Upgrading first-generation (SMETS1) smart meters

To realise the full benefits of smart metering, the Government decided that along with a new unified network and single smart meter standard, all older smart meters should be migrated to this singular network rather than remaining on various unconnected networks. This will allow consumers to switch energy companies and smart operation no matter what smart meter generation you have or who originally installed it.

The DCC was given the role by the Government of coordinating the ‘migrating’ of these meters onto the nationwide network. This has required working across the energy industry to make sure suppliers can bring their customers onto our network in a secure and seamless manner.

Its operation will only be improved. The in-home display will continue to operate, and other functions like topping-up, if it’s a prepayment meter, will remain the same. The big difference will be its ability to securely and automatically send meter readings, no matter which supplier you are currently on, or plan to switch to.

Migration will be completed over-the-air (OTA), meaning the new software will be delivered wirelessly without a visit from a technician. It is most likely that you will not be required to do anything, and you may not notice the change happening until your current energy supplier notifies you. There will be no disruption to your energy supply.

Though we appreciate you would like the added convenience of having your smart meter on our network, we ask everyone to be patient. Meters will be moved gradually over the course of the rollout.

Yes, it is safe, and you will not lose power.

As these meters are in people’s homes and are so important to daily life, the programme has been designed to be extremely cautious. This means that each meter type will be extensively tested and suppliers have been given advice to ensure there will be no issues with supply or billing.

Our network has been built to the highest security standard which has been reviewed by the National Cyber Security Centre. It uses high levels of encryption, and the most important data passes over our network without us having the ability to see it. Only your supplier can see how much energy you are using and when. We can only see all of your data with your explicit approval.

For the migration of dormant meters (meters not giving automatic readings) the DCC will play the lead role. For active meters, the consumer’s energy supplier has a key role in supporting the migration, which the DCC will help manage. It will be the energy supplier setting the date, contacting customers if necessary, and ensuring all billings are in order. They will also be accountable for ensuring prepayment customers do not lose supply during the migration. We have advised all suppliers to put measures in, such as temporarily putting the meter in credit mode during migration to ensure supply is not lost.

If your meters have not been migrated then there is a risk that you will have to provide your energy supplier with meter readings, if they are unable to obtain the information directly from your meters. We are preparing for the closure of the DCC’s Migration Service and the transition to in-life operations. Energy suppliers have a licence enrolment obligation to have taken all reasonable steps to enrol SMETS1 meters onto the DCC network by 31 December 2022 or within 12 months of the meter becoming eligible. Separately they have a complementary replacement obligation to replace any un-enrolled SMETS1 devices with SMETS2 devices by 31 December 2023.

First-generation (SMETS1) meters were installed by energy suppliers to meet their obligations to offer and install smart meters for consumers, before the DCC became operationally ready. Whilst the core functionality offered by a SMETS1 meter is the same as SMETS2 smart meters, the manner in which information is currently provided to energy suppliers differs, as the communication is managed through different Smart Meter System Operators (SMSOs), where SMETS2 meters communicate through a single service managed by the DCC. Once a SMETS1 meter has been migrated, the communication will operate in the DCC's total systems. This enables consumers to change energy suppliers without loss of smart capabilities.

The way you top up will remain the same. Your energy supplier will contact you ahead of migration to ensure the process is completed without any disruption.