SMETS2 smart meters explained

SMETS2 (Second Generation Smart) meters are the latest standard for energy metering in Great Britain, designed to give you better control and more accurate billing for your home energy. These meters represent a significant upgrade from earlier models, ensuring your meter stays smart even if you switch energy suppliers. This guide will walk you through what a SMETS2 smart meter is, its benefits, how it differs from older versions, and how you can get one to manage your energy more effectively.

Managing your home's energy should be simple and transparent. With a SMETS2 smart meter, you gain access to detailed usage data, which can help you understand and control your energy consumption. Fuse Energy offers free SMETS2 smart meter upgrades to eligible customers, making it straightforward to get started. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

What is a SMETS2 smart meter?

A SMETS2 meter is an advanced electricity or gas meter that digitally records your energy consumption and securely sends this data directly to your energy supplier. This eliminates the need for manual meter readings and provides you with near real-time information about your energy use. SMETS2 meters are the current industry standard in the UK, having been installed as standard since late 2018.

The evolution of smart metering

The rollout of smart meters across Great Britain began with SMETS1 (First Generation Smart) meters. While these were a step forward, they often lost their smart functionality if a customer switched energy suppliers, reverting to basic meters that required manual readings. SMETS2 meters were developed to address this issue, ensuring continued smart functionality regardless of your supplier. This evolution reflects a commitment to a more efficient and consumer-friendly energy system.

How SMETS2 technology works

SMETS2 meters communicate with your energy supplier via a dedicated secure network, separate from your home broadband. This network is managed by the Data Communications Company (DCC), ensuring reliable and secure data transmission. The meters record your energy consumption in near real-time, sending readings automatically to your supplier. This data can then be accessed through an in-home display (IHD) or your energy supplier's app, giving you a clear picture of your usage.

Benefits of SMETS2 for energy control

SMETS2 smart meters offer several key advantages that empower you to take greater control over your home energy.

Accurate billing and real-time data

One of the most significant benefits of a SMETS2 meter is the end of estimated bills. By automatically sending accurate readings to your supplier, you only pay for the energy you actually use. This eliminates bill shock and makes budgeting easier. Furthermore, the near real-time data provided by these meters allows you to see how much energy you are consuming throughout the day, helping you identify energy-intensive habits and appliances.

Seamless switching between suppliers

Unlike many older SMETS1 meters, SMETS2 meters are designed to maintain their smart functionality even if you decide to switch energy suppliers. This means you will not lose the benefits of accurate billing and detailed usage data, making the process of finding a better deal much smoother. This interoperability fosters competition among suppliers and ensures you always have the freedom to choose the best tariff for your needs.

Enhanced energy management and savings potential

With detailed insights into your energy consumption, you can make informed decisions to reduce waste and potentially lower your bills. For example, you might identify that certain appliances are using more energy than expected, or that you could save by shifting some usage to off-peak hours if you are on a time-of-use tariff. While smart meters do not guarantee specific financial savings, they provide the tools and information needed for you to actively manage your energy use and identify areas for efficiency improvements. The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity per year, highlighting the potential for savings through informed management.

SMETS1 vs SMETS2: key differences

Understanding the distinctions between SMETS1 and SMETS2 meters is crucial for appreciating the advancements in smart metering technology.

Connectivity and interoperability

The primary difference lies in their communication capabilities when switching suppliers. SMETS1 meters often used a variety of communication technologies, which meant they could lose smart functionality if you moved to a supplier that did not support their specific system. SMETS2 meters, however, use a standardised, dedicated national communication network (the DCC network), ensuring they remain fully functional and interoperable across all energy suppliers in Great Britain. This means your meter stays smart, no matter who supplies your energy.

Data security and privacy

Both SMETS1 and SMETS2 meters are subject to strict data protection regulations. Ofgem, the energy regulator, sets standards for their operation and data security. SMETS2 meters benefit from enhanced security features built into the national communication network, providing a robust and secure way to transmit your energy data. Your personal data is encrypted, and suppliers only receive the consumption data necessary for billing and service provision. You always have control over how your data is used, and you can choose to share more detailed consumption data with your supplier or third parties if you wish to access specific services or tariffs.

Addressing legacy meters: radio Teleswitch service (RTS)

For many years, some homes in the UK used Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters, which relied on a longwave radio signal to switch between different electricity tariffs. This technology is now being phased out.

The RTS phase-out explained

The industry-wide phase-out of RTS began on 30 June 2025. This means that RTS meters will no longer be supported, and homes with these meters will need to upgrade to a modern smart meter. Ofgem is managing this transition, ensuring that customers are supported through the process. The aim is to move all homes onto more reliable and efficient metering systems.

Your options if you have an RTS meter

If you currently have an RTS meter, your energy supplier will contact you to arrange a free upgrade to a smart meter. It is important to respond to their communications to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any disruption to your energy supply. Once your current supplier has replaced your RTS meter with a SMETS2 smart meter, you will be able to enjoy all the benefits of modern energy management and have the flexibility to switch to any supplier, including Fuse Energy, for a digital-first experience.

How to get a SMETS2 smart meter

Getting a SMETS2 smart meter is a straightforward process, and in most cases, it is free.

Eligibility for a free upgrade

Most domestic energy customers in Great Britain are eligible for a free smart meter upgrade from their energy supplier. Your eligibility typically depends on factors such as your current meter type and whether your property is suitable for a smart meter installation. Fuse Energy, for example, offers free SMETS2 smart meter upgrades to eligible customers. If you are unsure about your eligibility, the best first step is to contact your current energy supplier.

The installation process

Once you have confirmed your eligibility, your energy supplier will arrange an appointment for a qualified engineer to install your new SMETS2 meter. The installation typically takes around 1 to 2 hours for both electricity and gas meters, and you will need to be present at home. An in-home display (IHD) will also be provided, allowing you to monitor your energy consumption. There is no upfront cost for the meter or its installation.

Maximising your SMETS2 smart meter

A SMETS2 smart meter is more than just a billing device; it is a tool for active energy management.

Understanding your energy data

Your in-home display (IHD) provides immediate feedback on your energy usage, showing you how much electricity and gas you are consuming in pounds and pence. Many energy suppliers also offer apps that provide more detailed breakdowns of your usage patterns, often by hour, day, or month. By regularly checking this data, you can identify trends, pinpoint energy-hungry appliances, and understand the impact of your energy habits. This insight is the first step towards making smarter energy choices.

Integrating with energy management tools

The accurate data from SMETS2 meters feeds directly into advanced energy management tools, such as the Fuse app. This integration gives you clear insights and enhanced control over your usage. For instance, you can track your consumption, set budgets, and even receive personalised tips based on your actual usage patterns. This capability transforms your energy consumption from an abstract cost into a manageable aspect of your home, empowering you to make a "power play" in managing your energy.

Ready to take control of your home energy with a SMETS2 smart meter? Fuse Energy makes it simple to switch and start benefiting from accurate billing and real-time usage data. Our digital-first approach means you can manage your account easily through our app, and our 24/7 human customer support team is always on hand to help.

Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and experience a modern way to manage your energy. You can also learn more about our mission to make energy simpler and greener by clicking here.