← Back to Guides

Why Getting a Smart Meter Might Not Be Smart

Smart meters are widely promoted across the UK as a modern upgrade to traditional gas and electricity meters. They promise automatic readings, real-time usage tracking, and more accurate billing. But are they always the best option for every household?

What a Smart Meter Actually Does

A smart meter automatically sends your energy usage data to your supplier. Instead of submitting manual readings, your bill is generated from remotely transmitted data.

In theory, this reduces estimated bills and improves accuracy.

Where Concerns Begin

Some households report confusion around how their usage is recorded and billed, particularly when signal issues occur or when smart meters switch to “dumb mode” after changing suppliers.

When connectivity is interrupted, billing may revert to estimated usage until communication is restored.

Increased Complexity

Traditional analogue meters are simple:

• You read the number
• You record the number
• You calculate usage difference

Smart meters introduce additional layers:

• Data transmission systems
• Supplier software platforms
• Time-of-use pricing integration
• Remote updates

More systems can mean more points of failure or confusion.

Verification Becomes Less Direct

With a traditional meter, you physically see the reading. You write it down. You verify the difference yourself.

With a smart meter, much of the calculation happens behind supplier systems. While you can still access readings, the process may feel less transparent to some households.

Are Smart Meters Dangerous?

There is no credible evidence that smart meters pose health risks when installed according to UK standards. However, some consumers express concerns around:

• Data privacy
• Remote disconnection capabilities
• Dependency on supplier infrastructure

These concerns are typically about control and transparency rather than physical safety.

When Keeping a Traditional Meter May Be Preferable

• You prefer manual verification
• You value simplicity
• You want full visibility over readings
• You do not need time-of-use pricing

The Bottom Line

Smart meters are not inherently problematic. But they are not automatically beneficial for everyone either.

For households that value transparency and independent verification, a traditional meter remains simple and easy to audit.