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What happens when an old or replacement smart meter is due?

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UKPublished 6 October 2026 · Written by BuyMeWhiskey Editorial Team · How we check facts

If an old meter needs replacing or an RTS service is being retired, your supplier may need to change the meter so it can keep operating and support your tariff.

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Ask your supplier why the meter must be replaced, what type will be installed, and what happens to your tariff and readings before the appointment.

GOV.UK: Smart meters

Why an old meter may need replacement

Meters are not permanent household fixtures in the same way a consumer appliance is. Suppliers may need to replace equipment that has reached the end of its approved service life, cannot support the required tariff, or relies on a communications system being retired. The supplier should explain the reason. The phrase “I do not want a smart meter” is not itself an answer to why a particular meter has to be replaced. The important question is what compliant equipment can serve the property.

RTS meters are a particular issue

Some older meters use Radio Teleswitch Service arrangements for switching between tariff periods. The retirement of that system means affected properties need an alternative arrangement. If you have an RTS-related setup, ask the supplier what replacement is proposed and whether your existing tariff is dependent on the old technology. Keep the old meter details and recent bills. Do not assume that any smart meter will behave exactly like the previous setup without checking the tariff.

What to ask before the installation

Ask who is installing the meter, whether the replacement is free under the supplier’s process, what happens to the meter-reading history and whether your tariff changes. If you have restricted-hour heating, storage heating or another complex setup, tell the supplier before the appointment. A meter that works technically can still be a poor practical replacement if the household’s tariff or heating configuration has not been considered.

What if you do not want smart functionality?

The available options depend on the supplier, property and tariff. Some customers may be able to request a particular configuration, but there is not a universal promise that an analogue meter can be kept indefinitely where replacement is required. Ask the supplier to explain the available equipment and whether smart functionality can be limited under the arrangement. Get the response in writing if the issue affects a long-term tariff or a specialist heating setup.

Certification and safety are separate from preference

If a meter reaches the end of its approved service period, the issue is not simply whether the customer likes smart meters. The supplier has responsibilities for metering equipment and accurate billing. A replacement can therefore be required even where the customer has no interest in smart features. Focus on the legal meter, the tariff, the readings and the billing outcome rather than treating the device choice as the only issue.

Keep evidence through the change

Take photographs of the old meter and its reading on the replacement date. Save the final bill, tariff information and any installation paperwork. After the new meter is live, check the first bill against the opening reading. If the supplier has recorded the wrong meter point, tariff or reading, complain promptly. Citizens Advice can help with meter and energy issues, while Ofgem provides regulatory information about smart-meter programmes and supplier obligations.

Worked example

Illustrative example: Suppose a household is told that its old meter must be replaced because the technology supporting it is being retired. The household asks whether the new meter will change the tariff, records the current meter readings and photographs the meter. It tells the supplier that its heating equipment depends on timed charging and asks for that configuration to be checked before installation. After the replacement, it confirms the meter number, opening reading and tariff on the new account. If an unexpected charge appears, the household has the evidence to show what the meter read on the change date. The example illustrates the right approach: focus on continuity of service, accurate metering and the tariff rather than treating the smart label itself as the financial outcome.

Why do I have to replace my old electricity meter?#

A supplier may need to replace a meter because the equipment has reached the end of its approved service period, the communications technology is being retired or the meter cannot support the required tariff. Ask the supplier for the reason and what alternative meter will be installed. Keep the old meter reading and details.

What is an RTS electricity meter?#

RTS refers to a Radio Teleswitch Service used by some older electricity-meter arrangements, often linked to time-based tariffs and heating. The retirement of the system means affected customers need alternative equipment. If you think you have an RTS meter, ask your supplier to confirm the setup and explain the replacement plan.

Can I refuse a smart meter replacement?#

The options depend on why the meter needs changing, your supplier and the tariff. There is no universal promise that an analogue meter can remain where replacement equipment is required. Ask what alternatives are available and whether the smart functionality can be limited or configured differently. Get any special arrangement confirmed in writing.

Will replacing my meter change my energy tariff?#

Not necessarily, but the replacement can coincide with changes in how a tariff is delivered. Ask the supplier to confirm the tariff name, rates and any special time-of-use arrangements before the installation. Afterward, compare the opening meter reading and first bill with your saved records.

Are smart meter replacements free?#

The customer should ask the supplier to explain its specific replacement process and any cost. Do not pay a caller simply because they say a meter visit requires an upfront charge. Verify the appointment through the supplier’s official contact details and check your tariff terms.

What should I do if my smart meter does not work properly?#

Record the meter reading manually and contact the supplier. Explain whether the problem affects the display, communications, readings or the tariff. Keep screenshots and bills. If the complaint is not resolved, Citizens Advice can provide guidance and the relevant energy-dispute route may be available.

What if I do not want smart-meter data shared?#

Smart meters involve data and communication settings that are governed by the supplier and regulatory rules. Ask the supplier what data it collects, what settings apply and what choices you have. Avoid switching off the equipment yourself if that could affect billing or safety. Use the supplier’s formal privacy and smart-meter information to make the choice.

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Sources

Figures were checked against these sources before publication. If a rule changes, we update the page and show the new date.

General information, not personal financial advice. Rules depend on your circumstances; check the official source or speak to a regulated adviser before acting.