SMETS1 vs SMETS2: What’s The Difference?

Smart meters now sit at the centre of how UK households monitor energy, switch suppliers, and connect to solar, batteries, and smart home systems. The gap between SMETS1 and SMETS2 is far more than a simple technical upgrade; it shapes how reliably your home receives data, how smoothly you can access smart tariffs, and how future-ready your energy setup is.

In this article, you will see how each meter standard works, where SMETS1 falls short, and why SMETS2 delivers a stronger, more connected experience for UK homes.

Power your home with Upvolt’s smart solar solutions.

Key Takeaways

• SMETS1 meters work for basic usage but often lose smart functions after supplier switches, limiting flexibility and control.
• SMETS2 meters provide stable, secure connectivity through the national DCC network, supporting accurate data and smart-home integration.
• Solar homes benefit significantly from SMETS2 because it supports two-way data, consistent export tracking, and advanced smart-energy tools.
• A SMETS2 upgrade becomes important for households planning solar, batteries, EV charging, or access to advanced smart tariffs.

What Are SMETS1 And SMETS2 Meters?

Smart meters have become a normal part of modern UK homes, giving households clearer, real-time visibility over how much energy they use and export. At the end of June 2025, nearly 40 million smart and advanced meters were installed across homes and small businesses in Great Britain.

SMETS stands for Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications, the standards that define how smart meters communicate, store data, and connect to the national smart network.

Understanding the difference between SMETS1 and SMETS2 helps homeowners choose the right technology, avoid compatibility frustrations, and make better use of smart energy tools.

SMETS1 Meters Explained

SMETS1 meters were the UK’s first generation of smart metering, installed from 2012 to 2018. They introduced automated readings and live energy data, but they were limited by early communication standards.

Key points about SMETS1 meters:

• First widely rolled-out smart meter technology
• Limited interoperability when switching energy suppliers
• Some meters temporarily lose smart functionality after a supplier change
• Many are now being remotely upgraded to join the national smart network (The DCC)

Exploring SMETS2 Meters

SMETS2 meters are the second-generation standard, designed to avoid the issues seen with SMETS1. These meters use a unified national network, meaning they stay smart no matter which supplier you choose.

Improvements with SMETS2 meters:

• Consistent connectivity through the DCC network
• Simple switching between energy suppliers
• Better long-term compatibility with smart home energy systems
• More robust security and update support

Why Meter Standards Matter for Homeowners

Your meter’s standard directly affects how reliable your smart features are. SMETS2 meters provide stronger, future-ready performance, helping households:

• Keep smart functionality when changing suppliers
• Access more stable and accurate energy data
• Integrate smoothly with smart home technologies such as solar, batteries, EV chargers, and heating controls
• Prepare for future energy-saving tools and new smart tariffs

Current Prevalence in the UK

Millions of SMETS1 smart meters are still in use across the UK, but every new smart meter installed today is SMETS2. A nationwide upgrade programme is steadily bringing older SMETS1 units onto the secure smart network, creating a more consistent and reliable experience for households.

Technical Differences Between SMETS1 And SMETS2

The technical differences between SMETS1 and SMETS2 directly influence how reliable your smart features are and how well your home can benefit from new energy technologies.

Connectivity and Remote Reading Capabilities

SMETS1 meters use supplier-specific mobile networks, which can cause issues with connectivity and data visibility, especially after switching suppliers. SMETS2 meters connect through the secure national DCC network, giving them consistent communication and stronger long-term reliability.

Key differences:

• SMETS1: Mobile network tied to your supplier
• SMETS2: Unified national communication network (DCC)
• Both: Support automatic remote meter readings, but SMETS2 is more dependable

Supplier Switching Behaviour

One of the biggest homeowner frustrations with early smart meters was losing smart functionality after changing suppliers.

• SMETS1 meters can still drop into “dumb mode,” requiring manual readings.
• SMETS2 meters avoid this completely. They stay fully smart no matter who supplies your energy.

Why it matters:

• No loss of smart features
• No manual readings
• Simpler switching and better tariff flexibility

Device Compatibility

SMETS2 meters are designed for a smarter, greener home. Their improved communication standards make them far more compatible with:

• Smart home energy platforms
• Solar PV systems
• Battery storage
• EV chargers
• Advanced smart tariffs and flexible pricing models

This means SMETS2 meters support a wider range of technologies and future smart-energy upgrades.

Firmware Updates and Longevity

SMETS2 meters receive secure, remote firmware updates, keeping them current with improved features and stronger cybersecurity. Whereas SMETS1 meters have limited upgrade paths, and many require conversion programmes to maintain smart functionality.

SMETS2 advantages:

• Longer usable life
• Better security
• More future-proof
• Access to new capabilities through software updates

What The Differences Mean For Homes With Solar Or Smart Energy Systems

Smart meters play an important role in how solar homes manage energy. The meter type determines how accurately you can track generation, export, and real-time usage. It also affects how well your system interacts with batteries, EV chargers, and smart home platforms.

Homes with solar panels benefit most from smart meters that provide reliable two-way data and integration with modern energy technologies. The choice between SMETS1 and SMETS2 directly influences the quality of this insight.

Solar System Compatibility Challenges

SMETS1 meters create several limitations for households with solar:

• Limited two-way communication
• Reduced visibility over exported energy
• Risk of losing smart functions during supplier switches

These weaknesses make it harder to optimise self-consumption or understand how your solar system performs each day.

SMETS2 Advantages for Smart Energy Control

SMETS2 meters unlock far greater value for solar, battery storage, and smart-home energy systems. Their upgraded communication standards support:

• Higher-resolution energy data
• Reliable integration with solar and battery monitoring platforms
• Consistent performance across every energy supplier

These capabilities create a clearer, more accurate picture of how your home generates, stores, and uses energy.

Data Continuity and Supplier Switching

Supplier changes often break the smart functionality of SMETS1 meters, which can disrupt solar reporting and force households back to manual readings.

SMETS2 meters avoid this problem entirely. They maintain full smart operation through every switch, preserving continuous access to export data, usage data, and system performance insights.

Long-Term Reliability for Solar Homes

SMETS1 meters were never designed for a highly connected, renewable-heavy home. Their limitations can hold back the performance of modern solar and smart-energy systems.

SMETS2 meters provide the stability, accuracy, and compatibility solar homes need for long-term, reliable performance. They support stronger energy management today and are built to handle future integrations as technologies evolve.

Common Issues SMETS1 Users Face (That SMETS2 Solves)

SMETS1 meters were a major step forward when they launched, but many homeowners now find that these early devices create friction, gaps in data, and missed savings. Their limitations become obvious as soon as you try to switch suppliers, use smart tariffs, or connect modern home-energy technology.

Here are the most common issues that SMETS1 users face:

Supplier Switching Complications

Supplier switching is where most of the frustration begins. A SMETS1 meter can lose its smart functionality the moment you move to a new supplier. That drop into “dumb mode” forces households back to manual readings, slower billing, and reduced visibility over energy usage.

Advanced Tariff Restrictions

Energy suppliers increasingly offer advanced smart tariffs, including time-of-use pricing, solar export rates, battery-friendly charging windows, and EV-specific plans. SMETS1 meters struggle with these modern pricing structures because they lack the communication depth required.

This leads to:

• Reduced access to cheaper, dynamic pricing
• Fewer opportunities to shift usage into low-cost periods
• Less accurate tracking of real-time consumption

A household may invest in solar, batteries, or EV charging, yet a SMETS1 meter can prevent them from accessing the smart tariffs and accurate data required to maximise savings.

Smart Home Integration Challenges

SMETS1 meters were built before today’s wave of smart-home and smart-energy platforms. Their communication standards often fall short, creating unreliable or incomplete data feeds for:

• Solar monitoring platforms
• Battery optimisation tools
• Smart-home hubs
• Automated energy controls

This breaks the very feedback loop homeowners rely on to make informed energy decisions.

Hardware Obsolescence Risks

The biggest long-term concern centres on future compatibility.

SMETS1 meters sit on older hardware, limited firmware, and fragmented communication systems. As suppliers introduce new tariffs, platforms, and optimisation tools, many SMETS1 meters struggle to keep up. Some will never receive the updates needed to support next-generation features.

This puts households at risk of:

• Outdated technology
• Weaker system performance
• Lost savings opportunities
• Reduced visibility over solar generation and export

Summary of SMETS1 Limitations

The table below highlights the most common SMETS1 limitations and their impact on energy management.

SMETS1 meters still work for basic usage, but they were not built for the energy systems UK homes rely on today. Homeowners who want accurate data, reliable automation, and full access to modern tariffs gain far more from a SMETS2 upgrade.

When SMETS1 Might Still Be Acceptable / Sufficient

A SMETS1 meter is not automatically a problem for every household. Some homes have simple energy needs and won’t feel the limitations as strongly. In a few scenarios, a SMETS1 meter can still deliver enough functionality to keep things running smoothly.

If You Have No Plans to Switch Supplier

Households that are committed to their current energy provider may find a SMETS1 meter perfectly manageable. As long as you stay with the same supplier, your smart functions should remain intact, allowing you to track your usage without disruption.

This setup works best for:

• Long-term loyalty to a single supplier
• No intention to shop around for better tariffs
• Comfort with a stable, unchanged arrangement

Suitable for Basic Energy Needs

Some homes have straightforward energy profiles and don’t rely on advanced smart features. If your household simply needs accurate usage readings and nothing more, a SMETS1 meter can still serve its purpose.

Most appropriate when:

• You only need simple energy monitoring
• You don’t use battery storage or advanced smart-home systems
• You aren’t focused on detailed data or automation

Low Solar Export or Minimal Smart-Energy Demand

Homes with small solar arrays or those that don’t depend on export data may find SMETS1 perfectly adequate. If export tracking isn’t central to your energy strategy, the limitations become less noticeable.

Ideal in cases where:

• Solar generation is minimal
• Export payments aren’t a priority
• You’re not aiming to optimise self-consumption

Budget and Timing Considerations

Upgrading to SMETS2 isn’t always urgent. If your SMETS1 meter was installed recently, works reliably, and your energy needs are simple, a replacement may offer limited immediate benefit. Many homeowners choose to wait until a free upgrade becomes available or until their needs change.

Works well for households with:

• A recently installed SMETS1 meter
• No performance issues
• No current upgrade incentives

How To Check Which Meter You Have, And What To Do Next

The type of smart meter in your home directly affects how well you can manage energy. UK households use different meter standards, so identifying the one you have is the first step towards better control and smarter decisions.

Locating Your Meter Type

Your meter usually displays its standard clearly. Most households can confirm the meter type within a few seconds by checking:

• A physical label that states SMETS1 or SMETS2
• A screen display that shows the meter generation
• A serial number beginning with identifiers linked to each standard

These clues tell you immediately whether your meter sits in the first or second generation.

Confirming Your Meter Standard

Your energy supplier can confirm the exact meter type. You can check through:

• Customer service helplines
• Your online account or app
• The details printed on your latest energy bill

This gives you a definitive answer if the meter itself isn’t clear.

When To Consider Upgrading

A move from SMETS1 to SMETS2 becomes worthwhile when your energy needs start to expand. An upgrade makes sense if you:

• Plan to install solar panels or battery storage
• Switch suppliers frequently
• Want full access to advanced smart tariffs
• Notice reduced smart functionality or inconsistent data

These situations benefit most from SMETS2’s stronger connectivity and tariff compatibility.

Upgrade Considerations

A smart meter upgrade should feel practical and timely. Before you proceed, ensure the SMETS2 installation is free, fits your schedule, and supports your existing or planned smart-home setup. Once installed, the SMETS2 meter updates itself automatically and delivers more reliable energy data.

How Upvolt's Skygateâ„¢ Plays With Meter Standards

Smart meter standards can feel confusing, but Upvolt’s Skygate™ removes the complexity. The platform works intelligently with both SMETS1 and SMETS2 meters, ensuring your home stays connected, optimised, and ready for advanced energy control.

Skygate™ strengthens your solar system, battery, EV charger, and heat pump by bringing every device into one platform. Whether your meter is first-generation or second-generation, Skygate™ keeps your home’s energy flowing smoothly and efficiently.

Why Standardised Data Flow Matters

Accurate energy data sits at the heart of smart home energy management. Skygateâ„¢ uses secure, standardised data channels to keep your information consistent and reliable.

This enables:

• Automatic and accurate meter readings
• Direct integration with solar, battery, EV, and heating systems
• Real-time visibility of energy flows
• More informed decisions about when to use, store, or buy energy

A stable data flow ensures Skygate™ can optimise your household’s energy every day without disruption.

Integration With SMETS2 Meters

SMETS2 meters give Skygateâ„¢ the rich, high-resolution data it needs for precise optimisation. When paired with SMETS2, Skygateâ„¢ delivers:

• Precise tracking of solar generation, export, and self-consumption
• Automatic battery charging during low-cost price windows
• EV charging aligned with solar availability or market prices
• Access to affordable wind energy when the sun is not shining
• A single app showing every device and every energy flow

Considerations for SMETS1 Meter Owners

Skygate™ still supports SMETS1 meters, but performance can depend on the meter’s configuration and connectivity. Before activation, homeowners should confirm:

• Remote meter readings still operate reliably
• Smart functionality remains intact after any supplier switches
• The SMETS1 meter has been migrated to the secure DCC network (if eligible)

Skygateâ„¢ can operate effectively with SMETS1, but SMETS2 offers a clearer path to stable optimisation and long-term compatibility.

Universal Value Proposition

Skygateâ„¢ brings meaningful benefits to every home, regardless of meter type. The platform:

• Optimises your solar system to maximise self-consumption
• Connects you to affordable wind energy when solar is low
• Automates battery and EV charging based on price signals
• Gives you full oversight of your energy system in one app
• Links your home to the energy markets, unlocking cheaper electricity

Skygateâ„¢ turns any home into a smart, flexible, and future-ready energy system. With SMETS2, the experience becomes even more powerful.

Let's Recap

SMETS1 and SMETS2 meters deliver similar core functions, but their differences matter for any household that wants fuller control over energy use. 

SMETS1 still works for simple needs, yet it struggles with supplier switching, advanced tariffs, and modern smart-home technologies. SMETS2 removes these barriers and creates a stable platform for accurate data, flexible pricing, and reliable integration with solar, batteries, and EV chargers.

Smart homes run best with a meter that stays connected, updates automatically, and supports future upgrades. SMETS2 provides that foundation, and paired with Upvolt’s Skygate™ platform, it gives UK households the strongest path toward smarter, cheaper, and more efficient energy management.

About Upvolt

Upvolt specialises in delivering smart solar energy solutions tailored to homes across the UK. We design and install high-performance solar panels, battery systems, EV chargers, and integrated smart-heating equipment to help households gain long-term energy independence and lower running costs.

Our in-house engineers use premium hardware from trusted global manufacturers, ensuring every system performs reliably for years. Each installation includes our Skygateâ„¢ platform, which connects your solar, battery, EV charger, and heating system into one intelligent network that optimises energy flows automatically.

Ready to see what solar could save your home? Complete our quick online form for a personalised system design and a free, no-obligation quote.

FAQ

Do I need a smart meter?

A smart meter isn’t mandatory, but it provides real-time insight into your energy use, supports accurate billing, and enables access to advanced smart tariffs. Homes with solar, batteries, or EV chargers benefit the most.

What does SMETS actually stand for?

SMETS stands for Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications, the UK standards that define how smart meters communicate, store data, and connect to the national smart network.

What’s the difference between an SMETS1 and an SMETS2 smart meter?

SMETS1 meters are first-generation devices that can lose smart functions when you switch suppliers. SMETS2 meters use the national DCC network, keeping smart features active across all suppliers and supporting more advanced energy technologies.

What type of smart meter do I have?

You can check the label on your meter, review what appears on the display, or look at the serial number. Your energy supplier can also confirm it through your online account, customer service team, or recent bill.

Do I need to pay to upgrade from SMETS1 to SMETS2?

Most suppliers offer SMETS2 upgrades for free. The government and energy companies are migrating first-generation meters to the secure smart network at no cost to households, but availability varies by supplier.

Alex Lomax

CEO & Co-Founder

Share article

• 
• 
•