Smart meter installation explained
Getting a smart meter installed is a straightforward, free upgrade for eligible homes across Great Britain, designed to modernise the energy grid and give you greater control over your energy use. This guide covers the process, from checking your eligibility to understanding what happens after installation, ensuring a smooth transition to smarter energy management.
Once your smart meter is installed, managing your energy can become much simpler. Fuse Energy offers clear pricing and real-time usage data through its app, helping you make the most of your new smart meter. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.
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What is a smart meter and why should you get one?
Smart meters are the next generation of gas and electricity meters, replacing older models with digital technology. They automatically send your energy readings to your supplier, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of estimated bills and open up new possibilities for managing your home's energy.
Accurate billing and real-time insights
With a smart meter, you'll receive accurate bills based on your actual energy consumption, not estimates. This means you only pay for what you use. The accompanying in-home display (IHD) provides near real-time information on your energy usage in pounds and pence, helping you understand your overall energy consumption patterns and identify areas for potential savings.
Unlocking smarter tariffs
Smart meters are essential for accessing a new generation of energy tariffs. These often include time-of-use tariffs that offer cheaper rates during off-peak hours, allowing you to shift high-energy activities like charging an electric vehicle or running appliances to more affordable times. This flexibility empowers you to make informed choices and potentially reduce your energy costs.
Contributing to a modern energy grid
Beyond individual benefits, smart meters play a crucial role in building a more efficient and resilient national energy grid. By providing accurate, timely data on energy demand, they help balance the grid, integrate more renewable energy sources, and reduce waste. This government-backed programme is a step towards a future with more abundant, cleaner energy.
Are you eligible for a smart meter?
Most domestic households in Great Britain are eligible for a smart meter, but certain factors can influence the process.
Standard eligibility criteria
Standard smart meter installation is free for eligible domestic customers. Your energy supplier is responsible for offering and arranging this upgrade as part of a nationwide rollout. If you currently have traditional meters that require manual readings, you are likely eligible for a free smart meter upgrade.
Smart meters for renters
If you rent your home, you can still get a smart meter. If the energy bills are in your name, you have the right to request one. While it's always recommended to inform your landlord, they should not unreasonably prevent the installation, especially if your tenancy agreement requires their permission. If your landlord pays the energy bills, the decision rests with them, but you can still ask them to consider it.
Replacing older meter types
The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters, which use a radio signal to switch between peak and off-peak rates, are being phased out. This service began to switch off from 30 June 2025, and all affected meters must be replaced. If you have an RTS meter, your current energy supplier will contact you to arrange a free upgrade to a smart meter, which is the only technical replacement that can provide similar functionality.
What happens if I don't replace my RTS meter?
If your RTS meter is not replaced before the service ends, your heating and hot water supply may stop functioning as normal. Your meter's timings might not work as expected, and your electricity costs could be higher as your supplier won't be able to confirm peak or off-peak usage.
The smart meter installation process explained
Installing a smart meter is typically a straightforward process, handled by qualified professionals.
Booking your free installation
Contact your energy supplier to book your free smart meter installation appointment. They will agree a time and date with you, and you or another adult aged 18 or over will need to be present during the installation.
Preparing for the engineer's visit
To ensure a smooth installation, make sure the area around your existing gas and electricity meters is clear and easily accessible for the engineer. Remove any obstructions like coats, bikes, or furniture. Your supplier may also advise you on any other preparations needed.
What happens during installation
A qualified and certified engineer will visit your home to replace your old meters with new smart meters. The process typically takes around an hour for each meter, meaning a dual fuel (gas and electricity) installation usually takes about two hours. During this time, your electricity and/or gas supply will be temporarily switched off for approximately 30 minutes for each meter being installed. The engineer will also install your in-home display (IHD) and show you how to use it.
Post-installation checks and setup
Once the new meters are fitted, the engineer will perform checks to ensure everything is working correctly. They will also demonstrate how your in-home display works and answer any questions you have. It may take some time for your new smart meters to fully connect and for automatic readings to begin transmitting to your supplier.
After your smart meter is installed
The benefits of your smart meter truly come to life after installation, especially when you start using its features.
Understanding your in-home display
Your in-home display (IHD) is a portable screen that shows your energy consumption in near real-time, in pounds and pence. This immediate feedback can help you understand your overall energy consumption patterns and adjust your habits to save money.
Connecting with your energy app
Connecting your smart meter to your energy supplier's app, such as the Fuse app, enhances your ability to manage energy. The app provides detailed insights into your usage patterns, allows you to track costs, and helps you make smarter energy choices. This digital-first experience empowers you with control and abundance, moving beyond a simple "use less" mindset.
Data privacy and security
Smart meters communicate via a secure national network managed by the Data Communications Company (DCC), not your home Wi-Fi. This dedicated network ensures your energy data is transmitted safely and reliably. The system is regulated by Ofgem, ensuring robust data protection.
Common questions about smart meter installation
Do smart meters need Wi-Fi?
No, smart meters do not need your home Wi-Fi to function. They use a secure, dedicated national wireless network (the DCC network) to send readings to your energy supplier. This means they work independently of your internet connection, so even if your Wi-Fi is down or you don't have home internet, your smart meter will still transmit data.
How long does installation take?
A typical smart meter installation usually takes around an hour for each meter. If you're having both a gas and an electricity smart meter installed, the entire process typically takes about two hours. The exact duration can vary depending on factors like the accessibility of your current meters and the complexity of your property's setup.
Is the installation really free?
Yes, for eligible domestic customers, the installation of a standard smart meter is free of charge. This is part of a government-backed programme to upgrade energy infrastructure across Great Britain.
What if I have problems after installation?
If you experience any issues after your smart meter installation, such as problems with your in-home display or concerns about readings, your first step should be to contact your energy supplier. They are responsible for resolving smart meter problems, which may involve troubleshooting, fixing connectivity issues, or arranging a replacement if necessary.
Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand. Fuse Energy focuses on straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you're paying without unnecessary complexity. If you have a smart meter, you can view detailed usage data through the app or website, helping you understand how you can lower your bills. If you don't have a smart meter, Fuse Energy can upgrade your non-smart meter, completely for free. This can make it easier to track spending and make informed decisions about your energy use. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand with fast response times of under 5 minutes whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking here.
Disclaimer
For the avoidance of doubt, this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal or financial advice. The author and/or Fuse Energy shall not be responsible for any losses arising out of any reliance on the information contained herein.