New Obligations Introduced for Energy Suppliers to Fix Smart Meters Faster

The UK Government has announced new obligations for energy suppliers aimed at improving the reliability of smart meters and accelerating the completion of the national smart meter rollout.

On 10 March, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) published an update following its consultation on the Smart Metering Policy Framework beyond 2025. The response outlines several new requirements designed to ensure smart meters operate correctly and that the remaining rollout is completed within a defined timeframe.

Faster Repairs for Non-Communicating Smart Meters

Under the new framework, energy suppliers will be required to take all reasonable steps to restore smart meters that have lost their smart functionality (often referred to as operating in “traditional mode”).

Where a supplier becomes aware that a smart meter is no longer communicating properly, they must ensure it is restored to full smart operation as soon as possible and no later than 90 days after the issue is identified.

This change aims to reduce the number of households with smart meters that have effectively reverted to manual meters, ensuring customers continue to benefit from accurate automated readings and improved energy data.

Smart Meter Rollout to Be Completed by 2030

Suppliers will also be required to take all reasonable steps to complete the installation of smart meters in all remaining domestic premises by the end of 2030. The national rollout has been ongoing for several years, but the Government is now setting clearer expectations for completion.

Preparing for the 2G and 3G Communications Switch-Off

Another key obligation addresses the upcoming communications network shutdowns. Many early smart meters rely on 2G and 3G mobile networks to transmit data.

Suppliers must now take proactive steps to replace affected meters before those networks are switched off, with a target deadline of 2033 to ensure consumers do not lose smart functionality as telecommunications infrastructure evolves.

Greater Oversight from the Regulator

Energy suppliers will also be required to submit annual smart meter deployment plans to Ofgem. This measure is intended to improve transparency and provide greater regulatory oversight of suppliers’ progress against rollout targets.

What This Means for Energy Consumers

These new obligations are designed to:

• Reduce the number of non-communicating smart meters

• Ensure faster resolution when meters lose smart functionality

• Accelerate the completion of the national rollout

• Protect consumers as older mobile communication networks are phased out

For businesses and households alike, functioning smart meters can help improve billing accuracy, enable better energy monitoring, and support the wider transition to a more flexible and efficient energy system.