The Current Picture

Over 35 million smart meters are now installed across UK homes and businesses. Early problems with compatibility and connectivity have largely been resolved, and for most households the case for getting one installed has never been stronger.

What a Smart Meter Actually Does

A smart meter replaces your old gas and electricity meters and sends readings automatically to your supplier — no more estimated bills. It comes with an In-Home Display (IHD) that shows your real-time energy use in kilowatt-hours and, crucially, in pounds and pence. Seeing that your electric shower costs 30p every ten minutes tends to change behaviour.

The Real Benefits

No More Estimated Bills

Estimated bills can leave you significantly overpaying (your supplier holds your money) or in debt (facing a large catch-up payment). Accurate billing means your direct debit is set correctly from day one.

Better Usage Awareness

Studies show households with smart meters reduce consumption by 2–4% on average — worth £30–£60 a year for a typical home, simply from being more aware.

Access to Better Tariffs

Innovative deals like Octopus Agile, intelligent EV charging tariffs, and solar export tariffs all require a smart meter. Without one, you are locked out of a growing and often very competitive part of the market.

Easier Switching

Your usage data transfers automatically when you switch suppliers, making the process smoother with no manual readings needed.

Are There Any Downsides?

Early SMETS1 meters (pre-2019) sometimes lost smart functionality when customers switched suppliers. Most have now been enrolled in the national DCC network, restoring full functionality. Current SMETS2 meters work with all suppliers from installation.

Some households report IHD connectivity issues — usually resolved by a reset or a call to the supplier.

Should You Get One?

Yes, for most people. Installation is free, takes around an hour, and is arranged at a time to suit you. Contact your current supplier to book. Combine your smart meter with a time-of-use tariff and you can save considerably more by shifting usage to cheaper overnight hours.

Compare smart-meter-compatible tariffs now to see what is available in your area.