The Statutory Instrument implementing smart meter Guaranteed Standards of Performance (GSOPs) 1 to 3 was signed on 27 January 2026, Ofgem confirmed in a final decision published on 30 January 2026. The instrument is titled The Electricity and Gas (Standards of Performance) (Suppliers) (Amendment) Regulations 20261. Consumer compensation under the new standards begins on 23 February 20261.
Ofgem had decided in December 2025 to implement GSOPs 1 to 3 into legislation in February 20261. The three standards cover installation appointment availability, failed installations and the investigation of smart meter operational issues. Under GSOP 1, a supplier must offer a first time smart meter installation appointment within six weeks of a request, or the consumer receives compensation; the regulation allows a 60 working day, or twelve week, timeframe for first time appointments for microbusiness consumers1. GSOP 2 covers installations that fail due to a fault within the supplier's control, and applies to all installation appointments, whether first time or a replacement1. GSOP 3 requires a supplier to complete an initial assessment, take an appropriate action and offer to update the consumer within five working days of a reported problem, or pay compensation1. Ofgem is also introducing a new standalone regulation 5A on the investigation of smart meters not operating as intended, applying to all smart meters including those in prepayment mode1.
"We have decided to implement GSOPs 1-3, with the Statutory Instrument signed on 27 January 2026, which brings the Statutory Instrument into legislation."
Ofgem has not taken a final decision on GSOP 4, which would provide compensation where a smart meter is not operating in smart mode for over 90 days1. It said it intends further work on GSOP 4 with a view to implementing it later this year, subject to resolving accountability, technical and regulatory issues raised in consultation1. The decision cites the early stage of 4G communications hub rollout, the absence of a confirmed ministerial position on post 2025 smart meter policy, and the roles of both suppliers and the DCC in keeping meters working1. Ofgem also stated that issues relating to in-home displays do not apply to microbusiness consumers1.
| Standard | Requirement | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| GSOP 1 | Appointment offered within six weeks of request (60 working days for microbusiness first time appointments) | First time smart meter installations |
| GSOP 2 | Compensation where installation fails due to a fault within the supplier's control | All installation appointments |
| GSOP 3 | Initial assessment, appropriate action and offer to update within five working days | Reported smart meter operational issues |
| GSOP 4 | Not decided | Not applicable |
Ofgem set out the policy direction in its Consumer Confidence document on 10 September 2024, consulted in March 2025 and published a statutory consultation with a draft Statutory Instrument on 8 August 20251. As of the end of September 2025, 70% of meters in Great Britain were smart or advanced, with 91.7% operating in smart mode1. The remaining 8.3% operate in traditional mode, which Ofgem says may limit access to cheaper time of use tariffs or convenient prepayment top ups1.
Why it matters for households
The standards create an automatic compensation route where a supplier misses a defined service level, rather than leaving households to complain after the event. For a home waiting on a first installation, the six week appointment window sets a fixed point at which compensation becomes due. For a home whose meter has stopped working in smart mode, GSOP 3 sets a five working day deadline for the supplier to assess the problem and act. Neither standard obliges a household to accept a smart meter, and Ofgem notes that where a supplier cannot physically install a meter, a timely appointment would not be necessary1. The 8.3% of meters not in smart mode remain outside automatic compensation for now, because GSOP 4 has not been decided. Households on prepayment, time of use tariffs or reliant on in-home displays are affected differently by that gap, and the smart meter rules and supplier obligations set out how the wider framework applies.
What happens next
Ofgem will monitor performance against the new standards from Q2 2026 and review the GSOPs in Q1 20271. Further work on GSOP 4 is planned with a view to implementation later in 2026, subject to the issues raised in consultation being resolved1.