Page last updated on 22nd February 2024
Switching suppliers with a smart meter
If you have a smart meter, you can switch energy suppliers in the same way that anyone with a traditional meter can. In fact, with a second-generation smart meter, you should be able to switch energy suppliers without any interruption to your energy readings or bill payments.
What is the difference between SMETS1 and SMETS2?
First-generation smart meters (SMETS1) can temporarily lose some of their functionality following a switch, which means that SMETS1 owners may have to read their meters themselves for a little while. This doesn’t affect their ability to switch energy suppliers though.
Second-generation smart meters (SMETS2), which make up the vast majority of smart meter installs today, should be able to switch energy supplier without any interruption to your energy readings or bill payments.
Switching supplier: your smart meter, your choice
Changing to a new energy supplier is quick and easy for smart meter users, and you can still choose which energy supplier you want to go with.
If you have a SMETS2 smart meter, there should be no disruption to your power supply and you should continue to receive accurate billing throughout the process, as you would with a traditional meter.
Easily switching supplier with a smart meter
With traditional, first-generation meters you need to go into your cupboard, check your meter and tell your energy supplier what the reading is in order to begin the switching process. After that, you would often need to send in another meter reading to your new supplier once the switch has happened.
With a second-generation smart meters, all of that is a thing of the past.
Sit back and relax
Many smart meters will retain their ability to send automatic meter readings after a switch. This means all you need to do is tell your new supplier that you want to switch and that you have a smart meter. The rest is done by your new supplier.
It's great knowing your smart meter’s doing its thing. Knowing how easy it can be to switch could mean you'll be more likely to hunt for that lower tariff after all.
Request your smart meter today
If you're ready to request your smart meter, simply click on the button below to start the process. Remember that depending on your energy supplier, you might need to have your login details ready.
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