Who are we?: Smart Metering - The full story

About us

Who, Why and How?

The Smartme website is run by a small group of engineers with a wide and detailed experience of smart meters. We are independent of any external company.

When we looked around at the information available on smart meters in the UK, we found only high-level statements and no detail so we decided to create this website to help the public with information.

We believe that smart meters are a good thing, but their roll-out could have been achieved a lot more efficiently at lower cost and lessons should have been learned from the SMETS1 design and roll-out.

The SmartMe website is paid for by us and the only income comes from the adverts (about £1 a day currently). If you like what we are doing please buy us a coffee by clicking on this link to Ko-fi.

We have a list of improvements to the site that we are working through. Any suggestions for improvements or corrections to the site, or additional content would be gratefully received and considered. (Page updated: 2021-03-01)

Questions & Answers

What is the purpose of this site?
When we looked around at the information available for Smart Meters on the web we were concerned that it was difficult to get an unbiased view one way or the other. This site tries to give that view. (Updated: 2014-12-20)

Supplier says to you that they must fit a Smart Meter - What should you say?
Looking at the install numbers from Elexon, the risk of getting an older SMETS1 meter is low and you are very likely to get the latest SMETS2 meter. So we recommend you say Yes. We still recommend insisting on a SMETS2 meter when ordering and when your installer arrives as:
  1. SMETS2 meters are more secure than SMETS1.
  2. Functions such as prepayment are more reliable across a range of suppliers.
  3. Although 15th March 2019 was the end date for installing SMETS1 meters, this just means that suppliers can't count SMETS1 towards their Ofgem targets. They could still install them if they have stock left over.
  4. Even if your supplier says they are installing SMETS2 only, the installer may have some SMETS1 left in their van to use where they can't get a SMETS2 to work or physically fit.
  5. SMETS2 meters will have a solution for high rise flats and basements where the meters and IHD (in House Display) are far apart. This is known as the alternative HAN solution and should be available at the end of 2021.
(Updated: 2021-03-10)

How has COVID-19 effected smart meter installs?
Smart meter installations are continuing. Meter installers will wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) at all times and follow guidance on cleanliness and social distancing.
  • The installer will not shake your hand or accept a cup of tea.
  • The installer will not be able to demonstrate the IHD operation as this involves touching the screen. You will be given operating instructions instead.
  • The installer won't ask you to sign off the installation.
  • It is recommended you open windows to ensure good ventilation.
(Updated: 2020-11-18)

Why is my IHD (smart meter display) showing "waiting for current data"?
This means that the IHD (In Home Display) is no longer talking to the communications hub on the electricity meter. There are various steps to try to correct this:
  1. We suggest you wait 24 hours to see if the device reconnects.
  2. If not move the IHD close to the electricity meter and wait another 24 hours for reconnection.
  3. Try resetting your IHD and wait another 24 hours. There are various methods to reset an IHD depending on the model. Find a guide for your device at www.smartme.co.uk/documents.html.
  4. If this does not work then contact your energy supplier who will have to send commands to the devices to re-run the connection process.
(Updated: 2021-01-21)

Why do suppliers keep pushing Smart meters?

Can I refuse to have a smart meter installed?
You are under no obligation to have a smart meter installed in your home unless your existing meter is faulty or has reached the end of its certified life. If you refuse you can change your mind and accept one later. However, there will come a time when only Smart Meters are available and so if your meter breaks due to a fault it will be replaced by a Smart Meter.
You can discuss any concerns you have about smart meters with your supplier. See our Against page for information on why some people are worried about Smart Meters. (Updated: 2021-05-07)

Are smart meters safe?

Will my meters have to be changed if I change supplier?
There are a number of meter standards out there currently, only the latest SMETS2 standard is fully interoperable, meaning only SMETS2 are supported by all suppliers and allow customers to switch without losing any services or requiring any equipment changes. SMETS2 meters are now being installed in large volumes.
SMETS1 meters usually require replacing when you change supplier to retain a smart service. However, due to the large volume of SMETS1 meters, there is now an agreement to allow SMETS1 meters to be upgraded and enrolled into the new DCC systems and thus allow smooth switching for customers. See our Technical page for a list of SMETS1 meter types that can be upgraded. (Updated: 2019-10-21)

What is credit and prepayment mode?
Credit mode is where you pay for energy though a paying a amount of money regularly, usually a fixed amount. If your energy consumption goes above what you have paid for the supplier will allow you to re-pay over a period thereby offering you credit.
Prepayment is when you pay in advance for your energy buy charging a key or putting coins in a meter. The new smart meters will allow you to pay through the internet. (Updated: 2017-09-11)

Are SMETS2 meters compatible with storage heaters?
Yes. A fifth meter output is required to control the storage radiator load - 5 terminal meters are now available from most suppliers. (Updated: 2021-02-12)

What is a cut-out?
A cut-out is a piece of electrical equipment that forms the link between your DNO's (Distribution Network Operator) electricity cable and the internal wires in your property. It contains a large sealed fuse that can only be replaced by the DNO. Certain older cut-outs are inadequate and will need to be upgraded by the DNO as part of your Smart Meter installation. See this document for the various types of cut-out. (Updated: 2021-04-25)

When will I get a smart meter?
Each supplier started installing high volumes of SMETS1 Smart Meters in 2017, and started on SMETS2 meters in 2018. They are keen to install as many as they can to meet government targets. Whether they can install at your particular address is mainly governed by the signal availability on the new SMETS2 DCC Network; there was 97% coverage by the end of 2018 and a planned coverage of 99.25% by the end of 2020.
Contact your supplier if you would like a smart meter installed, however, it is up to you if you want a smart meter as they are not compulsory. (Updated: 2020-02-01)

If my electricity and gas is with different suppliers, what happens?
If your electricity and gas is with different suppliers, each supplier will contact you to make an appointment to install a smart meter for the fuel they supply to you. SMETS2 equipment has been designed to a particular standard so that all the meters and In Home Displays can talk together, this way you only need one In Home Display which will normally be supplied by the first supplier who installs a smart meter in your home. However, the earlier SMETS1 standard did not always interoperate unless the meters were on the same system, and even then support for interoperability by suppliers was poor. (Updated: 2019-10-21)

I have a SMETS2 meter. Will it work after switching suppliers?
If you have a SMETS2 (Smart Meter Equipment Technical Specifications) meter it has to be commissioned through DCC which is a common service used by all suppliers. Therefore you are safe to switch as your meter will continue to work with your new supplier. SMETS1 meters often use different support systems across different suppliers and therefore fail to work after switching suppliers. (Updated: 2020-01-07)

Normally your PAYG (Pay As You Go) top-up will be sent automatically to the smart meter, however, if the communications link through the mobile network is not available then this cannot happen.
Firstly you can use the emergency credit that most suppliers offer. If that runs out you can enter the long authorisation number that you received when you paid for the credit into the meter or IHD (In Home Display) to apply your credit. This very difficult to do on the meter so use the IHD if you can. (Updated: 2019-10-21)

How much data is stored on a Smart Meter?
The SMETS2 specification requires the following data to be recorded and stored.
Half-hourly electricity data:
  • 13 months of consumption (Active Energy Import)
  • 3 months of active energy exported
  • 3 months of reactive energy imported
  • 3 months of reactive energy exported.
Gas data:
  • 3 months of half-hourly consumption
  • 13 months of monthly consumption.
(Updated: 2020-11-07)

Why does my IHD show CO2?

Why are smart meters controversial?

Will a smart meter save me money?

I live in a block of flats. When will I get a Smart Meter?
Large blocks of flats, say over 20 homes, can have technical problems connecting the Smart Meter to the In Home Display, as the meters are often in a common area at some distance from the room where the In Home Display will be located. The roll-out to these properties will be in 2021 when technical solutions have been investigated and commissioned by a new company set up specifically to find solutions, the Alt HAN Co Ltd.
Small blocks of flats are being treated the same as other smaller properties during the national roll-out. (Updated: 2020-02-05)

Is MPAN the same as meter serial number?
They are different.
The Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) is a 21-digit number that starts with letter S and is used to identify your individual electricity supply point. The number can be found on your bill. This number will not usually change unless the type of tariff is changed, the premises is demolished or the main cable moved.
The Meter Serial Number is unique to your meter and it appears on your meter and energy bills. This number identifies your meter and so will change when your meter is changed. (Updated: 2021-04-09)

Is MPRN the same as meter serial number?
They are different.
The Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) is used to identify your individual gas supply point. The number can be found on your bill. This number will not usually change unless the premises is demolished or the gas main moved.

Can I have a smart meter if I'm a prepayment customer?
Yes. Smart meters work in both credit and prepayment modes. In fact, prepayment customers will have more flexible payment options available to them with smart meters, including remote top-up facilities. (Updated: 2014-12-20)

What is a PPMID?
Customers who opt to pre-pay for their energy should have a fall back means of applying a top up locally to their meter in the event of a temporary loss of WAN communications. This can be most easily achieved with a PPMID (pre-payment meter interface device), which allows the customer to easily enter a purchase reference number. Most suppliers now use IHDs (In Home Displays) with integrated PPMID functionality. (Updated: 2020-02-09)

How much can I save on energy costs every year?

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