SMETS1 smart meter: functionality and upgrades

Many homeowners with SMETS1 smart meters are unsure about their meter's capabilities, especially when considering switching energy suppliers. This guide explains the distinctions between SMETS1 and SMETS2 meters, their implications for your home, and how you can upgrade to ensure seamless energy management.

If you are looking to upgrade your home's energy experience, Fuse Energy offers a free SMETS2 smart meter upgrade for eligible homes once they switch. This enables full access to Fuse's app features and a modern, controlled energy experience. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

What is a SMETS1 smart meter?

The first generation of smart metering

SMETS1 meters, short for Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications 1, represent the first generation of smart meters rolled out across Great Britain. These devices began appearing around 2013, marking the initial step in the nationwide effort to digitalise energy consumption tracking and move away from manual readings and estimated bills. They were designed to provide more accurate billing and help households monitor their energy use in near real-time, typically coming with an In-Home Display (IHD) to show usage and cost.

Key features and limitations

While SMETS1 meters brought significant advancements, their primary limitation lay in their communication method. Early SMETS1 meters were installed using various communication arrangements and were often linked to the energy supplier that installed them. This meant that if you switched energy suppliers, the smart features of your SMETS1 meter could stop working, causing it to "go dumb". This issue was due to the absence of a fully established national smart meter network at the time of their initial rollout.

How to identify your smart meter type

Identifying whether you have a SMETS1 or SMETS2 meter can sometimes be tricky, as designs vary between manufacturers.

Visual cues and serial numbers

One useful clue is the installation date: meters fitted before 2018 are more likely to be SMETS1, while those installed from 2019 onwards are generally SMETS2. SMETS1 meters often appear as a single unit or connect to a supplier-specific communications hub. In contrast, SMETS2 setups typically feature a clearly separate Communications Hub fixed directly on top of or next to the electricity meter, which handles the secure link to the national Data Communications Company (DCC) network.

Checking with your current supplier

The most definitive way to confirm your meter type is to contact your current energy supplier. They can tell you whether your meter is SMETS1 or SMETS2 and if any SMETS1 meter has been successfully migrated onto the DCC network.

The 'going dumb' problem: SMETS1 and switching suppliers

Why SMETS1 meters lose functionality

The core problem with early SMETS1 meters was their lack of universal interoperability. They were introduced before the national DCC network was fully available, meaning different energy suppliers used their own communication systems. When a customer switched to a new supplier, that supplier might not have been able to communicate with the existing SMETS1 meter, causing its smart features to cease functioning.

However, the situation has improved significantly. The vast majority of eligible SMETS1 meters have now been remotely migrated onto the DCC network, allowing them to retain smart functionality across supplier switches.

Impact on billing and data

If your SMETS1 meter has not been migrated and loses its smart capabilities, you will need to submit manual meter readings. This can lead to estimated bills if readings are not provided regularly. It also means you lose access to real-time energy usage data, making it harder to monitor and manage your consumption effectively. While the meter continues to record your energy usage accurately, the convenience and insights of smart metering are lost.

Upgrading to a SMETS2 smart meter

Benefits of SMETS2 technology

SMETS2 meters are the current industry standard and represent a significant advancement. They are designed to maintain full smart functionality even when you switch energy suppliers because they connect to the secure national DCC network. This ensures uninterrupted tracking of your energy usage, accurate billing, and access to a wider range of smart tariffs and energy management tools. The DCC operates this secure network, connecting smart meters to energy suppliers, network operators, and authorised third parties, ensuring data is transmitted securely and reliably.

The upgrade process and costs

Energy suppliers are generally required to offer smart meters to their customers, and eligible installations are typically free of charge. If you have an older SMETS1 meter that is not communicating correctly, or a traditional meter, you can contact your current energy supplier to inquire about a free SMETS2 meter upgrade. The installation process usually involves an engineer visiting your property to exchange your old meter for a new one.

What to do if you have a radio Teleswitch service (RTS) meter

If you have a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter, it is crucial to act. RTS meters are a legacy technology that used a longwave radio signal to switch between peak and off-peak electricity rates. The industry-wide phase-out of this service began on 30 June 2025.

If you still have an RTS meter, your heating and hot water supply may be at risk of not working as normal, or your electricity costs could increase if your supplier cannot confirm your peak/off-peak usage. You must contact your electricity supplier as soon as possible to arrange a free smart meter replacement. Once your supplier has replaced your RTS meter with a modern smart meter, you can then switch to a provider like Fuse to benefit from the latest smart meter technology and a digital-first energy experience.

Making the most of your smart meter

Real-time data and energy management

A SMETS2 smart meter, connected to the DCC network, provides real-time insights into your energy consumption. This data, often accessible via an In-Home Display and your energy supplier's app, allows you to see exactly how much gas and electricity you are using in pounds and pence. This granular information empowers you to identify energy-hungry appliances, adjust your habits, and make informed decisions to reduce your energy usage and potentially lower your bills.

Future-proofing your home energy

Upgrading to a SMETS2 meter is a step towards future-proofing your home's energy setup. It enables access to innovative smart tariffs, which can offer cheaper rates during off-peak times or when renewable energy generation is high. This not only helps you save money but also contributes to a more flexible and sustainable energy system for the UK. With a SMETS2 meter, you are equipped to take advantage of evolving energy technologies and tariffs, ensuring greater control over your home's energy future.

Upgrading to a SMETS2 smart meter can provide you with greater control over your energy usage and help you save money. Fuse Energy offers clear pricing, real-time usage data through its app, and 24/7 human customer support. Switching is quick and easy, allowing you to manage your energy more effectively. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. You can also learn more about our mission to make energy simpler and fairer by clicking here.