Understanding how your smart meter connects can help you stay in control of your energy usage and bills. This guide explains whether smart meters need WiFi, how they actually send readings, and what to do if they stop communicating.
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A quick checklist for smart meters and WiFi
- Smart meters do not use your home WiFi.
- They send readings through a secure national network.
- You do not need a WiFi booster or extender for your smart meter.
- Your in-home display connects locally to the meter.
No. Smart meters in the UK do not use your home WiFi. They work through the separate, secure smart meter national network1 that is designed specifically for SMETS2 smart meter communication. This means your smart meter can continue sending readings even if your home broadband is down or you do not have WiFi.
Smart meters send data through a dedicated system managed by the Data Communications Company (DCC). This network is separate from your home internet and is used to transmit readings securely to your energy supplier. Your smart electricity meter connects to a communications hub which is usually situated just above the meter itself. It’s the communications hub which then sends the data to your supplier via the DCC network. Similarly, smart gas meters also send readings to the communications hub which then sends your supplier the readings.
Your in-home display (IHD) does not use your home WiFi either. It connects directly to your smart meter using a local wireless signal inside your home called the Home Area Network (HAN) provided by your communications hub. That is why your display can still show usage even though it is not connected to your broadband.
Because smart meters do not rely on your home WiFi, you do not need to change your router, install a booster, or improve your broadband to make them work. If your smart meter is not communicating, the issue is usually related to the smart meter network itself rather than your internet connection.
If your smart meter stops sending readings, you may need to submit them manually until the issue is resolved.
This can happen because of:
- Network issues.
- Meter connectivity problems.
- Faulty meter.
In many cases, the connection restores automatically. If it doesn’t, then please inform your supplier.
Some tariffs require a fully connected smart meter. EV tariffs and time-of-use tariffs rely on real-time usage data, so your meter must be online to access them. If your meter is not connected, you may need to resolve the issue or upgrade before switching to these tariffs.
Managing your energy shouldn’t feel like a chore. With Fuse Energy, you get real-time, half-hourly usage data in the app and website if you have a connected smart meter, so you can see exactly how much you’re using and stay in control of your 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 smart meters use home broadband?
No. Smart meters use a separate national network, not your home broadband.
Do I need a WiFi booster for my smart meter?
No. A WiFi booster or extender will not affect your smart meter connection.
What happens if my smart meter loses signal?
It may stop sending readings automatically, and you may need to submit readings manually until the connection is restored. In any case, you should inform your supplier of the loss of connectivity if it hasn’t been sending remote readings for more than 5 days.
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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