Meter Certification explained
Most meters are assigned a certification date when they are manufactured. Once a meter has passed its certification date, it needs to be replaced.
This ensures the energy you use is always measured accurately, and you only pay for what you use.
What is meter certification?
Just like food, most meters are given a ‘best before’ date when they're manufactured. This is called a certification date.
For a meter to be certified, it undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it operates accurately and reliably. It is given a ‘certification date’ set by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
When the meter reaches its certification date (the end of its working life), it must be replaced.
Why do we need to replace an uncertified meter?
We’re required by law, under the Electricity Act 1989 to replace uncertified meters.
Meters are tested and certified to ensure they’re working correctly, but their certification only lasts a set number of years. After that, we need to replace the meter to ensure it continues to measure your energy use accurately and reliably.
We’ll replace your meter with a smart meter.
Why are you replacing non-smart (traditional) meters with smart ones?
The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) requires energy suppliers to take all reasonable steps to install smart meters for 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.
We are installing the latest generation of smart meters, also known as SMETS2.
These smart meters play a crucial role in helping to create a greener energy system.
Why would I want a smart meter?
Smart meters show us how energy’s being used in near real-time - helping you get accurate bills, track your usage easily, and earn rewards for using energy during greener or lower-cost times:
They also help us run things more efficiently, saving money we can pass back to you
- Be rewarded for shifting your energy usage with our smart schemes and trials.
- Earn money back on your bills by joining Octoplus - our exclusive rewards programme for smart meter customers.
- Unlock money-saving smart tariffs, which offer lower rates during cheaper and greener times of day.
- Change costly habits and cut your usage with energy insights in the Octopus Energy app.
Smart meters will also stay smart if you switch suppliers (although we hope you never do!).
Do you have to replace my meter?
Yes, we’re required to do so under the Electricity Act 1989, a governmental regulation.
I’ve been told that my meter needs to be replaced. What now?
Simply click the booking link in the email notifying you that your meter needs to be replaced and select a date and time that suits you.
Don't have the email handy? Not to 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 approximately an hour per fuel, and if you have a gas meter, we'll replace it at the same time.
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 conduct annual service testing, during which we spot-check meters of various types and ages. The results of these checks indicate that some meter certificates can be extended, meaning that the certification date written on the meter when it was first manufactured/ installed may not be accurate.
If you need it, 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...if you're still unsure, we've busted the most common smart meter myths to clear up any confusion.
Published on 31st January 2022 by:
Hey I'm Constantine, welcome to Octopus Energy!
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