Smart meters · 4 min read

Do I need a smart meter to switch supplier?

Published 10 June 2026

Whether having (or not having) a smart meter affects your ability to compare tariffs and switch in the UK. What changes for smart meter users during a switch, and what to expect if you don't have one yet.

Traditional and smart energy meters in a UK property during a supplier switch

Switching without a smart meter

If you have a traditional (non-smart) meter, you can compare tariffs and switch in exactly the same way as anyone else. The main practical difference is how your usage is recorded going forward: without a smart meter, you'll typically need to submit manual meter readings periodically (or have your usage estimated between readings) so your supplier can bill you accurately.

Some tariffs; particularly time-of-use tariffs like Economy 7, or newer half-hourly smart tariffs; require a smart or two-rate meter to work, so if a tariff like this appeals to you, you may need a meter upgrade or installation as part of (or before) switching. Standard single-rate tariffs, which make up the bulk of the market, don't require a smart meter.

Switching with a SMETS2 smart meter

If you have a newer SMETS2 smart meter, switching is straightforward; these meters are designed to work with any supplier via a shared national network, so your meter should continue operating as a smart meter (sending automatic readings) after you switch, without any loss of functionality.

Switching with a SMETS1 smart meter

Older SMETS1 meters were not originally designed to work seamlessly across all suppliers. Historically, switching supplier with a SMETS1 meter could cause it to lose its smart functions, reverting to operating like a traditional meter until it was reconfigured or upgraded.

A national programme has been migrating SMETS1 meters onto the shared network used by SMETS2 meters, and most SMETS1 meters installed in earlier years have now been migrated, restoring smart functionality across suppliers. If you have a SMETS1 meter and smart functionality matters to you, it's worth asking your current or prospective new supplier whether your specific meter has been migrated.

Will switching trigger a smart meter installation?

Switching supplier doesn't automatically mean a smart meter will be installed. However, your new supplier may offer to install one as part of onboarding, since suppliers have been encouraged to roll out smart meters to customers. You're not obliged to accept, and you can decline if you'd prefer to keep your current meter; though, as above, this may limit which tariffs (particularly time-of-use ones) are available to you.

Common questions

Will I be refused a switch if I don't have a smart meter?

No. The vast majority of tariffs on the market are available regardless of meter type. Only certain time-of-use or half-hourly tariffs require a smart or two-rate meter.

Does my new supplier need to know what type of meter I have?

You don't usually need to specify this when comparing; the comparison tool will show available tariffs based on your postcode and the usage information you provide. If a specific tariff requires a smart meter and you don't have one, this is typically clarified during the application process.

If I have a SMETS1 meter, should I wait to switch until it's migrated?

Not necessarily; most SMETS1 meters have now been migrated, and even if yours hasn't, switching is still possible; your meter would simply operate like a traditional meter (manual or estimated readings) until migration or an upgrade. If you're unsure about your meter's status, your current supplier can usually tell you.

Can I ask my new supplier to install a smart meter as part of switching?

Many suppliers offer this as part of onboarding, though it's not guaranteed to happen immediately or as part of the switch itself; installation is usually arranged as a separate appointment. You can also request one from your supplier independently of switching.

Is there a cost to having a smart meter installed?

Smart meter installations as part of the national rollout have generally been offered at no separate charge to households, as the costs are factored into supplier operating costs more broadly. It's worth confirming with your supplier whether any charge applies in your specific case, though this is uncommon for standard domestic installations.