Consumer champion Martin Lewis has issued a crucial warning to households across the UK receiving specific letters from their energy providers about smart meters. The founder of MoneySavingExpert.com addressed a listener's concern on his BBC podcast, revealing the exact circumstances under which a supplier can compel you to accept the device.
Pressure from Suppliers and Your Legal Rights
The warning was prompted by a bill payer who felt under increasing pressure from their gas and electricity company to have a smart meter installed. The individual had been approached twice, with the supplier claiming their existing electricity meter had 'passed its certification date' and that the firm was legally obliged to replace it.
Despite this, the customer remained resolute, stating clearly: 'I do not under any circumstances want a smart meter fitted.' They cited the devices' 'poor reputation', a common complaint being that smart meters can lapse into 'dumb mode', where they stop automatically sending readings to the supplier.
In response, Martin Lewis confirmed that energy companies are heavily incentivised to roll out smart meters and face fines if they do not hit installation targets. 'I've seen many letters that sort of seem to subtly say that you have to have a smart meter, without giving you any choice. But you do not. There is nothing that would require you in most circumstances to have a smart meter,' he explained.
Understanding Meter Expiry Dates and Certification
Addressing the specific issue of an old meter, Lewis acknowledged that meters do have a certified lifespan. He advised customers to look for a sticker on the device showing the month and year it was certified. However, he added an important caveat: 'There is no guarantee the sticker is correct.'
He noted that the Office for Product Safety and Standards can extend a meter's certified life after a service check, often without updating the physical sticker. This means a supplier's claim about an expiry date may not always be accurate.
The One Scenario Where Installation Can Be Enforced
Lewis then delivered the key news that many may find unwelcome. He stated that if your existing meter is genuinely deemed invalid and needs replacing, 'yes they can enforce that you are going to have a smart meter.' This is because traditional meters are no longer being manufactured, so a smart meter becomes the default replacement.
However, he immediately followed this with a vital piece of advice for those still opposed. 'You have a right, if you wanted to, to ask for it to be put in dumb mode,' he said. This means the device would function like an old-fashioned meter, requiring you to submit manual readings, and would not automatically transmit data.
Lewis also shared that his own research indicates around 20 percent of smart meters currently fail to operate as intended, reinforcing why some consumers remain sceptical. His guidance provides a clear path for those caught between supplier pressure and personal preference, ensuring they know their rights during a meter exchange.
