Smart Meters Guide

Considering Switching from a Traditional Meter to a Smart Meter?

Over the last decade, smart meters have been replacing traditional meters in homes and businesses across the UK. Not sure if they’re right for you? This guide explains what smart meters are, how they work and how to get one installed, along with the key advantages and disadvantages to help you decide.

What is a smart meter?

Smart meters are the latest type of energy meter being rolled out to homes and businesses across the UK. They have gradually replaced traditional prepayment and “dumb” meters, which had to be read manually, with readings passed on to energy companies.

These modern meters still monitor and record your energy usage, but unlike older meters, they no longer rely on manual readings. Instead, they send real-time gas and electricity data directly to your supplier, allowing for more accurate billing.

Smart meters comprise two primary elements

The gas meter and/or electricity meter

Unlike traditional meters that relied on manual or customer-submitted readings (often leading to estimated bills), smart meters send accurate, real-time data to your supplier over a secure wireless network. This ensures you are billed only for the energy you actually use.

In-home display (IHD)

The in-home display is a small tablet-like device supplied with your smart meter. It gives a clear, real-time view of how much gas and/or electricity you are using, along with the cost.

By placing it somewhere convenient, it can help you to monitor your energy consumption, spot waste, and cut bills. Some models also allow you to set energy targets and track usage over time, giving you more control over your household energy habits.

How do smart meters work?

Smart meters work in a similar way to mobile phones, using a secure wireless network connection designed specifically for smart meters.

Your electricity and gas meters connect through a communications hub, usually built into or attached to the energy meter. This hub allows the smart meter to send data instantly to your in-home display via the smart meter home-area network.

The electricity smart meter is mains-powered and shows your usage in real time, while the gas smart meter is battery-powered and by default wakes every 30 minutes to send a usage reading. Together, they provide you and your supplier with accurate, up-to-date information on your energy consumption.

If you would prefer not to share readings so frequently, you can change it from half-hourly to daily or monthly updates instead. Half-hourly readings give the most detailed picture of your usage and are often required for time-of-use tariffs, while daily or monthly readings may suit those who want less frequent data sharing.

Are all smart meters the same?

There are two types of smart meters in the UK: SMETS1 and SMETS2. SMETS stands for Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specification.

SMETS1 (first generation) – These were the first smart meters installed during the initial rollout from 2013 onwards. Early models often lost their smart functionality if the customer switched suppliers, as they were tied to the provider that installed them. This issue has since been fixed for most SMETS1 by connecting them to the central wireless network.

SMETS2 (second generation) – Rolled out nationally from 2018 and is now the standard. Since 2022, energy suppliers have been required to install SMETS2 meters, so any new meter fitted today will be this model. Unlike SMETS1, they automatically connect to the central network, ensuring compatibility with all suppliers and avoiding the earlier switching problems.

How to tell which smart meter you have

Not sure whether you’ve got a SMETS1 or SMETS2 meter? Don’t worry, there are a few simple ways to check:

• Check your gas or electric bill – Most suppliers list the type of meter on your bill. If you use a prepayment meter or don’t have a bill to hand, log in to your online account to check.
• Check your meter – Look for the serial number on the front of your meter. You can use this on the Citizens’ Advice “check your meter” tool to confirm the type and whether it’s working in smart mode.
• Contact your energy supplier – If you can’t find the information yourself, your energy supplier will be able to tell you directly.

How can I get a smart meter installed?

Although smart meters are being rolled out across the UK, they’re not available to everyone straight away. If you need a new or upgraded smart meter for your home, business or development, Crown Energy can manage the process for you.

Our team handles everything from start to finish, working with a trusted network of providers to reduce waiting times. We also arrange meter connections, disconnections and removals across mainland UK, so whatever your location, we’ll find the best solution for your project.

In some cases, properties may not yet be compatible with smart meters, for example, because of where the current meter is located. If this applies to you, we’ll liaise with the relevant authorities to explore your options and keep your project moving.

Our utility experts can help advise you on the next steps. You can also learn more about getting a smart meter installed.

What are the benefits of smart meters?

Smart meters come with both advantages and disadvantages. Here are the main points to consider:

Advantages of smart meters

Easier to monitor usage and costs

The in-home display shows your energy use in real time, helping you see what appliances cost to run and make changes that could reduce your bills.

No more estimated bills

Because readings are sent automatically, your supplier bills you for the energy you actually use, not an estimate.

No need to submit readings

Smart meters remove the hassle of sending manual readings or arranging site visits.

Helps detect unusual usage

Spikes in your usage may point to faulty appliances or other electrical issues, making it easier to spot problems early.

Disadvantages of smart meters

Technical issues

First-generation SMETS1 meters sometimes lost smart functionality when customers switched suppliers. Most have since been upgraded, while newer SMETS2 models avoid this problem.

Network coverage

Some homes may experience weak signals or dropouts, depending on location, building type, or meter placement. Your supplier can advise if this affects you.

Privacy and security

Some customers are concerned about how usage data is collected and shared. While protections are in place, it’s worth understanding how your supplier manages this data.