Unveiling alterations to elevate the consumer smart meter encounter in the UK
The UK government has launched a call for evidence into the Clean Power 2030 project and smart meter integration with low carbon technologies, as part of an effort to streamline the smart meter rollout and improve customer experience [1]. This move comes in response to concerns about delays in smart meter installations and the need for better connectivity management.
In a bid to improve the installation, repair, and connectivity of smart meters, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero plans to implement tough new obligations for energy suppliers [2]. These obligations, effective from early 2026, focus on enhancing customer protection and ensuring fair compensation.
Energy suppliers will be required to boost smart meter standards by ensuring that faulty or traditional-mode smart meters are fixed or upgraded to smart mode within 90 days of awareness [3]. They will also be expected to pre-emptively replace equipment that will lose connectivity, such as meters relying on 2G/3G networks, which will be switched off by 2033 [4].
The domestic smart meter rollout is set to be completed by installing meters in all remaining homes by the end of 2030 [5]. Suppliers will also be required to submit annual deployment plans to Ofgem detailing installation, operational, and replacement activities so progress and compliance can be monitored.
In addition, suppliers will provide automatic compensation (£40) to customers if they fail to meet minimum service standards around installations, repairs, appointment keeping, and switching within five working days [3]. Ofgem will also enforce tougher penalties against suppliers who do not comply, aiming to reduce long wait times for installation and repairs, and to improve overall customer experience through faster fixes, enhanced installation protocols, and better connectivity management.
These measures are designed to incentivize suppliers to deliver higher service quality, protect consumers from poor service, and facilitate a smooth transition to a fully smart energy system [6]. This, in turn, is expected to support better energy management, lower bills, and a cleaner power network.
The call for evidence also aims to address installer field capacity constraints causing delays for some consumers [1]. The government also plans to expand support for smart meter connectivity over a 4G mobile network, replacing existing 2G and 3G networks [7].
Dan Brooke, chief executive of smart meter supplier Smart Energy GB, supports the government's announcement, claiming it will provide reassurance and allow more households to enjoy the benefits of smart meters [8]. The government continues to support the smart meter project, claiming that the devices could help deliver environmental savings through integration with low-carbon technologies [9].
However, it's important to note that the smart meter rollout has been continuously delayed and is dramatically over-budget with growing costs [10]. The National Audit Office suggested in 2018 that the smart meter rollout would only deliver a benefit of around £18 per household [11]. Technical issues with smart meters include fictitious readings, surprise language shifts, and over-reliance on older mobile networks [12].
Despite these challenges, the government remains committed to the smart meter project and the potential benefits it offers. The consultation on the government's smart metering policy framework runs through to the 3rd of October 2025, and information on how to participate can be found on GOV.UK [13].
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-call-for-evidence-on-smart-meter-integration-with-low-carbon-technologies [2] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/energy-suppliers-to-face-tough-new-obligations-to-accelerate-uk-rollout-of-smart-meters [3] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smart-metering-policy-framework-consultation/smart-metering-policy-framework-consultation-response [4] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/planning-and-infrastructure-bill-will-offer-up-to-2500-off-bills-for-homes-near-new-pylons [5] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smart-metering-policy-framework-consultation/smart-metering-policy-framework-consultation-response [6] https://www.smartenergygb.org/news-and-views/news/2021/june/smart-energy-gb-welcomes-government-announcement-on-new-smart-meter-obligations [7] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-call-for-evidence-on-smart-meter-integration-with-low-carbon-technologies [8] https://www.smartenergygb.org/news-and-views/news/2021/june/smart-energy-gb-welcomes-government-announcement-on-new-smart-meter-obligations [9] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-call-for-evidence-on-smart-meter-integration-with-low-carbon-technologies [10] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57605172 [11] https://www.nao.org.uk/report/smart-meters/ [12] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-57605172 [13] https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/smart-metering-policy-framework-call-for-evidence/smart-metering-policy-framework-call-for-evidence
- The government's focus on integrating smart meters with low carbon technologies in the Clean Power 2030 project showcases the integration of IoT technology with the energy industry.
- In the context of the smart meter rollout, the UK government is exploring AI-driven management systems to enhance connectivity and improve customer experience.
- As part of the new obligations for energy suppliers, data centers will likely play a role in storing and processing vast amounts of smart meter data, enhancing security and energy efficiency.
- The adoption of smart meters may also foster innovative collaboration in the finance industry, as new business models and financial services are developed around smart energy usage and billing.
