Short answer:
Yes. In most cases, you are not legally required to have a smart meter installed.
Energy suppliers can encourage installation, but they generally cannot force it.
What the law actually says
There is no law in the UK that requires households to accept a smart meter.
Smart meters are part of a national rollout, but that rollout is based on:
- Targets for suppliers
- Incentives and encouragement
- Not compulsory installation for customers
This is why refusal is still possible.
Why suppliers push so hard
Energy suppliers are under pressure to meet rollout targets.
Smart meters help them:
- Reduce manual meter readings
- Lower operating costs
- Improve billing accuracy
- Manage energy demand more efficiently
That’s why communications can feel persistent or urgent, even when installation is optional.
When refusal is usually accepted
In most standard situations, you can simply say no.
This includes:
- Owner-occupied homes
- Rental properties (with tenant consent issues aside)
- Customers paying by direct debit
Suppliers may continue to ask, but refusal alone does not breach your contract.
Situations where pressure may increase
There are a few scenarios where suppliers may apply more pressure:
Prepayment meters
If you are on, or moved to, a prepayment meter, suppliers often argue that smart meters are safer and more practical.
Even then, installation is usually policy-driven, not legally forced, but resistance can become more difficult.
Meter replacement or faults
If an old meter fails or becomes unsafe, it may need replacing.
In these cases:
- A replacement meter is required
- A smart meter may be offered as the default
You can usually request a non-smart alternative, but availability can vary.
Why people choose to refuse
Common reasons include:
- Privacy concerns
- Worries about reliability or signal issues
- Preference for manual control
- Past problems with billing after installation
None of these reasons are illegitimate.
You are not required to justify your decision.
What refusal does
not
mean
Refusing a smart meter does not automatically mean:
- Higher tariffs
- Breach of contract
- Loss of supply
However, some newer tariffs or features may only be available with smart meters.
That is a commercial choice, not a legal penalty.
The practical takeaway
Smart meters are encouraged, not compulsory.
You can usually refuse installation, but:
- Expect repeated requests
- Expect less flexibility if your existing meter fails
- Be aware that some tariffs may be unavailable
Understanding this distinction makes supplier conversations calmer and more controlled.
One simple next step
If you’re unsure where you stand:
Check your supplier’s smart meter policy and your current meter type.
That tells you whether refusal is straightforward or likely to be contested.
The rollout is national.
The decision is still individual.