Is Smart Meter Installation Always Free?

MK65

As per the title, is the installation of a new Smart Meter always free - or are the some circumstances in which an energy supplier may charge the customer for it?

I currently do not have a Smart Meter - I have no objection to them, provided it is a type 2 - and I am close to the end of my existing fixed rate energy deal. When making comparisons between various suppliers, a common thing with many of the tariffs is the requirement to have a Smart Meter fitted. I have assumed that this is always free of charge, (to the customer), but if that is not always the case then does a charge, (how much?), have to be factored in that might not make what appears to be the lowest cost option the cheapest after all?

I don't think that there would be anything "non-standard" about fitting Smart Metering in my home.

[Deleted User]

Smart meters are costing us all c.£13Bn in the form of higher energy bills. All suppliers will fit a smart meter with no direct charge to the consumer.

Making certain tariffs available to smart meter homes or to consumers agreeing to have a smart meter is primarily a marketing tool. Suppliers are fined if they fail to meet their smart metering installation targets. 

niktheguru

You will not pay directly for a smart meter at the moment. So whichever utility company you are with who asks you if you want a smart meter, they will come out and fit it and you wont be charged for the privilege.

All consumers will pay for the rollout in the long run with increased charges (this is usually incorporated in your standing charge)

MK65

Thanks both for your replies. That is how I thought it would work, but just wanted to check!

Ectophile

It comes down to why the meter is being fitted.  If your energy supplier offers you a smart meter, then it's free.  If you contact your supplier, and tell them that you don't like your current meter and you want a new one, then they are allowed to charge for that.

Given how hard many suppliers are pushing smart meters, there's no need to pay for one.

MWT

Ectophile said:

If you contact your supplier, and tell them that you don't like your current meter and you want a new one, then they are allowed to charge for that.

If your current meter is not a smart meter then it doesn't matter why you want to have it replaced with a smart meter, it will still be free...

No need to wait to be offered one.

niktheguru

Smart meters are always free to install whether offered by the supplier or requested by the customer.

the supplier can charge you if you decline a smart meter when the meter needs to be changed if end of life or defective. However lots of suppliers nowadays don’t have or refuse to get non smart meters but they can fit smart meters in dumb mode, which seems slightly pointless to me, but some people have their justified reasons.