Page last updated on 30th March 2026
Smart Meter Replacements:
Switch Up. Stay Smart.
All technology evolves, smart meters too. Energy suppliers across Great Britain will be switching up older smart meter hardware for new kit. By making the switch, you'll keep all your smart meter benefits such as accurate bills, automated meter readings and access to flexible schemes and tariffs that could offer rewards.
There's nothing you need to do right now. If your energy supplier contacts you, they will arrange a convenient appointment and handle the switch. Just follow their steps to switch up, stay smart.
What is the switch up?
Your energy supplier will be switching the hardware that keeps your smart meter connected.
A small piece of hardware called a communications hub is what allows your smart meter to send readings to your supplier and keep your in-home display accurate.
Depending on the type of smart meter you have, your supplier may need to switch just the communications hub, or if you have a much older smart meter, the meter itself may also need to be switched up for a newer model.
This is being done across the country, and your energy supplier will handle everything. At no extra cost to you. You don't need to arrange anything, as your energy supplier will contact you.
Why is this happening?
Smart meters rely on a secure communications network to send your meter readings to your energy supplier.
Currently, some smart meters use 2G and 3G mobile networks to do this and these networks are being switched off by mobile network operators as the UK upgrades to faster, more reliable 4G technology.
To make sure your smart meter keeps working as it should, energy suppliers are switching up older hardware that connects smart meters to the network. Think of it like the switch from analogue to digital TV, the old signal was being switched off, so equipment needed updating to keep everything working.
This is a planned nationwide maintenance programme. It means your smart meter will stay connected and you’ll keep all your smart meter benefits.
What you need to do
The good news is you don't need to do anything right now.
Your energy supplier will contact you if and when you need to switch your older smart meter hardware. When they do, all you need to do is:
Accept the
appointment
When your supplier gets in touch, book a time that
works for you.
Follow the steps from
your supplier
The switch is handled by a qualified engineer at no
extra cost to you.
Switch up. Stay smart
Continue enjoying your
smart meter benefits
Your supplier may get in touch by letter, email, text or through their app. If you're not sure whether a message is genuine, contact your energy supplier directly using the details on their website or your latest bill.
Keep your smart meter benefits
Switching your older smart meter hardware for newer kit means you'll continue to enjoy all the benefits that come with having a smart meter.
Accurate bills
The switch up means this won't change; you’ll still get accurate, straightforward billing. Your smart meter will keep sending actual readings rather than estimates.
Learn more about accurate billing.
Automated readings
You'll carry on without the hassle of scribbling down numbers, climbing step ladders, or worrying about submitting readings on time. Your smart meter automatically sends meter readings to your energy supplier, so you don't have to. The switch-up keeps it that way.
Find out more about how smart meters work.
Access to flexible schemes and tariffs
Switching out your hardware means you'll continue to have the option to take advantage of flexible schemes and tariffs. Some energy suppliers offer flexible schemes and tariffs that could reward you for using energy at different times. This could mean cheaper electricity on certain days, or rewards for using less at peak times.
Read more about flexible energy tariffs and schemes.
What should I do now?
There's nothing you need to do right now.
Your energy supplier will be in touch if and when it's time to switch up your older smart meter hardware. When they contact you, accept the appointment and follow their steps so you can keep all your smart meter benefits.
Why does my old smart meter
hardware need switching up?
Some smart meter hardware currently relies on 2G and 3G mobile networks to send your meter readings to your energy supplier. These networks are being phased out and replaced with newer, more reliable 4G technology. Switching to new smart meter hardware makes sure it stays connected and continues to work as it should. It's a part of keeping the smart meter network running smoothly.
When is the 2G/3G network being
switch off?
UK network operators are phasing out 2G and 3G networks in the coming years. Energy suppliers are starting to switch up older smart meter hardware for newer technology before then. The goal is for the entire network to be turned off by 2033.
What exactly is
being replaced?
It's the communications hub, a piece of hardware that allows your smart meter to send data to your supplier. In some cases, if you have an older first-generation smart meter (known as SMETS1), the meter itself may need to be swapped for a newer model as well (known as SMETS2).
What are SMETS1 and SMETS2
smart meters?
SMETS1 and SMETS2 are the two generations of smart meters installed in homes across Great Britain. SMETS1 meters were the first to be rolled out and SMETS2 meters are the newer, more advanced model. If you have a SMETS1 meter, your supplier will need to replace it with a SMETS2 meter as part of the switch up. If you already have a SMETS2 meter, only the communications hub may need switching up. Your energy supplier will let you know what applies to you.
Do I need to do
anything right now?
No. Your energy supplier will contact you when it's time to switch up your old smart meter hardware for new kit. Until then, your smart meter will continue working as normal. When your supplier does get in touch, simply accept the appointment and follow their instructions.
When will my supplier
contact me about the switch up?
Energy suppliers are gradually working through the switch up, and it will take several years to complete across the country. The older 2G and 3G networks that some smart meters rely on won't be fully switched off until the end of 2033. Your supplier will be in touch when it's your turn to switch up your older hardware. You don't need to do anything until you hear from them.
Will I have to pay
for the switch up?
No. There's no extra charge for choosing to switch up your older smart meter hardware for newer kit.
Is this because there's a
problem with smart meters?
Not at all. Smart meters are working as they should. The switch up is about maintaining the secure network they connect to. It's planned, proactive maintenance to keep everything running smoothly.
Do I need to
accept the switch up?
You're not obliged to accept the switch up. However, without it, your smart meter will eventually lose smart features like automated readings and access to flexible tariffs. Accepting the switch up means you'll continue to benefit from everything your smart meter offers, at no extra cost to you.
What is a 4G
smart meter?
A 4G smart meter is a smart meter that uses the 4G network to communicate to your energy supplier. It works in the same way as your current smart meter, and you’ll still get all your benefits such as automated readings, accurate bills and access to flexible schemes and tariffs. The only difference is the technology it uses to stay connected. If your smart meter hardware needs switching up, your supplier will let you know.
Find out more below
