Smart Meter

[david56]

I have a smart meter recently fitted and would like to know if I switch suppliers will I have to pay the old supplier for the smart meter ?

[murraymints]

don't think so but there have been reported problems with compatability for alternative suppliers

[EDDIE51]

The problem is that unlike normal meters , smart meters are not all the same design. Each supplier has their own design, and they are not compatible. However a new supplier will normally pay for the new meter.

[Maydup]

No, in fact when I read paperwork recently, it said that one of the benefits is that in most cases it makes it easier to switch.

[donny48]

Your meter being fitted recently may be second generation as shown below,
The first generation of smart meters (called SMETS1) that have been installed to date — and that some suppliers are still currently installing — can temporarily lose smart functionality when they switch energy supplier. Households with SMETS1 smart meters can still switch, it just means they have to revert back to providing meter readings until a remote upgrade will be made to make them multi-supplier compatible. This is expected to happen in 2018.

It's worth noting that even if your smart meter reverts to 'dumb mode' because you've switched to a cheaper energy supplier, it will still provide real-time updates on your consumption, through the in-home display. This visibility provides powerful knowledge that many households find very useful.

Second generation smart meters / SMETS2

These newer model smart meters are fully compatible with the DCC (the secure national network that the meters "talk" to all suppliers through). This means households with SMETS2 meters will have no issues with energy switching.

Recently British Gas — Great Britain's biggest energy supplier — announced it would begin installing these smart meters in customers' homes in 2018. Find out when your supplier is planning to install smart meters in your home
Read more…

When will I be offered a smart meter?
Who is my supplier? Not sure who suppliers your gas or electricity? Start here.
Does your supplier owe you a refund? How to check your bill and claim your money back

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