As the UK’s smart meter rollout continues, we are entering a new phase - one focused not only on first-time smart meter installations but on replacing existing smart meters with newer, more advanced models.
These ‘smart-to-smart’ replacements are crucial for maintaining a reliable, future-proofed energy system that can keep pace with technological advancements.
Since the launch of the DCC’s national smart meter network in 2016, millions of smart meters have been installed in homes and businesses across the UK, helping customers manage their energy use and, in extension, lower their carbon footprint.
As communication networks advance to 4G and beyond, some older smart meters that operate on earlier networks now need to be upgraded to ensure they stay connected and continue to share smart data.
In this blog, we’ll explore why smart meter replacements are taking place, how the move to 4G fits into the wider rollout, and what these upgrades mean for the UK’s journey toward a smarter, lower-carbon energy system.
SMETS1 smart meter replacements
We’re replacing older first-generation SMETS1 smart meters with the newer second-generation SMETS2 smart meters to ensure everyone's smart meters stay connected and ready for the future.
But why does this need to happen?
All smart meters have a communications hub. It’s typically located on top of your electricity smart meter or, in some cases, beside it. These hubs enable your smart meter to share data with your In-Home Display (IHD) or Octopus Home Mini and us, your supplier, via secure networks managed by the Data Communications Company (DCC).
All comms hubs installed until recently were built on 2G and 3G cellular signals in the South and a long-range radio network in the North.
The government is now gradually phasing out, or ‘sunsetting’, the 2G/3G mobile networks to prepare for 4G and beyond. This means that any meters relying on the 2G/3G networks will lose smart connectivity after the final switch-off i.e. customers in the South.
The solution is a new 4G communications hub, designed to keep smart meters connected and working seamlessly into the future - even after 2G/3G networks are retired.
SMETS1 smart meters have an integrated older communications hub that cannot be replaced, so we need to replace it with a new and shiny SMETS2 smart meter.
SMETS2 smart meters are compatible with the new 4G communications hub.
For customers in the North, your SMETS1 smart meter will remain connected for now, but upgrading to a SMETS2 smart meter is still the best way to future-proof your home or business.
SMETS2 smart meters:
- Stay smart when you switch: SMETS2 smart meters stay connected and keep working even if you change energy supplier (although we hope you never do!).
- Are ready for innovation: they make it easier to take advantage of and integrate with smart home technology.
- Support smart tariffs and flexible energy use: help the UK use more renewable power and cut carbon emissions.
So when we upgrade your old SMETS1 to a SMETS2, you’re not just keeping your meter smart - you’re getting one that’s designed to stay that way.
Do you have a SMETS1 meter that needs to be replaced?
No worries, we'll be in touch shortly to book you in for your meter upgrade as soon as we have engineers available in your area.
Communication hub replacements
As mentioned, all smart meters have a component called a 'communications hub' that allows us to talk to your meters and receive your consumption data.
Until recently, communication hubs installed across the South relied on 2G and 3G mobile networks, while those in the North used a long-range radio network.
With 2G and 3G networks being phased out across the UK by the end of 2033, smart meters with a 2G/3G comms hub will lose connectivity unless they’re upgraded. The good news: there’s a new 4G communications hub that will keep your smart meter connected and ready for any future changes to our networks.
SMETS2 smart meters are designed so their communications hubs can be swapped out easily, making them future-ready. If you’ve got a SMETS2 smart meter still using an older 2G/3G hub, we’ll need to switch it for the new 4G version.
The older SMETS1 smart meters, however, have a fully integrated hub that can’t be replaced, so these will be upgraded to SMETS2 smart meters instead.
We’ll be in touch soon to upgrade your smart meter setup with the latest technology
Keeping your smart meter up to date gets you benefits:
Enjoy exclusive smart meter perks.
Making sure you have the latest smart meter technologies allows you to earn rewards by participating in Octoplus, Free Electricity, and Saving Sessions, which require half-hourly smart meter data to be eligible.
Interested in one of our smart tariffs?
Getting your smart meter sorted for the future ensures there are no interruptions to your automatic data, so you can save cash and carbon by shifting your consumption to cheaper times with our innovative smart tariffs.
FAQs
What type of smart meter is mine, SMETS1 or SMETS2?
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If we already supply you, you can check which meter you have by logging in to your online account dashboard.
You can also check out the Smart Meter Check Tool.
What network do SMETS2 meters use?
Why is the government phasing out the 2G/3G mobile network?
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Switching off 2G and 3G will free up capacity on mobile networks that can be used by faster 4G and 5G services instead.
For energy suppliers, this means an upgraded energy network that is compatible with 4G services, so homes and small businesses can continue to benefit from smart meters now and into the future.
I live in the North. Why should I replace my communications hub or upgrade my SMETS1 meter to SMETS2?
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If you’re located in the North or Scotland, the new 4G smart meter network has been built to be more reliable, with further coverage than the original long-range radio network. It’s necessary to have a 4G-compatible comms hub to connect to the new 4G network.
