What is a smart meter — and what do you need to know about its privacy impact?
The smart meter reads your consumption every 15 minutes and reports to the grid operator. Can you refuse it? Who sees your data? We explain rights and risks.
A smart meter (Smart Meter Requirements P4) records consumption per quarter-hour and is read automatically by the grid operator. You have three options: (1) fully active — hourly readings, automatic annual statement; (2) "administratively off" — readings sent only once monthly to your supplier for billing, meter stays; (3) full refusal — the grid operator is legally required to offer a choice (Energy Act 2024 art. 8.5) and on refusal must leave a traditional meter, sometimes at extra cost. Privacy: detailed data (quarter-hour readings) stays with the grid operator and may only be shared with third parties (supplier, energy coach) with your explicit consent. Defaults were tightened in 2018 so detailed data is NOT shared by default.