Like a watch or clock, meters will become less accurate over time and may possibly record more or less energy than you’ve actually used. To ensure reporting on your energy consumption is kept accurate, meters are certified by the government (this will typically be for anywhere between 10 and 30 years), and once this certification has expired, by law, the meter must be replaced. 

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How do I know when my meter's certification has expired?

Your meter's certification can last anywhere between 10 and 30 years depending on the manufacturer. As your energy supplier, we have access to industry records that enable us to check when your meter's certification has either expired or is due to expire. 

Rest assured, we will be in touch to offer you a complimentary upgrade to second-generation (SMETS2) metering if your current meter needs replacing. 

Do you have to replace my meter?

Yes, we are required to do so under government legislation. We must ensure that our customers have a reliable, fully-functioning meter.

Should I be concerned?

No. If a meter’s certification has expired, it doesn’t mean it’s unsafe. Certification relates specifically to accuracy rather than safety. Being out of certification means your meter could be running slightly too fast or slow, and therefore you may end up being charged the wrong amount for your energy usage. 

This means that if your meter's certification has expired, we really do need to replace it. 

Getting your meter replaced 

As we are unable to recertify you meter, when it’s current certification period ends we’ll get in touch to arrange a meter replacement, free of charge. We will replace your expired meter(s) with new, second-generation (SMETS2) variants. 

As part of the government-backed smart meter initiative, traditional meters are not so widely available in the UK and therefore may come at a cost to you, which is why we will replace your expired meter with a smart variant. 

What if I don't want a smart meter?

Due to Ofgem regulations, we will still need to install a smart meter in your property but can do so in 'dumb' mode if you do not wish for your meter to be 'smart'. By selecting this option, we will ask you to send us periodic meter readings so that we can ensure your account remains up to date. 

If you have any queries or concerns regarding this, please get in touch via smart.install@so.energy so that we can assist. 

Looking for some extra support? We've pulled together the below links for you to check out: