TL;DR: Too long, Didn’t read
The Law: Smart Meters are voluntary. You are not legally required to have one installed (unless you are in serious debt).
The Tactics: Suppliers are under government pressure to install them, so they send letters that sound mandatory (e.g., “We are upgrading your area”).
The “Unsafe” Trick: They might claim your old meter is “expired” or “unsafe” to force a swap. Always ask for proof.
Renters: If you pay the bill directly, you decide, not your landlord (though you should check your tenancy agreement).
Open your email or check your post. Chances are, there is a message from British Gas, E.ON, or Octopus. “Urgent: Your meter needs upgrading.” “We are in your area.” “Final Notice: Book your installation.”
The wording is deliberately designed to make you panic. It sounds like an order, not an offer. Many people believe they must let the engineer in. But do you? For most households, the answer is no. You have the right to keep your “dumb” analogue meter. Here is the truth about refusing, the one dangerous exception, and how to stop the harassment.
Is a Smart Meter Mandatory?
No. The UK Government has set targets for energy suppliers to offer them to everyone, but there is no law forcing you to accept one.
You can say “No.”
You can ignore the letters.
You can tell them to stop calling you about it.
If you are happy submitting manual readings and don’t want a screen in your kitchen, you are perfectly within your rights to refuse.
The “Expired Meter” Trick
This is the most common tactic used to bypass a refusal. Old analogue meters do have a certification life (usually 10-20 years). When they expire, they must be replaced by law for safety and accuracy.
The Trick: Suppliers will say: “Your meter is expired, so we MUST install a Smart Meter.” The Truth: They do have to replace the meter, but they do not have to replace it with a Smart Meter. You can legally insist on a “Dumb” Meter (a new traditional meter).
Note: Suppliers hate this because “Dumb” meters are hard to stock now. They will fight you on it, but if you push back hard enough, they usually “find” one.
The Dangerous Exception: Debt & Forced Entry
There is one scenario where you lose your right to refuse. If you are in debt with your energy bills.
Under strict rules (updated by Ofgem in 2023/24 after the “Forced Entry” scandal):
If you cannot pay your bills, the supplier can get a court warrant to force entry.
They can forcefully remove your old meter and install a Smart Prepayment Meter (so you have to “top up” to get power).
They cannot do this if you are “vulnerable” (e.g., over 75, have small children, or medical dependency on power), but for everyone else, this is a real risk.
Can My Landlord Stop Me?
If you are renting and you pay the energy bill directly (it is in your name), the decision is yours.
You do not strictly need the landlord’s permission to install one.
However: Check your tenancy agreement. Some contracts have a clause saying you cannot alter the property without permission. It is polite to ask, but legally, the contract is between you and the energy company.
Reverse Scenario: If the landlord pays the bills, they decide. If they want a smart meter, you have to let the engineer in.
Step-by-Step: How to Stop the Calls
If you are sick of the “We are in your area” texts:
Email them formally: Write to their customer service. “I decline the offer of a Smart Meter. Please remove me from your marketing list regarding installation.”
Quote the licence conditions: Remind them that installation is voluntary under Ofgem rules.
The “Dumb” Mode: If you move into a house that already has one, you can’t usually get it removed. However, you can ask for it to be set to “Dumb Mode” so it stops sending data and acts like a normal meter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my bills be cheaper with one?
Not automatically. The meter itself doesn’t save money; it just shows you what you are spending. However, some “Smart Tariffs” (cheaper night rates for EV charging) are only available if you have a Smart Meter.
Is the radiation dangerous?
No. Smart Meters use the same radio waves as your mobile phone or Wi-Fi. Public Health England confirms they are safe.
Can they switch off my supply remotely?
Technically, yes. If you switch to a “Smart Prepayment” mode, or if there is a grid emergency, Smart Meters can be controlled remotely. This is why some people refuse them on principle.
(Sources: Ofgem – Smart Meter Rules, Citizens Advice – Refusing a Meter)
We are not anti-technology. Smart meters can be useful. This guide is simply for those who wish to exercise their right to say no.