Understanding your energy setup can help you make better decisions about your bills and tariff options. This guide explains whether smart meters are mandatory in the UK, what your rights are, and how your meter type affects your energy choices.
Take the stress out of meter readings and billing for good. With Fuse Energy, you can choose between typing in your meter reading or taking a photo of it in our app if you don’t have a connected smart meter and we’ll handle the rest. Get clear bills, real-time half-hourly usage data, 24/7 human customer support, and a modern energy experience designed around you. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today in as little as 3 minutes, save annually on your bills, and see how simple energy can be.
A quick checklist for smart meter choices
- You are not required to have a smart meter.
- Your energy supply continues as normal.
- You can still switch suppliers.
- Manual readings are required without a smart meter.
No. In the UK, smart meters are not compulsory. Energy suppliers are required to offer them, but you are not legally required to accept installation. You can continue using a traditional meter and still receive energy, switch suppliers, and access standard tariffs.
If you choose not to have a smart meter, your energy supply will continue as normal. The main difference is that you will need to submit manual meter readings to ensure your bills are accurate. You will not lose access to standard tariffs, but some newer tariff types may not be available without a smart meter.
Your meter type can affect which tariffs you can access.
Standard tariffs
You do not need a smart meter for standard tariffs. You can switch to Fuse Energy and manage your account with manual readings if needed.
EV tariffs
Many EV tariffs require a connected smart meter to enable auto-scheduling and automatically charge your EV at off-peak times. EV tariffs also rely on time-based pricing to offer cheaper electricity during off-peak hours, making them ideal for charging an EV.
Dual-rate tariffs
Dual-rate tariffs, such as Economy 7, require either a smart meter or a multi-register meter. These tariffs charge different rates depending on the time of day.
While not required, smart meters offer advantages that can make managing your energy easier. They provide automatic readings, meaning no more estimated bills. You also gain access to real-time usage data, helping you understand how much energy you use and when. For some households, this visibility can make it easier to reduce costs and manage spending.
Managing your energy shouldn’t feel like a hassle. With Fuse Energy, you get real-time, half-hourly usage data in the app and website if you have a connected smart meter, helping you stay in control of your energy usage. 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 in as little as 3 minutes and find out about our mission by clicking here.
Do I have to install a smart meter?
No. Smart meters are optional.
Do I need a smart meter for EV tariffs?
Yes. EV tariffs require a connected smart meter to ensure your bills are accurate.
How can I switch to Fuse Energy?
Switching to Fuse Energy is simple and can be done in as little as 3 minutes by completing the online onboarding process 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.
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