The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) published a consultation on 8 August 2025 setting out proposals for the smart metering policy framework after 20251. The consultation ran from 9am on 8 August 2025 to 11:59pm on 3 October 2025 and applies to England, Scotland and Wales1. It sought views on obligations for energy suppliers to improve smart meter operations and complete the domestic rollout by the end of 20301.
The existing Smart Meter Targets Framework, introduced on 1 January 2022, required suppliers to deliver smart meters to 74.5% of relevant domestic premises in Great Britain by the end of 2025, at which point it comes to an end2. From 1 January 2026, the existing framework will cease to have effect, with no further annual installation targets set for suppliers2. The consultation proposed replacing it with a 2030 obligation to install smart meters in all remaining domestic premises1.
The consultation also addressed meters not operating in smart mode. There were 3.5 million smart meters operating in traditional mode across Great Britain at the end of March 2025, representing 9% of all smart meters2. The proposed framework would require suppliers to take all reasonable steps to ensure smart meters in traditional mode are back working in smart mode for consumers as soon as possible and no later than 90 days from the date energy suppliers are first aware1. It would also require suppliers to pre-emptively replace smart metering assets so that they continue to communicate when they would otherwise stop as a result of Wide Area Network (WAN) services ending, and require the DCC to provide a statement setting out the relevant end-dates1. The consultation noted the switch-off of 2G and 3G mobile services by end of 20332.
Under the proposals, energy suppliers would be required to submit annual deployment plans to Ofgem outlining the activities they will undertake to meet their domestic installation, operational and replacement obligations, with annual milestones for new installations and pre-emptive replacements binding from January 20271. The first deployment plan would be submitted by 30 June 20262.
"We are consulting on proposals for Licence Condition amendments that include strengthening the smart metering Operational Licence Condition to deliver service improvements, a 2030 obligation on energy suppliers to complete the domestic rollout, and a requirement on energy suppliers to submit annual deployment plans."
The consultation received 64 responses from energy suppliers, delivery partners, trade bodies, consumer groups and members of the public1. Non-domestic meters are not in scope of the 2030 obligation or the deployment plan proposals; at the end of Q1 2025, 63% of non-domestic meters were smart or advanced meters2. A further consultation on policy levers for the non-domestic sector was expected later in 20252.
Why it matters for households
The proposals set out what happens to smart meter rules and supplier obligations once the current installation targets expire. For a household whose meter has lost smart functionality, the 90-day recovery requirement would put a time limit on how long a supplier can leave it in traditional mode, during which readings must be taken manually and in-home displays may not show updated tariff information2. Pre-emptive replacement of communications assets is intended to keep meters communicating as WAN services end, which matters for households relying on remote readings and peak pricing or other time-of-use tariffs. The 2030 obligation would extend the rollout to remaining domestic premises, which the government frames as supporting the Clean Power 2030 Mission2. The consultation does not set out what the 2030 obligation means for individual households that decline an installation, and no detail on enforcement or compensation for missed 90-day deadlines has been reported.
What happens next
The consultation closed on 3 October 20251. The government response was published on 10 March 2026, confirming the final decisions and the framework described above1. Annual milestones for new installations and pre-emptive replacements become binding from January 20271.
Sources3 cited
- Smart metering policy framework post 2025 - GOV.UK, gov.uk
- Smart Metering Policy Framework – Post 2025: consultation, assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
- Smart metering policy framework post 2025: Consultation document - GOV.UK, gov.uk