Smart Meters for UK Homes: Everything You Need to Know

Discover how smart meters give you accurate bills, easier top-ups, clearer insight into your energy use and a smoother switching experience. Check availability in your area and book your upgrade in minutes.

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  • Accurate bills based on near real-time readings
  • SMETS2 meters compatible across suppliers via the DCC
  • In-Home Display (IHD) shows usage and costs in pounds & pence
  • Smart prepayment: top up online, by app or in-store
  • You choose your data settings and can switch supplier without losing smart features

What is a smart meter?

A smart meter is a next-generation gas and/or electricity meter that automatically sends accurate readings to your energy supplier using a secure national network. Most UK homes now receive SMETS2 smart meters, which are interoperable across suppliers via the DCC. You'll also receive an In-Home Display (IHD) that shows your energy use and estimated costs in near real time.

Electricity smart meter

Measures your household electricity usage and sends readings automatically. Supports single-rate or multi-rate tariffs (e.g. Economy 7 or time-of-use).

Gas smart meter

Works with a battery-powered gas module that sends readings to your electricity meter, then securely to your supplier via the DCC network.

In-Home Display (IHD)

Shows live electricity usage, regular gas updates, daily/weekly/monthly costs, and budget alerts. Accessible versions are available for additional needs.

Why upgrade? Key benefits of smart meters

  • Goodbye estimated bills: Automated readings mean you pay for the energy you actually use.
  • Real-time insight: See the impact of appliances on your costs in pounds & pence to help you cut waste.
  • Better budgeting: Set usage alerts and track trends by day, week or month.
  • Smarter tariffs: Unlock access to time-of-use or EV tariffs where available.
  • Greener grid: Smarter data helps the UK integrate more renewables and reduce carbon emissions.
  • No more manual reads: Your supplier receives readings automatically, even if you switch.

Traditional vs smart meters

Feature Traditional meters Smart meters (SMETS2)
Billing Estimated unless you submit reads Automatic accurate reads
Usage insight None IHD shows live costs & trends
Prepayment Key/card top-ups App, online or in-store top-ups
Switching Manual reads required Readings sent securely via DCC
Tariff options Limited Enables smart/time-of-use tariffs

Ready to get started?

Join thousands of UK households already benefitting from accurate billing and clearer energy insights.

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Smart prepayment: easier top-ups and more control

If you use prepayment, a smart meter makes it simpler to stay on top of your balance and costs.

  • Top up your way: Use an app, online, phone, or PayPoint/Payzone in-store (options vary by supplier).
  • Instant credit update: Top-ups are applied remotely to your meter.
  • Friendly credit: Many suppliers offer friendly hours to prevent disconnection overnight or on weekends.
  • Emergency credit: Access a small buffer if you run out unexpectedly, then repay on your next top-up.

Availability of features may vary by supplier and tariff. Check your plan details before switching payment modes.

How smart meter installation works

  1. Check availability: Enter your postcode and account details to see if installations are open in your area.
  2. Book a slot: Choose a convenient date and time. An adult (18+) must be present.
  3. On the day: The engineer will complete safety checks and replace your existing meters. Expect a brief power and gas interruption.
  4. Set-up & demo: Your IHD is paired to your meters and we show you how to use it.
  5. Aftercare: Your meter sends readings automatically. You can adjust data preferences at any time.
Installation day checklist
  • Clear access to your existing meters (inside and outside).
  • Ensure pets are secure and children are supervised.
  • Plan for a short power outage; save any computer work in advance.
  • Have your Wi-Fi details handy if your supplier app requires them (smart meters themselves do not use your Wi-Fi).

Data, privacy and security

Smart meters in Great Britain use a secure, purpose-built network managed by the DCC. They do not use your home Wi-Fi. Your meter data is protected under UK data protection laws, and you control how often it is shared.

  • Billing reads: Typically monthly by default, to generate accurate bills.
  • Daily or half-hourly reads: Optional and consent-based. These enable more detailed usage insights and access to certain smart tariffs.
  • You're in control: Change your data preferences or opt out of non-essential sharing at any time. Your energy won't be disconnected for changing data settings.

We follow Ofgem and industry standards for security and privacy. For full details, see our Privacy Policy and your supplier Terms.

Switching supplier with a smart meter

SMETS2 meters are designed to work across suppliers through the national DCC network, so you can change provider and keep your smart features. Many earlier SMETS1 meters have now been enrolled into the DCC too; once enrolled, they also retain smart functionality when you switch.

  • No engineer visit normally required: Your meter continues to send readings automatically.
  • Temporary manual reads: Rarely, you may need to provide reads during a switch or if there's a communication issue. Your meter will still measure correctly.
  • Prepayment: If you use smart prepay, confirm top-up options with your new supplier before switching.

Troubleshooting and tips

My In-Home Display (IHD) has lost connection

Place the IHD closer to the electricity meter, plug it in, and restart it. Connection may take up to 24 hours after installation. Your meters continue to record usage even if the IHD is offline.

What if my home has poor signal?

Smart meters use the secure Wide Area Network (WAN). In some areas signal can be limited; engineers may use alternative communications or, in rare cases, your meter may temporarily operate in non-smart mode until coverage improves.

Can I still read my smart meters?

Yes. You can take on-screen reads from your smart electricity and gas meters. Your IHD and online account/app also show usage information.

Are smart meters safe?

Smart meters meet strict UK and EU safety standards. They emit low levels of radio waves, typically far below everyday devices like mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers.

Make the most of your smart meter

  • Use the IHD to spot high-usage appliances and adjust habits.
  • Set a weekly budget and track progress.
  • Consider time-of-use tariffs if your routine is flexible.
  • Enable half-hourly data for more detailed insights and tailored tariff options.

Book your smart meter today

Join the national smart upgrade and start benefiting from accurate billing and clearer energy insights.

Talk to our team Get a quote

Smart meters are typically installed at no upfront cost; like traditional meters, their costs are recovered across energy bills. Eligibility, appointment availability and timescales may vary by region and property.

Smart meter FAQs

Do I have to get a smart meter?

No. Smart meters are part of a national upgrade and suppliers are required to offer them, but installation is your choice.

Will my smart meter work if I switch supplier?

Yes. SMETS2 meters work across suppliers through the DCC. Many SMETS1 meters are now enrolled into the DCC too; once enrolled, they keep smart features when you switch.

Do smart meters use my Wi-Fi?

No. Smart meters use a secure national network. Your supplier app may use Wi-Fi or mobile data, but the meters themselves do not.

Can I choose how often my data is shared?

Yes. You can opt for monthly (default), daily, or half-hourly reads. More frequent reads enable better insights and certain tariffs. You can change your preference at any time.

What happens during installation?

An accredited engineer replaces your old meters, performs safety checks, and pairs your IHD. Power and gas will be off briefly.

How do smart meters help the environment?

Accurate data helps reduce waste and supports a smarter, more flexible grid, enabling greater use of renewable energy.

Is there a charge for installation?

There is typically no upfront installation charge. As with traditional meters, equipment and installation costs are recovered across energy bills.

Can I get an accessible display?

Yes. Accessible IHD options are available for customers with visual or other accessibility needs. Please let us know when booking.

Important information

  • Smart meter availability depends on location, property type and network coverage.
  • If your property has complex metering or limited signal, we may schedule a follow-up or provide guidance on next steps.
  • Tariff eligibility and savings depend on your usage patterns; smart meters themselves do not guarantee savings.
  • If you rent, you may need your landlord's permission to replace meters.