How to Get a Smart Meter Installed UK
Getting a smart meter installed is free, takes about an hour and could help you reduce your energy bills. Here’s everything you need to know about requesting and preparing for your installation.
In this guide
How to request a smart meter
Getting a smart meter installed is straightforward. Your current energy supplier is responsible for installing it and there is no charge to you — the cost is covered by the national smart meter rollout programme.
Contact your energy supplier
Log into your supplier’s online account or app and look for a smart meter request option. Most suppliers now have an online booking system. Alternatively call your supplier’s customer service number.
Choose an installation appointment
Select a date and time that suits you. Morning and afternoon slots are usually available. You’ll need to be home for the duration of the installation.
Confirm your appointment
You’ll receive a confirmation by email or text. Make a note of the date and any reference number provided.
Waiting times: Demand for smart meter installations is high. Waiting times vary by supplier and area — some households wait a few weeks while others wait several months. Book as soon as possible to get an earlier slot.
What to do before installation day
A little preparation makes the installation go more smoothly:
📍 Locate your existing meters — make sure you know where your gas and electricity meters are. They’re often in a cupboard, garage, hallway or outside. The engineer will need clear access to both.
🧹 Clear the area around your meters — remove any items stored in front of or around the meter cupboard. The engineer needs at least a metre of clear space to work safely.
📋 Take a final meter reading — read both your gas and electricity meters on the morning of your installation. This ensures your final bill before the smart meter is accurate.
💻 Plan for a brief power outage — your electricity will be off for a short period during installation. Save any open documents on your computer and avoid scheduling important video calls for that morning.
👤 Ensure an adult is home — you or another adult must be present throughout the installation. The engineer cannot work in an unoccupied property.
What happens on installation day
Here’s a step by step walkthrough of what to expect on the day:
Engineer arrives and introduces themselves
A trained engineer from your supplier or an approved contractor arrives. They should show ID — if you’re unsure call your supplier to verify before letting them in.
Engineer checks your existing meters
They assess your current meters and check signal strength in your home to confirm a smart meter will work at your property.
Electricity turned off briefly
Your electricity supply is turned off for typically 20-30 minutes while the electricity smart meter is fitted. Your gas supply may also be briefly interrupted for the gas meter installation.
Smart meters installed
New smart meters replace your old ones. The engineer tests them to make sure they’re working correctly and communicating with the network.
In-Home Display set up
The engineer sets up your In-Home Display — the small screen that shows your real time energy usage. They’ll show you how to use it and answer any questions.
How long does installation take?
A typical smart meter installation takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours depending on the type of meters being replaced and the accessibility of your meter cupboard.
⚡ Electricity meter only — approximately 30-45 minutes
🔥 Gas meter only — approximately 30-45 minutes
⚡🔥 Both meters (dual fuel) — approximately 1-2 hours
🏠 Complex installations — older properties or difficult meter locations may take longer
What to do after installation
Once your smart meters are installed here’s how to make the most of them:
📱 Download your supplier’s app — most suppliers have an app that shows your smart meter data in detail including daily and weekly usage breakdowns
🖥️ Set up your In-Home Display — place it somewhere visible like the kitchen so you can see your usage throughout the day
📊 Check your usage patterns — look at which times of day you use the most energy and identify opportunities to shift usage to cheaper off-peak times
💰 Consider a smart tariff — now you have a smart meter you may be eligible for time-of-use tariffs that offer cheaper rates at off-peak times
🔄 Review your direct debit — with accurate usage data your supplier can set a more accurate direct debit amount
Unlock smart tariffs with your new meter
Compare smart energy deals available with your smart meter. Free, no obligation.
Compare energy deals →Common smart meter problems
Most smart meter installations go smoothly but here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
📶 Poor signal — in some areas the smart metering network signal is weak. Your engineer will tell you if this is an issue at your property. A signal booster can sometimes help.
🖥️ In-Home Display not working — sometimes takes up to 24 hours to pair with the meters. If it’s still not working after 24 hours contact your supplier.
📊 Readings not being sent automatically — if your supplier is still sending estimated bills after installation contact them to check the meter is communicating correctly.
🔄 Losing smart functionality after switching — older SMETS1 meters can lose smart functionality when you switch supplier. SMETS2 meters (installed since 2019) work with all suppliers.
Smart meters and switching supplier
Having a smart meter doesn’t prevent you from switching energy supplier — in fact it can make switching easier as your new supplier can access your usage data automatically.
If you have a SMETS2 meter (installed since 2019) it will continue working as a smart meter after you switch to a new supplier. If you have an older SMETS1 meter it may temporarily lose its smart functionality when you switch — though most SMETS1 meters have now been remotely upgraded to work across all suppliers.
Related guides
What is a smart meter and do I need one? → How to reduce your energy bills UK 2026 → How to switch energy supplier UK 2026 →Ready to make the most of your smart meter?
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Compare energy deals →Written by the FastSwitch team · Last updated April 2026
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