Do you have to have a smart meter by law?

Smart meters and the DCC's secure network are benefiting millions of households in Britain. Energy bills are more accurate, manual meter reads are no longer needed, and when you switch supplier, our system enables a smooth transition.

The smart meter roll-out is being implemented by energy suppliers across the country, who are installing millions each year. However, you’re not under any legal obligation to have a smart meter. Make sure you do your research and fully understand the benefits before making your decision.

Smart meters allow you to see exactly how much energy you are using and how much money you are spending – with rising energy prices, this can play an important part in helping you manage your energy. Choosing not to have a smart meter installed in your home or small business could also mean that you are excluding yourself from cheaper tariffs which are only available if you have a smart meter.

You can get a smart meter installed by your energy supplier at no extra cost. If you haven't already been offered a smart meter, you can request one from your supplier.

What equipment will be installed?

• An electricity and/or gas smart meter
• An in-home display – which allows you to monitor your energy usage and spending
• A communications hub – which connects you to the DCC network and allows smart meters and in-home displays to securely connect to each other

Britain’s smart meter network, built and operated by the DCC, was designed with security at its core. The network uses two layers of encryption and operates entirely separately from the potential pitfalls of the public internet.

From providing transparency of usage and more accurate bills, to enabling consumers to switch energy supplier with ease, there are a number of reasons why a smart meter is right for you.

Smart Energy GB is the not-for-profit campaign helping everyone in Britain understand the importance of smart meters and their benefits to people and the environment.