Smart metering for developers: Streamlining your new meter connections.

Key takeaways:

• Zero upfront costs: You pay for the groundwork (like cables and trenches), but we’ll provide and install the smart meter with no upfront cost.

• The new standard: You aren't explicitly required by building laws to have a smart meter, but they’re now installed as standard for new connections.

• Easier handovers: Putting meters in during the build stage commissions the connection early, giving you more accurate billing from day one.

Perhaps you're managing a new construction or even a major refurbishment project? Either way, the transition from a messy, active building site to a live, functioning property needs to be fluid.

As a developer, you don't just build things – you create liveable spaces. And that's where we come in. We can act as your specialist partner for new connections. We’ll handle properties that currently have no smart meter on site, taking the administrative burden off your shoulders.

Are smart meters compulsory in new builds?

If you’re developing a new commercial site or residential block, you might be wondering if smart meters are compulsory in new builds? There isn’t really a short answer.

While there isn't a specific piece of legislation within the building regulations that states you must install a smart meter, the government and UK energy sector are starting to push for them.

Traditional meters are often considered outdated and people usually expect smart meters to be available in their new property. The government has just finished consulting on introducing stricter rules around smart meters, so make sure you stay informed.

It’s also worth noting that when you apply for new business connections or new domestic connections now, energy suppliers or Meter Asset Managers will likely install a smart (SMETS2) meter as standard.

Managing the unoccupied stage of a build.

A point of confusion for developers can sometimes be the unoccupied stage of a build. You might wonder why a meter needs to be smart if there's nobody living or working there yet.

Even though no tenants or buyers are present, it could be useful installing a smart meter to help activate and commission the new connection more easily.

For you as a developer, integrating a smart meter for new builds from day one could make the handover process a little smoother. It helps set up accurate billing straightaway, preventing any lingering administrative issues and estimated bill disputes that can be a worry for new occupancies.

Tech specs: When a smart meter’s not the standard.

While smart meters are the default choice for the majority of new sites, there are technical exceptions based on the scale of your utility needs. It depends on the size of the supply your building demands.

Standard smart meters are designed for domestic and small-to-medium business connections. A project will need specialised, non-smart metering if it falls into a ‘larger supply’ category:

• Electricity: Large commercial or industrial sites often require half hourly (HH) supplies or Current Transformer (CT) meters rather than standard whole-current meters.

• Gas: Supplies eligible for standard smart infrastructure are limited to low pressure U6 meters. If your development requires medium pressure setups or larger U16+ meters, a classic credit meter is usually needed.

It's worth noting that we handle these specialised, larger meters too. Even if they aren't ‘smart’ in the traditional residential sense, we have the infrastructure to get them connected. However, keep in mind as a developer that we only handle CT (Current Transformer) installations for micro businesses.

How much does it cost to install smart meters in a new development?

Protecting project margins is a top priority on any development site. Happily, the financial side of standard metering can be favourable.

There is no upfront cost for business or residential smart meter installations for new connections. Because we act as the energy supplier for the new connection, we provide the physical meter and the expert installation as part of our onboarding service.

While it requires no upfront capital from your construction budget, it's worth being entirely transparent about how the wider system works. The funding for the UK's smart meter rollout is worked into consumer energy tariffs over time through standing charges. Standing charges are the fixed daily amounts that cover the upkeep of wires, pipes, and meter maintenance across the whole network.

For you as a developer, this means while you’re responsible for paying for the initial infrastructure connection work (such as digging trenches, laying the physical cables, or connecting to the grid). However, the actual meter installation itself could be a high return upgrade compared to the cost of sourcing boilers or double glazing.

Frequently asked questions: Quick answers for site managers.

Question: Is it free for a developer to get a smart meter?

Yes. For standard new connections, many suppliers, including us, provide and install smart meters for new builds with no upfront cost to developers.

Question: Can I get a smart meter for a Gas U16 connection?

Currently, smart meters are the industry standard for domestic and smaller business sizes (U6 low pressure meters). For larger U16+ supplies or medium pressure lines, specialised non-smart classic credit meters are used.

Checklist: Preparing your site for installation.

To ensure your installation runs smoothly and to prevent any frustrating failed appointment fees, it helps to have your site fully prepared. Following this checklist keeps the process efficient:

• MPAN/MPRN ready: Ensure you have your core reference numbers (Meter Point Administration Number for electricity and Meter Point Reference Number for gas) handy before booking.

• Accessibility: Confirm that the physical meter boxes or housing units are fully installed, secure, and entirely clear of site debris.

• Site safety: Technicians need clear, unhindered access. The area around the meter box must be free from active scaffolding, open hazards, or structural obstacles.

• On-site contact info: Since the properties are currently empty, provide the direct mobile number of the site manager or a designated foreman who can meet the technician on the day.

Installing smart meters in commercial properties.

If you are also managing existing commercial assets or retrofitting older buildings alongside your new builds, explore our guide to installing smart meters in commercial properties. It looks at how smart infrastructure benefits landlords managing tenanted spaces.

Your next steps: Book your smart meter installation today.

Ready to get your site live? Visit our new meter connections team to submit your project inquiry.