SMETS1 smart meter: what you need to know

The first generation of smart meters, known as SMETS1 (Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications first generation), were introduced across Great Britain to help households track energy usage and receive accurate bills. While they offered initial benefits, their early design often meant they lost smart functionality when customers switched energy suppliers. This article explains how these meters work, the industry-wide effort to upgrade them, and how you can switch suppliers with confidence, ensuring your SMETS1 meter stays smart.

Understanding your SMETS1 smart meter is key to managing your home's energy. Fuse Energy helps you make the most of your smart meter data with clear insights and simple switching. Click here to see how easy it is to get started.

What is a SMETS1 smart meter?

SMETS1 meters were the pioneering smart meters installed in UK homes from around 2013 onwards, forming the initial phase of the national smart meter rollout. They were designed to modernise the energy grid by providing consumers with better information about their energy consumption.

The evolution of smart meters in the UK

The UK's smart meter programme aimed to replace traditional meters that required manual readings, offering automatic data transmission to energy suppliers. SMETS1 meters were the first step in this evolution, but they were developed before a universal communication network was fully established.

Key features and initial benefits of SMETS1 meters

When first installed, SMETS1 meters offered several advantages. They allowed for automatic meter readings, reducing the need for manual submissions and helping to ensure more accurate billing. They also typically came with an in-home display (IHD) that showed real-time energy usage, empowering users to monitor and manage their consumption more effectively.

SMETS1 vs SMETS2: understanding the differences

The primary distinction between SMETS1 and SMETS2 meters lies in their communication methods. SMETS1 meters were initially designed to connect to the communication network of the specific energy supplier that installed them. SMETS2 meters, on the other hand, were built to connect directly to a shared national network.

Interoperability challenges of early SMETS1 meters

The supplier-specific communication of early SMETS1 meters led to a significant problem: interoperability. If you switched energy suppliers, your SMETS1 meter might "go dumb", losing its smart features like automatic readings and real-time data on your IHD. This meant you would have to submit manual readings again, much like with an old traditional meter. This issue caused concern and frustration for many customers.

The role of the data communications Company (DCC) in smart metering

The Data Communications Company (DCC) operates the secure national smart metering network, which is crucial for modern smart meters. This network facilitates reliable communication between smart meters and all energy suppliers. SMETS2 meters were designed from the outset to use this network, ensuring they remain smart even when you switch providers.

The SMETS1 to DCC migration: what it means for you

To address the interoperability issues of SMETS1 meters, an industry-wide migration programme was initiated to connect these first-generation devices to the national DCC network. This process has been a significant undertaking, involving millions of meters across Great Britain.

How SMETS1 meters become 'smart' again through migration

The migration process remotely upgrades eligible SMETS1 meters, allowing them to communicate via the DCC network, similar to SMETS2 meters. This "Enrolment and Adoption" (E&A) process typically happens wirelessly, without needing an engineer visit to your home. Once successfully migrated, your SMETS1 meter should regain and retain its smart functionality.

Benefits of DCC connectivity for SMETS1 meter owners

Once a SMETS1 meter is successfully connected to the DCC network, it should function much like a SMETS2 meter. This means it will continue to send automatic readings to your energy supplier, your in-home display will remain active, and crucially, it should retain its smart functionality even if you decide to switch energy suppliers. This ensures you continue to receive accurate bills and can manage your energy usage effectively.

How to identify your SMETS1 smart meter

Knowing whether you have a SMETS1 or SMETS2 meter can be helpful, especially if you are considering switching suppliers.

Visual cues and checking your meter's display

While there is not a single definitive visual cue, some general indicators can help. Meters installed before 2018 are more likely to be SMETS1, while those installed from 2019 onwards are almost certainly SMETS2. SMETS2 meters often have a separate communications hub attached to or directly on top of the electricity meter. Some SMETS1 meters may have serial numbers starting with "19P", while SMETS2 meters might start with "19M". However, these are not always reliable.

Contacting your energy supplier for confirmation

The most reliable way to determine your meter type and its DCC migration status is to contact your energy supplier directly. They can access your meter's details on the national database and confirm whether it is a SMETS1 or SMETS2 model and if it is connected to the DCC network. You can also use the Citizens Advice smart meter checker tool, which can tell you your meter type and whether it should work in smart mode.

Switching energy suppliers with a SMETS1 meter

You can switch energy suppliers even if you have a SMETS1 meter. The key is understanding its migration status to the DCC network.

Ensuring continued smart functionality post-switch

If your SMETS1 meter has been successfully migrated to the DCC network, it should retain its smart functionality when you switch suppliers. This means automatic readings will continue, and you will not experience a loss of smart features. The migration programme has connected millions of SMETS1 meters, helping to ensure a seamless switching experience for most.

If your SMETS1 meter has not yet been migrated, or if the migration was unsuccessful, it might temporarily revert to "dumb" mode after a switch, meaning you would need to submit manual readings. In such cases, your new supplier should work to get it connected to the DCC network or, if necessary, replace it with a SMETS2 meter.

What to expect from your new energy supplier

When you switch, your new energy supplier will handle the process, communicating with your previous provider. If your SMETS1 meter is DCC-connected, the switch should be seamless, with your meter continuing to send readings automatically. If there is an issue, your new supplier will advise you on the next steps, which might involve a remote update or, in some cases, a meter replacement. They are obligated to take reasonable steps to ensure your meter operates in smart mode.

Troubleshooting common SMETS1 smart meter issues

While most SMETS1 meters are now connected to the DCC, you might still encounter issues.

When your SMETS1 meter is not communicating

If your SMETS1 meter is not sending readings or your in-home display is not working, first try a simple reboot of your IHD by unplugging and plugging it back in. Check if your IHD shows a signal strength indicator or any error messages. If the problem persists, contact your energy supplier. They can check if they are receiving data from your meter and diagnose the issue. Connectivity problems can stem from network issues, distance from the communications hub, or even a depleted battery in the case of gas meters.

What to do if your SMETS1 meter needs replacing

In some instances, if a SMETS1 meter cannot be migrated to the DCC network or is genuinely faulty, a replacement with a SMETS2 meter may be necessary. Your energy supplier is responsible for arranging this.

A critical point for SMETS1 gas meters is their internal battery. These meters run on batteries designed to last 10-20 years. If the battery in a SMETS1 gas meter fully depletes, it can cause the internal safety valve to close, cutting off your gas supply until the meter is exchanged. This is a safety mechanism, not a fault, but it means a dead battery on an SMETS1 gas meter will leave you without gas. The battery is sealed and cannot be replaced; the entire meter needs to be exchanged. If your gas meter display is blank, try pressing and holding any button for about 10 seconds, as it might just be in power-saving mode.

Switching energy suppliers with a SMETS1 meter does not have to be a source of anxiety. With the ongoing industry migration to the DCC network, most SMETS1 meters now retain their smart functionality, even after a switch. By understanding your meter's status and knowing what to expect, you can confidently choose the best energy deal for your home.

Fuse Energy demystifies SMETS1 meters and the DCC migration process, providing clear, actionable information so you understand your meter's status and future functionality. Once your SMETS1 meter is DCC-connected, Fuse ensures it integrates seamlessly with our app, providing accurate readings, smart tariff eligibility, and enhanced control. Our dedicated support team is on hand to help with any SMETS1-related queries or concerns, ensuring a smooth and reassuring experience during and after switching. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and take control of your energy.