Finance Editor, Kael Tripton Ltd - LBS MBA - Verified against FCA Handbook: 14 June 2026
Quick answer
Smart meter installation is not mandatory for UK domestic customers. If your smart meter stops working, your supplier must repair it. Remote switching to prepayment mode is restricted. SMETS2 meters work across all suppliers; SMETS1 meters may go dumb when you switch.
Do You Have to Accept a Smart Meter and What Are Your Rights?
Direct answer
Can my energy supplier force me to have a smart meter?
No. Smart meter installation is not mandatory as of June 2026. Your supplier must offer but cannot compel installation. If your smart meter stops working, the supplier is responsible for repair under SMICoP.
Check your meter type
Look for SMETS2 labelling or ask your supplier.
If installation is offered -- check the engineer's credentials
Gas Safe registered for gas meters, authorised by your supplier.
If your smart meter goes dumb after switching
Contact your new supplier immediately. For SMETS2 this should resolve via DCC enrollment.
Use the in-home display
Shows real-time energy use and cost to identify high-consumption periods.
Complain if the supplier fails to fix a faulty meter
Write to supplier, wait 8 weeks, then escalate to Energy Ombudsman.
| Issue | Your right | Route if unresolved |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier forces installation | Right to refuse | Report to Ofgem |
| Smart meter goes dumb after switching | Supplier must repair | Complaint then Energy Ombudsman |
| Remote prepayment without consent | Prohibited unless process followed | Complaint to Ofgem and Energy Ombudsman |
| Estimated bills despite smart meter | Supplier must use actual reads | Complaint then Energy Ombudsman |
Smart Meters and Energy Tariff Access: What Ofgem Rules Say
Some energy tariffs -- particularly the cheapest time-of-use tariffs such as Octopus Agile or Economy 7 successors -- are only available to customers with compatible smart meters. Ofgem's rules require that customers without smart meters are not permanently excluded from the full range of available tariffs, but in practice some tariff designs require smart meter data to function. If you have refused a smart meter but want access to a time-of-use tariff, check whether the supplier offers a workaround such as manual time-of-use declarations or half-hourly data submission via an approved device. The Ofgem consumer guide at ofgem.gov.uk sets out current supplier obligations on tariff access for non-smart meter customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to accept a smart meter?
No. Smart meter installation is not mandatory for domestic customers in the UK as of June 2026. Ofgem's framework requires suppliers to offer smart meters but consumers can refuse. However, some suppliers may phase out traditional meter servicing over time.
What are my rights if my smart meter stops working?
Under the Smart Metering Installation Code of Practice (SMICoP), if a smart meter stops working in smart mode, your supplier is responsible for repair or replacement within a reasonable timeframe. If it reverts to dumb mode you may revert to estimated billing until fixed.
Can my supplier switch me to prepayment mode remotely?
Suppliers can only remotely switch a SMETS2 meter to prepayment mode after following a specific process: formal notice, checking for vulnerability indicators and making alternative arrangements. Remote prepayment switching without following this process is a breach of supply licence conditions.
What is SMETS1 vs SMETS2?
SMETS1 meters (first generation) often reverted to dumb mode when customers switched supplier. SMETS2 meters (current standard) are enrolled on the DCC network which works across all suppliers. If you have a SMETS1 meter and switch, it may revert to dumb mode. Ofgem has been enrolling SMETS1 meters on DCC to address this.
Does a smart meter help me save money?
Smart meters provide real-time usage data. Research by BEIS and Ofgem found smart meter customers reduce consumption by approximately 3% on gas and 2% on electricity on average versus before installation. The in-home display shows real-time cost per hour.
Primary sources
Kael Tripton Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office under registration number ZC135439.
