Quick Fix: Glance at your electricity meter’s serial number. Starts with 19P? That’s a SMETS1 meter. Starts with 19M? You’ve got a SMETS2 meter.
What’s the deal with SMETS1 and SMETS2 meters?
Smart meters in the UK fall into two camps: SMETS1 and SMETS2. SMETS stands for Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications, and here’s why it matters. SMETS2 meters play nicely with any energy supplier—plug and play, basically. SMETS1 meters? Not so much. By 2026, over 90% of all UK smart meters were SMETS2, according to industry data.
How do I figure out which one I’ve got?
First, hunt down the serial number on your electricity meter. Most of the time, it’s right there on the front panel, usually near the barcode. Now, focus on the first three characters:
- If the meter’s locked, pop the cover open.
- Look for a label that says “Serial Number” or “S/N.”
- Write down the first three characters.
- Starts with 19P? SMETS1 meter.
- Starts with 19M? SMETS2 meter.
No serial number in sight? Check the communications hub—it’s that square box sitting on top of the electricity meter. SMETS2 hubs usually have multiple barcodes and a digital display. SMETS1 hubs? Not so standardized, and they often skip those features.
What if I can’t find the serial number?
Don’t panic. Try these instead:
- Ring up your energy supplier: Grab the customer service number from your bill or their website. Ask them to confirm your meter type—they’ll have it in your account details.
- Peek at your in-home display (IHD): SMETS2 meters often team up with an IHD that flashes “SMETS2” during setup or in the settings menu. SMETS1 meters? They rarely bother.
- Spot the DCC logo: SMETS2 meters get commissioned through the Data Communications Company (DCC), a UK government-approved network. Look for a tiny DCC logo on the meter or hub.
How can I keep this from being a hassle later?
Make a note of your meter type the next time it’s installed. Snap a photo of the serial number and tuck it in with your energy paperwork. Since 2020, all new UK smart meters have to be SMETS2 compliant, thanks to rules from the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem). Got an old SMETS1 meter? Ask your supplier about a free upgrade—SMETS1 meters are on their way out.
Also, double-check that your meter was installed by a certified pro. Shoddy installations can cause headaches, especially in rural spots where mobile signal is weak. Smart Energy GB says rural meters are more likely to glitch if they’re not set up right.
