Last updated: 4 November 2026. General information for Great Britain; arrangements differ in Northern Ireland, not financial advice.
Your energy supplier has emailed again: “Book your free smart meter today!” Maybe you’ve ignored it three times. Maybe a neighbour told you theirs stopped working when they switched. Or maybe you’re just not sure it’s worth letting someone into the house for.
So, are smart meters worth it? Here’s an honest look at what a smart meter does, what it doesn’t do, your rights if you’d rather not have one, and when it can genuinely save you money.
Quick answer: a smart meter doesn’t save money on its own, but, when communicating correctly, it avoids estimated bills and routine manual readings, shows you what you’re using, and is usually needed for cheaper off-peak tariffs. Installation is free, and you don’t have to accept one in most cases.
What a smart meter actually does
A smart meter is a gas or electricity meter that sends your readings to your supplier automatically. That means:
- Fewer estimated bills. When the meter sends readings correctly, you’re billed for what you actually used.
- No routine manual meter readings while the meter is communicating correctly.
- An in-home display. Your supplier should offer you a small screen that shows how much energy you’re using and roughly what it’s costing.
- Access to more tariffs, especially ones with cheaper electricity at certain times of day.
By default, electricity readings are sent every half hour and gas readings once a month. You can change how often in your online account or by calling your supplier (Citizens Advice).
Does a smart meter save you money?
Not by itself. Citizens Advice puts it simply: a smart meterwon’t automatically save you money. You save when you change something because of what it shows you.
Where it can help:
- Spotting energy-hungry habits. Watching the display jump when the kettle, tumble dryer or electric heater goes on can be a real eye-opener.
- Accurate bills. If you’ve been on estimates, your Direct Debit may have been too high or too low. Real readings help set it right. (See energy Direct Debit too high?)
- Off-peak and time-of-use tariffs. Some suppliers offer cheaper electricity overnight or at quieter times. These usually need a smart meter.
What we do: we have an electric car, and we charge it overnight on a cheaper off-peak tariff using our supplier’s app. We also time the tumble dryer for the cheap hours. That only works because we have a smart meter. If you don’t have an electric car or can’t move much of your use to off-peak times, these tariffs may not suit you, because daytime prices can be higher.
A safety note: don’t leave a tumble dryer or washing machine running while you’re asleep or out. Only run these appliances while you’re awake and at home; a timer must not start them while you’re asleep.
Smart meter pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free to install | Doesn’t save money on its own |
| No estimated bills while readings are being received | Some older smart meters lose smart features when you switch supplier |
| No routine manual readings while connected | Can lose signal in some homes (for example, a meter in a basement) |
| In-home display shows your use | Installation means a visit and the power being off for a short time |
| Needed for most off-peak tariffs | Some people just don’t want the data shared |
Do you have to have a smart meter?
In most cases, no. Citizens Advice says you don’t have to accept a smart meter if you don’t want one. A few things to know:
- You might find it harder to get every tariff. Some of the cheapest deals are only for smart meter customers.
- You can ask for a smart meter with the smart features switched off. It then works like an ordinary meter and doesn’t send data to your supplier. Ask your supplier if it offers this.
- If your supplier says your meter has “expired”, check first. Citizens Advice says an electricity meter with an MID certification mark won’t expire.
- If an old gas meter has to be replaced because it’s unsafe, you might not be able to refuse a smart one. If your supplier says there’s a safety risk, Which? says you can ask for evidence.
- Radio teleswitch (RTS) meters, used on some older Economy 7 type setups, are being replaced because the signal they rely on is being switched off. Ofgem says support for RTS meters has ended, so contact your supplier to arrange a new meter.
Can you switch supplier with a smart meter?
Yes. You can still switch supplier with a smart meter. But it’s worth checking whether your meter will keep working in smart mode afterwards (Citizens Advice).
- Newer meters (often called SMETS2) usually switch without problems.
- First-generation meters (SMETS1) could stop working in smart mode when you switch, which means sending readings yourself again. Which? says these older meters are being upgraded remotely so they can switch without problems (Which?).
If your smart meter has stopped sending readings, keep taking your own readings (a dated photo is ideal) and contact your supplier.
How to get a smart meter installed
- Contact your supplier or book through your online account. It’s free.
- Ask about the signal if your meter is somewhere awkward, like a cellar.
- Be at home for the appointment. Citizens Advice says suppliers must pay you£40 if they miss an appointment without enough notice, and another £40 if they don’t pay that within 10 working days.
- Take a photo of your old meter readings before it’s removed, so you can check your final bill.
- Set up the in-home display and leave it somewhere you’ll see it, like the kitchen.
If you rent, check your tenancy agreement and let your landlord know before you book.
Getting the most from your smart meter
- Find your “baseline”. Check the display late at night when everything’s off. That’s what your fridge, freezer, router and standby devices use all the time.
- Switch off at the wall things you don’t need on standby.
- Check the display after a cold snap to see how much heating really costs. My guide to leaving the heating on low all day explains the best way to use your heating.
- Look at off-peak tariffs if you can move big jobs (car charging, dishwasher, washing) to cheaper times. Compare the total cost, not just the cheap rate.
- Read your bill once a quarter to check the rates match your tariff. Here are 100 ways to save energy at home.
Smart meters: people also ask
Are smart meters free?
Yes. There’s no charge to have one installed. The cost of the national roll-out is paid for through everyone’s energy bills.
Can I refuse a smart meter?
In most cases, yes. You don’t have to accept one. You can also ask for one with smart features switched off. The main exception is if an old gas meter needs replacing for safety reasons.
Do smart meters save money?
Not on their own. They help you see what you use, avoid estimated bills when connected, and give access to off-peak tariffs. You save when you change your habits or tariff.
What happens to my smart meter if I switch supplier?
Most newer meters keep working in smart mode. Some first-generation meters may stop sending readings for a while. Check before you switch, and send your own readings if needed.
Are smart meters accurate?
GOV.UK says smart meters must meet strict, regulated accuracy standards. If you think yours is wrong, take your own readings for a week, compare them with the display and your bill, then contact your supplier.
Do I need Wi-Fi for a smart meter?
No. Smart meters send readings over a national smart metering network that GOV.UK says is separate from the internet, so they don’t use your home Wi-Fi.
Summary
- A smart meter is free and avoids estimated bills and routine manual readings when communicating correctly.
- It doesn’t save money by itself. You save by acting on what it shows, or by moving to an off-peak tariff that fits how you live.
- In most cases you can say no, or ask for one with smart features turned off.
- You can switch supplier with a smart meter, but check older meters will stay smart.
Next step: if you’re already getting estimated bills, give your supplier a meter reading today, then check your Direct Debit with my guide to whether your energy Direct Debit is too high.
General information only. I’m not a financial adviser. If you’re struggling with energy bills, see my free money help guide and contact your supplier early.
Sources (checked 4 November 2026): Citizens Advice: getting a smart meter installed · Which?: do I have to accept a smart meter? · GOV.UK: smart meters, how they work · Ofgem: getting a smart meter