Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Smart meter definition

What does Smart meter mean? In energy regulation and supply contracts, a smart meter is an advanced electricity metering system that records consumption in short intervals and communicates data remotely for billing, settlement and tariff management. In Great Britain, the concept is given effect by the Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications (SMETS 1/2) and the Smart Energy Code, rather than a single statutory definition. A compliant smart meter comprises an electricity meter and associated devices (such as a communications hub and in‑home display) and must have the functional capability and meet the other requirements in the SMETS applicable at the time of installation, including interoperability...

Smart metering in Great Britain: AMR v smart meters, SMETS1 and SMETS2, DCC network, supplier obligations, benefits and roll-out

Published by a LexisNexis Energy expert

Practice notes

How are electricity and gas typically metered in the UK?

Across the UK, most domestic and non-domestic premises have main, primary meters that record whole-building electricity and gas use for the purpose of calculating utilities charges. These devices present a continuous, running total of consumption. Where smart meters or AMR equipment (see below) are not installed, meters must be read by hand, either by the utility supplier or the occupier of the building. The figures are noted and compared with the previous reading to determine usage over the period, and during any interval without a read, consumption is commonly estimated. Some properties also deploy sub-meters (secondary meters), which are local meters fitted to track the amount of energy used in a specific zone or by a particular piece of equipment. This practice is most common in non-domestic buildings, for example to measure electricity used by tenants, or to monitor the operation of plant equipment, usually to inform service charge calculation. These meters, like the main meters, are frequently read manually. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) was established on 7 December 2023 and has assumed the energy portfolio of the...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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