Switching Suppliers When You've Got a Smart Meter

So you’re looking to switch energy suppliers? Based on our Excellent rating on Trustpilot by 22,000 customers, let’s say you’re changing your supplier to So Energy. What do you do with your old smart meter, and do you need a new one?

Below, we’ve answered common questions about the fate of your smart meter when you change suppliers.

Can you change a supplier with a smart meter?

Yes. All suppliers, including So Energy, are currently in the process of rolling out smart meters to their customers as part of a nationwide upgrade to the UK’s energy infrastructure. The Government’s target is for all homes and small businesses to have been offered an upgrade to a smart meter by the end of 2025 (although it’s not compulsory to accept if you don’t want one).

Having a smart meter already won’t impact your eligibility to switch to a new supplier.

Learn more about switching to So Energy.

I have an old smart meter. Will it still work if I change my supplier?

It depends on which smart meter your property has installed when you change suppliers.

If your existing smart meter is compatible with the system of your new supplier, your smart meter won’t need to be replaced, and your in-home display will continue to connect to it. This means you’ll still be able to monitor your energy usage as you could before the switch.

If your smart meter isn’t compatible, your new supplier will let you know about any required updates.

As a guide:

• Second-generation smart meters (SMETS2) switch seamlessly, without any disruption to your service or billing. Your meter will automatically update with details of your new supplier.
• First-generation smart meters (SMETS1) may experience a temporary loss of smart functionality when changing suppliers. Smart features will likely be restored soon after the switch is complete.

We (or your new supplier) will advise you on the compatibility between your existing smart meter and our supply.

Read more about how smart meters work.

Will So Energy support my existing smart meter?

We support all SMETS2 meters. If you have a SMETS2 and want to join our supply, your meter should automatically connect to us and start providing us with reads when you join us. Following the SMETS1 migration a couple of years ago, we can communicate with most SMETS1 meters. 

If you're an electricity-only or a gas-only customer, the great news is that you can get a smart meter! If you haven't heard from us already, please get in touch so we can begin your upgrade journey.

Book your smart meter installation appointment.

Will I need to get a new smart meter if I get a new supplier?

Probably not.

Your second-generation smart meters (SMETS2) should be compatible with the system used by your new energy supplier. If your smart meter was installed before 2018, it’s likely a first-generation smart meter SMETS1. Your SMETS1 meter may communicate with your new supplier, who will advise you if an updated smart meter is required.

Is my smart meter first or second generation?

Chances are that if your meter was installed before 2018, it’s probably a first-generation smart meter (SMETS1).

This help page guides customers through reading their smart meter. It contains diagrams and model names to help you identify the generation of your smart meter.

Alternatively, you could look for a device ID (GUID) on the electricity meter. This will be printed on the front of the communications hub (attached to the top of the meter) and will be formatted like this: AA-BB-CC-DD-EE-FF-GG-HH-II. If you can see this, you have a second-generation (SMETS2) meter.

How can you get a smart meter if you don’t have one?

We’re well into our mission of rolling out second-generation smart meters, and have installed more than 100,000 meters in households across the country.

If you have any traditional meters at your address, you are likely eligible to get them exchanged. Click here to start booking.

If there’s no availability in your area, don’t worry. We’ll register your interest and email you from smart.install@so.energy when new slots are available in your area. The email will contain a prompt to book an appointment via your online account. You can also check availability for yourself by visiting your personalised smart meter booking portal.

Once you've made a booking, you can amend or cancel your appointment at any time yourself using the same portal. To manage your booking, use the link provided in your booking confirmation or reminder emails.