Everything you need to know about meter certification
Just like food, most meters are given a ‘best before’ date when they're manufactured. This is called a certification date which is set by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
Once a meter has passed its certification date, we need to replace it. This ensures the energy you use is always measured accurately to the levels specified by the OPSS and you only pay for the energy you use.
Why do I need to replace my meter?
As traditional meters get older they may start running too fast or too slow. When this happens, the energy you’re using isn’t being measured correctly so you could end up paying more than you should.
I’ve been told my meter needs replacing, what now?
Simply click the booking link in the email notifying you that your meter needs replacing and select a date and time that suits you. Don't have the email handy? Don't worry - you can also book your smart meter appointment in your Octopus account!
Once booked the installation couldn't be easier. Our friendly engineer will be with you for about an hour per fuel and if you have a gas meter, we'll replace it at the same time.
Do you have to replace my meter?
Yes, we’re required to do so under governmental regulation of the Electricity Act 1989.
Why are you replacing non-smart (traditional) meters with smart ones?
- Ofgem - the non-governmental regulatory body for energy supply - has specific rules around meter replacement:
- Their 'Open letter on Energy Suppliers’ Delivery of the Rollout and Regulatory Obligations' requires energy suppliers to take all reasonable steps to install smart meters for all new connections and replacement meters at domestic and non-domestic premises.
- We install smart meters because traditional meters are no longer being manufactured or refurbished.
- Smart meters show us how energy is used almost as it happens – so we can reward you for using it when it’s greener or costs less!
Why would I want a smart meter?
We are installing the latest generation of smart meters, also known as SMETS2.
Across the UK, smart meters are helping create a greener energy system. By allowing us to have better insight into supply and demand, we can make better use of renewable energy when it’s available at a local level.
Upgrading to smart meters can unlock big savings:
- Earn money back on your bills by taking part in our smart trials
- Get free electricity with Octoplus Saving sessions
- Save on your bills with our smart tariffs
- Change costly habits and cut your usage with energy insights in the Octopus Energy app
- Get an extra chance to win up to £512 every month on our Wheel of Fortune
- Check out what we’re doing with our Fan club!
There’s other benefits too!
- No more submitting meter readings, the meter does it for you.
- SMETS2 smart meters stay smart even if you do switch suppliers (but we hope you never do!)
Do I have to pay to upgrade my meter?
Getting a smart meter won’t cost you any extra, just like the installation and maintenance of traditional meters - the costs are covered in everyone's energy bills.
My meter is already past its certification date, why haven’t I been contacted?
In conjunction with the OPSS, suppliers run service testing each year where we spot check meters of various types and ages. The results of these checks mean that some meter certificates can be extended, so sometimes the certification date written on the meter when it was first manufactured/ installed might not be accurate.
If needed, we can double-check the certification date for you, and book a replacement as soon as possible if necessary.
Want to know more about smart meters and the installation process? Check out what to expect before, during, and after your smart meter installation and how we’ve made smart meter installations something to look forward to.
Published on 3rd July 2025 by:
Hey I'm Constantine, welcome to Octopus Energy!
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