Guides › Energy and Water Bills › Do I Have to Accept a Smart Meter?
Do I Have to Accept a Smart Meter?
You do not have to accept a smart meter if you do not want one. If you refuse, cheaper deals may later be limited to smart meter customers. If you ask for one, your supplier should offer an appointment within 30 working days and pay £40 compensation if it misses the appointment or fails to book within that time.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Saying No
Refusing
You do not have to accept a smart meter if you do not want one. If your supplier says you must, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline. If you refuse you may find it harder to access all tariffs. You can ask for a smart meter with the extra functions switched off, if your supplier offers this. If told a meter has expired, check first: electricity meters with MID certification do not expire and gas meters have no expiry date. You may not be able to refuse a replacement if an old-style gas meter is unsafe. source
If You Ask for One
Supplier Duties
The supplier must offer an appointment within 30 working days of your request, in a 2 to 4 hour slot. It must pay £40 if it misses the appointment, does not book within 30 working days, changes it with less than 1 working day's notice without agreement, or sends unqualified staff, and another £40 if the first is not paid within 10 working days. A smart meter can be set to prepayment mode, which is usually more expensive. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 30 working daysAppointment offeredFrom your request
- £40Compensation if missedPer the supplier rules
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
If you do not want a smart meter, tell your supplier in writing.
Step 2 of 5
If told it is compulsory, call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline.
Step 3 of 5
If you want one, ask in writing and note the date.
Step 4 of 5
Claim compensation if the appointment is missed.
Step 5 of 5
Complain to the supplier, then the Energy Ombudsman.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Energy Supplier
Always start here.
Energy Ombudsman
If your supplier does not put it right.
Citizens Advice
Free advice and the consumer helpline.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
The Citizens Advice page does not say who can accept or refuse a smart meter in a rented home: ask your landlord and supplier.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different housing rules.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 14 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/your-energy-meter/getting-a-smart-meter-installed Checked 14 October 2026
- energy-ombudsman.org.uk Checked 8 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk Checked 8 October 2026