Can I be forced to have a smart meter?

QrizB

TimeLord1 said:

Legally, it's not mandatory or compulsory, so you can decline.

That's not exactly true.

Yes you can decline but eventually the supplier will get a warrant and enter your property without your permission to change the meter.

TimeLord1

Since late 2023, Ofgem has introduced much stricter rules. They are generally banned from forcing these on people over 75 (living alone), households with children under 2, or people with severe health conditions. @QrizB I take it that the above Still counts then.

MattMattMattUK

TimeLord1 said:

Since late 2023, Ofgem has introduced much stricter rules. They are generally banned from forcing these on people over 75 (living alone), households with children under 2, or people with severe health conditions. @ QrizB I take it that the above Still counts then.

No they are not, the rules are around forced prepayment meters, not smart meters.

TimeLord1

I'm just reading the 1954 Act. @QrizB
If you have an old meter and refuse to let them in, they can apply to a Magistrates' court for a warrant under the Rights of Entry (Gas and Electricity Boards) Act 1954.

What about the request to put the meter into a dumb mode to stop wireless data being sent?  
Surely that defeats the point and you return to submitting readings. 

QrizB

TimeLord1 said:

I'm just reading the 1954 Act.
If you have an old meter and refuse to let them in, they can apply to a Magistrates' court for a warrant under the Rights of Entry (Gas and Electricity Boards) Act 1954.

Yes, they have a right of entry to replace an old meter. Glad we agree.

TimeLord1 said:

What about the request to put the meter into a dumb mode to stop wireless data being sent?  

There's no such thing as "dumb mode". Just smart meters that are not in communication, and which suppliers are being pushed to get onto the network.

TimeLord1 said:

Surely that defeats the point and you return to submitting readings. 

Yes you might have to sumbit manual readings, but at least you'll have a certified meter so the readings should be accurate.

TimeLord1

QrizB said:

TimeLord1 said:

I'm just reading the 1954 Act.
If you have an old meter and refuse to let them in, they can apply to a Magistrates' court for a warrant under the Rights of Entry (Gas and Electricity Boards) Act 1954.

Yes, they have a right of entry to replace an old meter. Glad we agree.

TimeLord1 said:

What about the request to put the meter into a dumb mode to stop wireless data being sent?  

There's no such thing as "dumb mode". Just smart meters that are not in communication, and which suppliers are being pushed to get onto the network.

TimeLord1 said:

Surely that defeats the point and you return to submitting readings. 

Yes you might have to sumbit manual readings, but at least you'll have a certified meter so the readings should be accurate.

So I'm currently reading this below from Energy Ombudsman.

Under current guidance (supported by Energy Ombudsman rulings), if a smart meter is installed—even if forced due to a fault or end-of-life—you can request that the supplier disables its smart functionality into a dumb mode. 

As of early 2026, Ofgem has introduced a significant new rule that ironically helps those who want "dumb mode":

QrizB

TimeLord1 said:

So I'm currently reading this below from Energy Ombudsman.

Under current guidance (supported by Energy Ombudsman rulings), if a smart meter is installed—even if forced due to a fault or end-of-life—you can request that the supplier disables its smart functionality into a dumb mode. 

As of early 2026, Ofgem has introduced a significant new rule that ironically helps those who want "dumb mode":

Do you have a link for that?

You describe it as "current guidance", do you know exactly when it was published?

Ofgem is currently on a big push to get smart meters communicating properly. It beggars belief that they're simultaneously promoting disconnected meters.

TimeLord1

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/press-release/ofgem-drives-forward-plans-new-and-improved-smart-meter-rules?hl=en-GB

Also reading about £40 compensation if it's faulty for 90 days 

TimeLord1

Ofgem 2026 £40 payout if your meter goes dumb without your permission for 90+ days.

• Restricted Attribute (from SEC MP169), which tells the national database: "This meter is dumb because the customer asked for it, not because it's broken." This is the only way to stop the automated "We've noticed a problem with your meter"

powerful_Rogue

TimeLord1 said:

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/press-release/ofgem-drives-forward-plans-new-and-improved-smart-meter-rules?hl=en-GB

Also reading about £40 compensation if it's faulty for 90 days 

As of early 2026, Ofgem has introduced a significant new rule that ironically helps those who want "dumb mode":

Can't see anywhere in the link you provided that backs up your statement.