Do I have to have a smart meter?

No, you do not have to have a smart meter installed in your home. While the government is committed to a nationwide rollout, and energy suppliers are required to offer them, you generally have the right to refuse installation.

This guide clarifies your rights, explores the benefits of smart meters, and addresses common concerns, helping you make an informed decision about your energy future.

Switching to a smart meter can offer greater control over your energy use and bills. With Fuse Energy, a smart meter provides real-time usage insights directly in the app, helping you understand and manage your consumption. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and experience a modern approach to home energy.

Understanding your rights: are smart meters compulsory?

The question of whether smart meters are mandatory often causes confusion. For most households in Great Britain, smart meters are not legally compulsory, and you have the right to refuse installation.

The UK government's smart meter rollout

The UK government is committed to upgrading the national energy infrastructure by rolling out smart meters to homes and small businesses across Great Britain. Energy suppliers are obliged to take "all reasonable steps" to offer and install smart meters, with a target for widespread coverage in domestic properties by the end of 2030. This initiative aims to create a more efficient and flexible energy system.

Your right to refuse installation

You have the right to decline a smart meter installation. Your energy supplier cannot force you to have one, nor can they penalise you for refusing. This means your tariff will generally not change, and you will not face extra charges simply for keeping a functional traditional meter. However, if your existing meter is faulty, unsafe, or an older type being phased out (such as a Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meter), it will need to be replaced, and the replacement will typically be a smart meter.

What happens if you decline?

If you choose to refuse a smart meter, you will continue to receive bills based on manual meter readings (which you will need to submit yourself) or estimated usage. Your energy supplier may continue to contact you periodically to offer an installation, as they have targets to meet.

The benefits of smart meters

While not compulsory, smart meters offer several advantages that can help you manage your energy consumption and costs more effectively.

Accurate billing and usage tracking

Smart meters send readings automatically to your energy supplier, which means you receive accurate bills based on your actual consumption, rather than estimates. This eliminates the need for manual meter readings and helps you avoid unexpected bill adjustments. An in-home display (IHD) provided with the smart meter shows your energy usage in near real-time, in pounds and pence, allowing you to track your spending and identify ways to reduce consumption.

Access to flexible tariffs

Smart meters can unlock access to a wider range of tariffs, including time-of-use or flexible tariffs. These tariffs often offer cheaper rates during off-peak hours (e.g., overnight), allowing you to save money by shifting your energy use, such as charging an electric vehicle or running appliances, to these periods.

Environmental impact and grid stability

Smart meters contribute to a more efficient and sustainable energy system. By providing real-time data on energy demand, they help grid operators balance supply and demand more effectively, integrate more renewable energy sources, and respond to power outages more quickly. This can lead to a reduction in carbon emissions and a more stable energy supply for everyone.

Addressing common smart meter concerns

Concerns about smart meters are common, but many are addressed by existing regulations and technology.

Data privacy and security

Smart meters are designed with security in mind. They collect only energy usage data, not personal information like your name, address, or bank details. This data is encrypted and transmitted over a secure, dedicated network, not your home Wi-Fi, making it highly secure against cyber threats. Your energy usage data belongs to you, and suppliers cannot use it for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.

Connectivity issues and what to do

Sometimes, smart meters can experience connectivity issues, meaning they may temporarily stop sending automatic readings. This can happen due to signal strength or other technical factors. If your smart meter goes offline, it will typically revert to functioning like a traditional meter, and you may need to provide manual readings until the issue is resolved. Your energy supplier is responsible for ensuring your smart meter remains operational and should assist you in resolving any connectivity problems.

Installation process and disruptions

A smart meter installation typically takes around one to two hours per meter, during which your electricity and/or gas supply will be temporarily switched off for a short period. The engineer will replace your old meter, install the new smart meter and in-home display, and show you how to use it. Most smart meter installations for eligible homes are provided free of charge by energy suppliers.

What if you have an old meter?

Certain older meter types are being phased out, which means they will eventually need to be replaced, usually with a smart meter.

Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meters explained

Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters are a legacy type of electricity meter that uses a longwave radio signal to switch between peak and off-peak rates, often used for electric heating and hot water systems. The industry-wide phase-out of the RTS began on 30 June 2025. Energy suppliers are progressively phasing out these meters. If you have an RTS meter, it will need to be replaced with a smart meter to ensure your heating and hot water systems continue to function correctly and you are billed accurately. Your energy supplier will arrange this free upgrade.

Upgrading from traditional meters

If your traditional meter is faulty, unsafe, or has reached the end of its operational life, your energy supplier is required to replace it. As traditional meters are no longer widely produced, the replacement will almost certainly be a smart meter. While you can refuse a smart meter in general, in these specific circumstances, your options for retaining a non-smart meter may be limited.

Prepayment meters and smart technology

Smart meters are also available for prepayment customers, often referred to as smart Pay As You Go (PAYG) meters. These offer more convenient ways to top up credit (online, via app, phone, or in-store), real-time usage tracking on an in-home display, and alerts when your balance is low. This can help you manage your budget more effectively and avoid losing supply.

Making an informed decision about smart meters

The decision to install a smart meter is ultimately yours. Understanding your rights and the potential implications will help you choose what is best for your household.

Weighing the pros and cons

Consider the benefits of accurate billing, usage insights, and access to flexible tariffs against any concerns you may have about data privacy or installation. For many, the ability to monitor energy use and potentially save money outweighs the perceived downsides. For others, the preference for a traditional meter remains strong.

Communicating with your energy supplier

Whatever your decision, communicate it clearly to your energy supplier. If you choose to refuse, be prepared for them to contact you again in the future as part of the ongoing rollout. If you decide to proceed, they will arrange a free installation appointment at your convenience.

Managing your home energy should be straightforward and transparent. Fuse Energy uses smart meter technology to give you clear insights into your energy consumption, helping you understand and control your bills. With our user-friendly app, you can track your usage in real-time and access tariffs designed to suit a modern home. Plus, our 24/7 human customer support team is always available to help with any queries you might have. Take control of your energy today. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy. You can also learn more about our mission to provide smarter, cleaner energy by clicking here.