your smart meter continues to send readings.
Ready to get started?
Join thousands of households using smart metering to simplify bills and understand energy use. Book your smart meter or talk to our team.
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