What to expect from a smart meter installation

We explain how to get a smart meter and what happens during a smart meter installation visit
Sarah IngramsPrincipal researcher & writer
Smart meter installation

If you haven't had a smart meter fitted yet, here's what to expect when you get a smart meter installed. 

You don't have to accept a smart meter if you don't want one. But it's worth knowing that the smart meters currently being installed don't have the problems you might have heard about with their earlier cousins. 

Keep reading to find out what happens during a smart meter installation, or find out what a smart meter is first. 

If you have a first-generation smart meter and are concerned it may stop working, read our page on smart meter problems and how to solve them

How to get a smart meter

Gas smart meter

Your energy company will get in touch to arrange a suitable time and date to fit your smart meters. Every household in Britain will be offered them by 2025. You can also contact your energy supplier to book an appointment. 

Energy companies should make an appointment in advance. In the unlikely event that someone knocks at your door to make a smart meter appointment, be very cautious. Ask to see official ID to ensure they’re not a rogue trader attempting to scam you, and request that the company gets in touch with you through more official channels. 

Find out more about doorstep scams and how to avoid them.

You’ll need to agree a day and time for your smart meter installation. You should get a confirmation of your appointment by email, message or phone. Ask for one if you don’t get it. 

A trained installer from your energy firm, or a company working for it, will fit your smart meters. You will need to be at home for the appointment.

If you don’t want smart meters, you're not obliged to have them. However, most energy companies do not have traditional meters to install anymore. If your meter needs to be replaced, you can ask your supplier to replace it with a smart meter that has its communications switched off so that it operates as a traditional meter.

How long does it take to fit a smart meter?

Smart meter monitor besides a cup of tea and plate of toast

It typically takes around one hour for each smart meter installation so if you're having both smart electricity and gas meters installed it could take around two hours. But the time will differ from property to property and depend on where your current meters are located.

Before a smart meter installation

Before your smart meter is fitted, your energy supplier should tell you:

  • what to expect
  • how long the installation will take
  • if there's anything you need to do before the installation can happen (e.g. clear out your meter cupboard or get access to the main fuse switch for electricity. In flats this can sometimes be behind a locked door, so you’d need to arrange access with the building manager).

If you know that there’s something unusual about your home or meters, tell your energy company when you make the appointment, or at least several days before your installation appointment.

This will help to reduce the chance that the installation can't go ahead because of something the installer needed to know. Things it’s worth telling your energy company about include:

  • if you have solar panels or generate renewable electricity another way
  • if your gas and electricity meters are very far apart (they need to ‘talk’ to each other, which might require a special communications hub if this is a long distance)
  • if your meters are inaccessible (for example high up on a wall, behind a locked door or gate, or in a very small cupboard)
  • if you have a multi-rate meter (for example Economy 7, Economy 10, a grey or white meter, or any meter that directly controls your central heating)
  • if you know your area has no mobile phone signal. Your energy firm may be able to check in advance if smart meters will be able to connect to the smart meter wide area network.

During a smart meter installation

Gas smart meter installation

When the engineer arrives, they will usually do a visual inspection of your boiler and other gas appliances to check they are working properly.

They will take final meter readings from your old meters before removing them – this makes sure your account is up to date. You can note down the readings yourself, too, for extra peace of mind.

During the installation, the electricity and gas will need to be switched off for around half an hour each. The engineer will let you know when they are going to do this.

You will get two smart meters: one for gas and one for electricity (or just one for electricity if you don't have mains gas) but this will be done in two separate appointments if you're with different suppliers for each fuel.

After fitting your smart meters, the engineer will check your gas supply by turning your gas back on and relighting any pilot lights in your boiler. 

If you have any mains-connected alarms, check that they're working correctly. The engineer will also do a test with a plug socket to check that it's working as it should be.

Your smart meter in-home display monitor

Finger pressing a smart meter monitor display

As part of the installation, you'll be given a smart meter display. You might also hear it called an in-home display or IHD. 

This isn't the smart meter itself, but a gadget that shows you what is going on with your energy usage, using your smart meter's data.

They are handheld digital devices that show how much electricity and gas you’re using, in near-real time, and how much it’s costing you based on your energy unit rates.

The installer should show you how to use your smart meter display. You may also be able to see your energy use in your online account with your energy company or its app.

You should be given advice on saving energy in your home and how to use your smart meter to do this. Read our 10 ways to save money on energy.

The installer shouldn't try to sell you other products while they’re installing your smart meters. There's a code of conduct that forbids smart meter installers from doing this.

Safety problems found by smart meter installers

During a smart meter installation, engineers sometimes spot potential problems unrelated to your smart meter, such as defective wiring, equipment that is very old, blown fuses or faulty boilers. 

Between the start of 2017 and the end of May 2023, more than two million problems were identified by engineers fitting smart meters, according to government data.

If a problem is found, the installer’s priority is to make it safe. This can delay the installation process, and some problems might mean it’s not appropriate to install the smart meter at all. If so, the installer will explain why, and tell you what work needs to be done (by you, your energy company or your network operator).

Use Which? Trusted Traders to find reputable electricians or gas safe engineers near you.

How often will my smart meter need to be replaced?

Electric smart meter installation

Smart meters will need replacing around every 10 years – more often than traditional gas and electricity meters. Your energy company will tell you when your smart meter is due to be replaced, and arrange a time and date for this to happen.

Your gas meter is battery powered so, like traditional prepayment meters, will need to have its battery replaced when it goes flat. It should last for at least 10 years. 

Your gas smart meter should send a notification to your supplier when it needs replacing, but if you’re concerned, contact your energy firm. 

Smart electricity meters are mains powered.

Smart meter displays can be either mains or battery powered. If yours stops working, it won’t affect your smart meter. 

Check our advice on smart meter problems and how to solve them if you're having trouble with your display.