Smart meters are replacing traditional gas and electric meters all across the UK, but is it compulsory to have one?
The short answer to this question is no, at least for now it isn’t compulsory to have a smart meter in the UK.
If your meter has expired, then your supplier will likely contact you directly to organise your smart meter installation. You can, however, refuse a smart meter should you wish, as it’s not currently a legal requirement to install one in your home.
If your supplier tries to inform you that it’s compulsory to have one installed, you can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline.
That said, the installation of smart meters is a government scheme, and it’s worth noting that if your traditional meter stops working, then you might not be able to refuse a smart meter installation.
This predominantly comes down to the fact that there is a limited stock of traditional meters now, and your energy provider might not have any in stock.
The UK government intends to roll out smart meters in order to meet 2050 carbon targets, with the view that smart meters ‘inform consumers and businesses about their energy use, encouraging energy-saving behaviour’.
So, why are smart meters being introduced? There are various reasons why the government is rolling out smart meters, which include but are not limited to:
- Smart meters are integral to 2050 net zero target
- They represent a national upgrade to infrastructure
- They allow us to be proactive with reducing energy usage
1. Smart Meters Are Integral To 2050 Net Zero Target
The biggest reason smart meters are being rolled out is that they play an integral role in the UK achieving its 2050 net zero target.
The world is waking up to the fact that climate change is a problem that impacts us all, ‘wreak[ing] havoc on people’s livelihoods and communities’.
While there is a lot of negative discourse surrounding the roll out of smart meters, the net zero target isn’t just an arbitrary figure that the UK can afford to miss. It’s the UK’s commitment to becoming more sustainable, not only for the country but for the planet as a whole.
As the roll out has already been delayed due to the pandemic in 2020, this already puts an added pressure on the UK to meet the roll out goals by 2025.
Rolling out smart meters in homes across the whole of the UK, then, plays an important role in reducing the UK’s contribution to climate change and promoting a more sustainable future.
2. They Represent A National Upgrade To Infrastructure
Another reason why smart meters are being rolled out by the government is that they represent a national upgrade to infrastructure.
According to a spokesperson from the government, the ‘replacement of traditional gas and electricity meters with smart meters is a national infrastructure upgrade that will make our energy system cheaper, cleaner and more efficient’
With less and less traditional meters being made, it’s getting harder to keep your traditional meter functioning properly, particularly after it expires.
As such, you could end up paying bills that aren’t fully accurate if you don’t update your traditional meter to a smart meter, costing you more money.
Additionally, you’ll also struggle to accurately measure how much energy you’re using, which is not only expensive, but is also worse for the environment.
3. They Allow Us To Be Proactive With Reducing Energy Consumption
Last, but by no means least, smart meters are being rolled out as they allow us to be more proactive with reducing our energy consumption.
Your smart meter will come with an in-house display that provides you with a detailed breakdown of your energy usage, allowing you to become more energy efficient.
Knowledge is power. Along with accurate readings, a smart meter will provide you with the information to make proactive decisions regarding your energy usage, helping you to use less energy as well as save money.
In turn, this will help to make households greener, and contribute towards reaching the UK’s net zero target.
In conclusion, traditional meters are being phased out regardless of the noise surrounding smart meters, making it harder to replace damaged or broken traditional meters. With less traditional meters being made, smart meters will soon become the future.
Suppliers across the UK are required to deliver ECO from 2020, but we at Towy Valley Heating are proud to have been involved with the ECO scheme since it began. Contact us to find out more about the free heating measures we offer, and if you are eligible.
Written by Jemima Thomas for Towy Valley Heating.