Can I Switch Energy Suppliers If I Have a Smart Meter?

Introduction

Smart meters are now installed in over 33 million UK homes and small businesses. They make it easier to track energy use, and can help you get better deals. But many people still wonder:

"Will I lose smart meter features if I switch supplier?" "Can I still change energy providers if I have an older smart meter"?

The good news: yes, you can switch. This guide explains how smart meter switching works in 2025, what to look out for, and how Taupia makes it completely effortless.

What Is a Smart Meter?

A smart meter is a digital energy meter that sends automatic readings to your supplier, so you don’t have to. It usually includes:

• A smart gas and/or electricity meter
• A secure wireless link to your energy company
• An In-Home Display (IHD) to show live usage and cost data

There are two main types used in the UK:

• SMETS1: First-generation meters. May lose smart features after switching.
• SMETS2: Newer, fully interoperable meters. Keep working when you switch.

Can I Switch Suppliers With a Smart Meter?

Yes. Smart meters do not prevent you from switching. However:

• If you have a SMETS1 meter, it might lose smart features temporarily after switching. It still measures correctly, you just may need to submit manual readings until it's upgraded.
• If you have a SMETS2 meter, it will keep working normally after switching.

By 2025, most SMETS1 meters have been upgraded remotely to act like SMETS2, so even older smart meters now usually stay smart when you switch.

How Do I Know Which Smart Meter I Have?

Look for clues like:

• Date installed: SMETS2 became standard around 2019.
• Switch history: If your meter stayed smart after a past switch, it’s likely SMETS2.
• In-Home Display (IHD) model name or settings screen
• Ask your supplier, or check your smart meter technical details online.

What Happens to My Smart Meter If I Switch?

• Your meter stays in place: switching suppliers does not mean new hardware.
• Your energy usage continues to be tracked: either automatically (if smart) or manually (if fallback).
• You’ll receive a final bill from your old supplier, and the new one will take over readings.

Taupia will make sure:

• You know what type of meter you have
• The new supplier supports smart features
• The switch won’t break anything

Do I Have to Have a Smart Meter to Switch?

No. You can switch with:

• A smart meter (SMETS1 or SMETS2)
• A traditional meter
• A prepayment meter

If you don’t have a smart meter, Taupia can still help you switch using a recent bill. Later, you can request a smart meter from your new supplier.

How Taupia Makes Smart Meter Switching Easy

We offer a smart, secure way to switch energy providers, whether or not you have a smart meter. Here’s how we’ll help:

• Detect if your smart meter is compatible
• Use your smart readings (if available) to find the best deals
• Automatically check if a new supplier supports your smart meter
• Keep you updated if anything changes with your meter’s status

Smart switching, built for smart meters.

Helpful links

• Compare energy prices in 60 seconds: https://taupia.com/compare-energy-prices
• Switch energy supplier guide: https://taupia.com/switch-energy-supplier
• How Taupia works: https://taupia.com/how-it-works
• Supported suppliers: https://taupia.com/supported-suppliers
• Security and trust: https://taupia.com/security-and-trust
• FAQs: https://taupia.com/learn-more/faq

Official guidance

• Ofgem (energy regulator): https://www.ofgem.gov.uk
• GOV.UK smart meter guidance: https://www.gov.uk
• Citizens Advice switching help: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
• Smart Energy GB: https://www.smartenergygb.org

FAQ

Will I lose smart meter functionality when I switch?

Only if you have a first-gen (SMETS1) meter and your new supplier can’t connect to it. But most SMETS1 meters are now remotely upgraded, so this is increasingly rare.

Can I request a new smart meter from a new supplier?

Yes. All major suppliers now offer SMETS2 smart meters. If your current meter is old or offline, you can request an upgrade after switching.

Does Taupia work with both types of smart meters?

Yes. We’ll help you switch confidently regardless of which type you have, and tell you exactly what to expect.

Conclusion

You don’t have to worry about your smart meter when switching energy suppliers in 2025. Whether you’ve got SMETS1 or SMETS2, Taupia makes sure the switch is seamless, and your smart features stay smart.

Want to learn more about switching energy suppliers and saving on bills? Visit our blog