SMETS1 vs SMETS2: what’s the difference for your home?
Learn how SMETS1 and SMETS2 smart meters work in the UK, what happens if you switch supplier, and whether upgrading could help you stay in control of your energy use. Compare whole-of-market home energy deals with EnergyPlus in minutes.
- Understand SMETS1 vs SMETS2 features, compatibility and reliability
- See what happens to your smart meter when you switch suppliers
- Get a whole-of-market comparison to find a better home energy tariff
For UK homes. We compare a wide range of suppliers. Availability and savings vary by region, meter type and tariff.
Compare energy deals — regardless of SMETS1 or SMETS2
Your smart meter type doesn’t stop you comparing tariffs. Where it can matter is how your readings are sent and whether your in-home display (IHD) stays smart after you switch. Use the form to compare whole-of-market home energy options and see what could suit your household.
Good to know: Smart meters don’t automatically make your tariff cheaper. The benefit is accurate billing and easier monitoring. Savings typically come from switching to a better unit rate/standing charge or changing how/when you use energy.
What you’ll learn on this page
- What SMETS1 and SMETS2 mean (and how to tell what you have)
- Whether SMETS1 meters still work smart after switching supplier
- When an upgrade to SMETS2 may be helpful
- Common UK home scenarios, including prepay and dual-fuel
SMETS1 vs SMETS2: the key differences
SMETS stands for Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications. In plain English, it’s the UK standard that tells a smart meter how to securely record your usage and send readings. SMETS2 is the newer standard designed to work smoothly across suppliers.
Connectivity
Most SMETS2 meters connect via the national smart meter network, improving cross-supplier compatibility. SMETS1 meters were installed earlier and can be more dependent on the installing supplier’s systems.
Switching supplier
With SMETS2, you should generally keep smart functionality when switching. With SMETS1, smart features may reduce (or later be restored) depending on enrolment into the wider network.
Future readiness
SMETS2 is the long-term UK standard. It’s designed to support ongoing improvements, including better interoperability and smarter prepayment features where available.
Not sure what you have? Your energy account, installation paperwork, or your supplier can confirm. You can also look for clues: many early installations (roughly 2013–2018) were SMETS1; most later installs are SMETS2.
What happens if you switch supplier?
Switching supplier is about changing who bills you for your gas and/or electricity — your meter stays in your home. The difference between SMETS1 and SMETS2 is what happens behind the scenes when your new supplier tries to collect smart readings.
If you have a SMETS2 meter
- Smart readings are usually available to your new supplier.
- Your bills are more likely to stay accurate without manual readings.
- Your in-home display may continue to show near real-time usage (depending on model and setup).
If you have a SMETS1 meter
- After switching, the meter may temporarily behave like a traditional meter (you may need to submit manual readings).
- Some SMETS1 meters are being adopted into the wider network, which can restore smart functionality.
- Your in-home display might show limited or no live data depending on compatibility.
Practical switching checklist (UK homes)
- Take opening readings (even if your meter is smart). Keep a photo for your records.
- Check your tariff end date and any exit fees (if you’re on a fixed deal).
- Know your meter type (smart / traditional, single-rate or Economy 7).
- Expect a bedding-in period: smart readings may take a short time to flow after a switch.
- Keep your IHD powered if you want ongoing usage visibility.
Tip: If you’ve been told you “can’t switch” because you have a smart meter, that’s usually incorrect for domestic customers. You can switch suppliers; the question is whether your meter stays smart during/after the switch.
SMETS1 vs SMETS2 comparison table
Use this table to quickly understand what each standard typically means for UK households. Individual experiences can vary based on meter model, area, and supplier systems.
If you’re mainly focused on lowering bills, start with tariff comparison and standing charges/unit rates. Meter type matters most for convenience (readings/IHD) and some smart services.
Should you upgrade from SMETS1 to SMETS2?
An upgrade can be useful, but it’s not automatically necessary for every home. Many SMETS1 meters still provide accurate billing and can record usage fine; the main question is whether you want consistent smart functions across supplier switches.
You might consider an upgrade if:
- You’ve switched supplier and your smart readings/IHD stopped working.
- You want fewer estimated bills and less manual meter reading.
- You’re on (or considering) a tariff that works better with smart data.
- You use prepayment and want smarter top-up/credit features where supported.
Before you request a meter exchange
- Ask your supplier if your SMETS1 meter can be reconnected to smart services without replacement.
- Check appointment availability in your area and whether access constraints apply.
- Confirm what will change: readings, IHD behaviour, prepay features, and any network/coverage considerations.
- Keep your energy goals clear: if your priority is cost, compare tariffs first.
Reminder: A meter exchange is arranged by your supplier. EnergyPlus helps you compare home energy deals; your chosen supplier can confirm meter support during the switch.
Common UK home scenarios (and what to do)
Economy 7 / time-of-use
If you have two electricity rates, focus on tariffs built for your meter setup. When switching, provide both day and night readings where applicable.
Prepayment (PAYG)
Smart prepay can be more convenient, but features differ by supplier and meter. Compare deals that match how you pay and confirm support during the switch.
Dual fuel households
You can switch gas, electricity, or both. Make sure you have the right details for each meter (serial numbers/readings) to avoid billing delays.
Common mistakes that cause switching delays
- Submitting the wrong opening reading (or missing the date/time).
- Mixing up meter serial numbers between gas and electricity.
- Not flagging a complex meter setup (e.g. multiple MPANs, restricted meters).
- Assuming your IHD will automatically pair with a new supplier.
SMETS1 vs SMETS2 FAQs
Is SMETS2 better than SMETS1?
For most households, SMETS2 is “better” for switching because it’s built to work across suppliers more consistently. SMETS1 can still be perfectly fine for accurate billing, but smart features may be less consistent after a switch.
Can I switch supplier with a SMETS1 meter?
Yes. UK domestic customers can usually switch supplier regardless of smart meter generation. The only difference is whether your meter remains “smart” for readings/IHD after the switch.
Will my bills change if I move from SMETS1 to SMETS2?
Your unit rates and standing charges are set by your tariff, not the meter type. Upgrading can reduce estimated bills by improving smart readings, but cost savings typically come from switching to a better deal.
How do I know if my meter is SMETS1 or SMETS2?
Your supplier can confirm. If you don’t have paperwork, check your online account or contact your supplier with your address and meter serial number. Installation timeframe can be a clue, but it’s not definitive.
Will my in-home display (IHD) work after switching?
Often yes for SMETS2, but it depends on the device model and configuration. With SMETS1, the IHD is more likely to lose live usage data after a switch. Your supplier can advise what to expect.
Do I have to accept a smart meter?
Smart meters are offered across the UK, but arrangements can vary by supplier and circumstances. If you’re unsure, ask your supplier what options are available for your property and meter setup.
Want the practical next step? If your goal is lower bills, start with tariff comparison. If your goal is a better smart experience after switching, consider whether SMETS2 compatibility is important for you.
Why households use EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market approach
Compare a wide range of UK home energy options so you can choose based on price, payment method and tariff features.
Built for real households
Dual fuel, electricity-only, Economy 7 and prepay — compare tariffs that match how your home actually uses energy.
Clear next steps
Understand what SMETS1/SMETS2 means, then take action: compare deals, switch supplier, and keep your billing accurate.
What people tell us
“I wasn’t sure if my older smart meter would affect switching. The guide made it clear, and the comparison was straightforward.”
“Helpful explanation of SMETS1 vs SMETS2. I switched tariff and now my bills are based on readings, not estimates.”
Testimonials are illustrative of customer-reported experiences and may not reflect all outcomes.
Ready to compare home energy deals?
Whether you have SMETS1 or SMETS2, you can still switch. Compare whole-of-market tariffs and find an option that fits your home.
You can switch supplier even if your smart meter’s “smart” features vary during the process.
Quick recap
- SMETS2: designed to stay smart when you switch
- SMETS1: may lose smart functions after switching (sometimes temporarily)
- Best cost move: compare tariffs and switch if the numbers work
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