Builders
Carpenters
Electricians
Flooring Specialists
Gardeners
Handymen
Heating Engineers
Painters & Decorators
Plasterers & Renderers
Plumbers
Roofers
Tilers
myAsk a Trade
Got a question that only a tradesperson can answer? We have thousands of trades ready to answer any question you may have.
Ask your question
Smart Meter Installation Cost
At a Glance
- There is no upfront charge for a standard smart meter installation through your energy supplier.
- The job will take approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete.
- Any additional costs that could arise when getting a new smart meter installed.
- Things to consider, including how much you could save.
- How to arrange a smart meter installation through your energy supplier.
Get free estimates
Are you a trade? Get more work today!
£0
Table of Contents
How Much Does a Smart Meter Cost to Install?
Smart meters are quickly becoming one of the most common choices for gas and electricity meters for households, offering all the information you need at your fingertips and helping you control your expenses.
And you'll be glad to hear that your energy supplier will arrange a standard smart meter installation at no upfront cost to you. This includes replacing your existing meter and setting up the new smart meter.
The cost of providing and installing meters is covered through energy tariffs so you will still pay for the energy you use and your tariff's standing charges.
If you want your meter moved to a different position, this is separate from a standard replacement and may involve an additional charge. Ask your supplier for a quote before arranging the work.
Energy suppliers must take all reasonable steps to install smart meters in remaining homes across Great Britain by the end of 2030. By June 2026, smart and advanced meters accounted for 72% of all meters in homes and small businesses, while 75% of homes had a smart electricity meter.
How can a smart meter improve the energy efficiency of my household?
"It's all about using your services and device in a better and more effective way. The smart meter displays your usage, helping you remember to turn off lights and avoid standby mode when you're not around. This way, you stay in control and are more informed, allowing you to act more efficiently."
Types of Smart Meters
There are two generations of smart meters: SMETS 1 and SMETS 2, standing for "Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications". New installations through your supplier use SMETS 2 meters and have no upfront installation charge.
SMETS 1
SMETS 1 meters were the first generation installed in homes.
Most eligible SMETS 1 meters have now been connected to the national smart meter network, allowing them to keep sending automatic readings when you switch supplier. If yours cannot be connected, your supplier will arrange a second-generation replacement. Before switching, check with your supplier that your meter is working in smart mode.
Pros
- ✔ Connected meters use the national smart meter network.
- ✔ Accurate bills.
- ✔ Track usage.
Cons
- ✖ Meters that cannot join the network need replacing.
- ✖ In-home display may be inaccurate.
SMETS 2
SMETS 2 are second-generation smart meters being installed across Great Britain as suppliers work towards the end-of-2030 rollout deadline. They use the national smart meter network to send readings automatically, including when you change supplier.
Pros
- ✔ Feeds information to a central data network.
- ✔ Secure.
- ✔ Uses a dedicated smart meter network (being upgraded to 4G).
Cons
- ✖ Renter will need the landlord's permission if they're not the bill payer.
- ✖ The technology can be complicated for the less technically minded.
Additional Smart Meter Installation Costs
A standard smart meter replacement has no upfront installation charge. However, moving your meter or addressing an existing problem with your home's wiring or pipework may involve separate costs.
Moving Your Meter
Contact your energy supplier if you want the new meter fitted in a different position. The average cost to move electric and gas meters is around £1,000, although the price depends on the location and whether supply cables or pipes also need moving. Your supplier can explain who needs to carry out the work and provide a quote.
Repairs Needed Before Installation
If the installer finds an existing problem that prevents the work from going ahead safely, ask your supplier what needs fixing and who is responsible. Some repairs to your home's wiring or gas pipework may need a separate tradesperson, so confirm whether you need to pay before arranging any work.
I had a smart meter fitted, and now my shower only has hot water for 10 mins. Can this be related to my fusebox?
"It won’t usually really affect your hot water at all. There might be some wiring that needs changing or checked. I would advise you to have your boiler checked over."
What's Involved in a Smart Meter Installation?
A smart meter installation involves replacing your existing meter with a new smart meter and setting it up to send readings automatically to your energy supplier. The work is arranged by your supplier, who will appoint the installer. If you also want your gas and electric meters moved, contact your supplier to discuss the work and any charges before booking.
As such, installing or moving a meter is not a DIY job and must be arranged through your energy supplier. If supply cables or pipes also need moving, the network operator will need to be involved. A qualified electrician or gas engineer can handle associated work to the wiring or pipework inside your home.
Let's take a broad look at the process when having a smart meter installed by your energy supplier:
Before the Job Starts
- Clear the Area — Before an engineer arrives at your property, ensure the area is clear for them to work with minimal obstructions.
- Initial Inspection — The installer will carry out safety checks on the existing meter installation and check for any problems that could prevent the work from going ahead.
- Final Meter Readings — Before removing your old meters, the engineer will note down the final readings to ensure your account is accurate and up to date.
During the Job
- Power Suspension — The engineer will temporarily turn off your electricity and gas, usually for around 30 minutes, before starting the installation.
- Meter Swap — The old meter will be removed and replaced with the new smart meter, and the engineer will then turn your power back on.
After the Job
- Final Checks — Once the smart meter is installed, the engineer will verify that the gas and electricity supply is correct and relight any pilot lights on your boiler.
- Testing — The installer will check that the new meter is working and communicating correctly, and set up your in-home display.
- User Guidance — The engineer will answer any questions on how to save energy, budget with your meter, and navigate the in-home display.
Building Regulations and Planning Permissions
There are no official building regulations or planning permissions needed when having a smart meter installed. Although if you live in a listed property or conservation area, and any additional work is required, it's best to check with your local council first just in case.
By June 2026, 75% of homes in Great Britain had a smart electricity meter. Energy suppliers are required to work towards installing smart meters in remaining homes by the end of 2030, although having one is still optional for householders.
If your home cannot currently have a smart meter installed, ask your energy supplier what is preventing installation and when one might be available.
In cases where your property cannot receive data wirelessly, you may be provided with an alternative solution, although this is also unlikely to need building regulations approval or planning permission.
Benefits of Having a Smart Meter
Smart meters are becoming increasingly popular now that our current climate is becoming technologically advanced with each passing day.
There are lots of benefits to smart meters and what they bring to your daily life, so don't be afraid if your energy company is rolling them out, as they're straightforward to use and efficient for your household.
Below are just a few of the advantages of installing a smart meter.
Monitoring
Your in-home display shows how much energy you are using and an estimate of what it costs. This can help you spot changes in your usage and find ways to cut back.
If you use a smart meter in prepayment mode, you can check your remaining credit and usually top up remotely. Some suppliers offer automatic top-ups, but you should still keep an eye on your balance to avoid running out.
Budgeting and Accurate Bills
Automatic meter readings help your supplier bill you for the energy you actually use rather than relying on estimates. The spending shown on your in-home display can help with budgeting, but it may differ from your final bill.
Having a smart meter can give you access to additional tariffs, including deals with cheaper electricity at certain times. Compare the rates and terms to see whether they suit how you use energy.
Eco-Friendly
One of the most popular reasons for wanting a smart meter is how efficiently it can reduce consumption and your carbon footprint through real-time monitoring and accurate readings of your consumption. The dramatic shift to smart meters is a plan for Britain to house a cleaner and more flexible energy system, adapting to greener methods of generating energy.
This can be seen through electric vehicles, solar power, and wind power, tackling climate change one household at a time.
How much am I looking at to get a smart thermostat installed? I know the cost of the thermostat is around £120, but how much roughly on top of that for it to be installed?
"To isolate electrics, disconnect, and remove the existing controls, then install new smart thermostat supplied by customer with a test on completion, £189 + VAT."
Checklist: Arranging a Smart Meter Installation
Your energy supplier appoints your smart meter installer. Below are a few questions you may want to ask your supplier before the installation:
- Have you arranged an appointment? Contact your energy supplier to book the installation and confirm how long the visit is expected to take.
- Has the installer completed similar jobs before? Your energy supplier should appoint an installer with the right qualifications and equipment for the job.
- Do you know what to prepare? Ask your supplier what access the installer needs and whether there is anything you should do before the appointment.
- Is the installer insured and do they offer a guarantee? Ask your supplier what cover is in place and who to contact if anything goes wrong after the installation.
- Will they show you how to use the device? Before leaving, the installer should explain how the in-home display works and answer any questions on using the device and saving energy efficiently.
FAQs
How Do You Read a Smart Meter?
Smart meters normally send readings to your supplier automatically. If you need to take a reading yourself, use the screen and buttons on the meter, following your supplier's instructions for that model. The separate in-home display helps you monitor energy use and spending, but this is different from taking a meter reading.
Is There a Difference Between a Smart Thermostat and a Smart Meter?
Smart meters measure your gas or electricity use and send readings automatically to your supplier. Smart thermostats let you control your heating settings, often through an app on your phone. Payments for your energy are arranged with your supplier, not through the meter itself.
If I Rent a Property from a Landlord, Can I Have a Smart Meter Installed?
Yes, if you pay your energy supplier directly, you can ask them to install a smart meter. Check your tenancy agreement first, as it may require you to get your landlord's permission before changing the meter. If your landlord pays the energy supplier, speak to them about arranging the installation.
What Are Economy 7 and 10 Tariffs?
Economy 7 and Economy 10 offer cheaper electricity for 7 or 10 hours a day respectively, with higher rates at other times. Smart meters can support two-rate tariffs, and your supplier should offer a tariff that works in a similar way when replacing an older Economy 7 or radio teleswitch meter.
Do I Need Two Separate Smart Meters for Gas and Another One for Electricity?
Yes, you will! If you're a dual-fuel consumer, then you will need to have both meters replaced and re-fitted separately to two separate smart meters. The two devices will join together to relay information onto just one in-home display unless your gas and electricity come from different suppliers.
