My understanding was that SMETS2 are the truly "open" standard meters with which you can change suppliers without the need for a meter change. All domestic meters will eventually be SMETS2 I believe.
I had a BG smart meter which was their proprietary version and which reverted back to an old style meter (without anyone doing anything) when I swapped to IRESA but it had to be swapped out to regain smart meter technology when IRESA went bust and I was moved to Octopus. Octopus fitted a SMETS1 meter which I believe will eventually be upgrade over the air to SMETS2.
it seems that many people are reluctant to get smart meters. I'm not sure why, I think they believe that Bog Brother is watching you.
There is conceivably something in that, though whether it matters I'm not sure. I get half hourly consumption data from my meter (on the following day if I want it, via their web page, a programme or attached to my electronic bill when it comes). I was messing with my data the other day and I can quite clearly identify when I may have put the kettle on or SWMBO had the tumble drier going. I can certainly tell which nights I have charged the car, and roughly the cost per event ( - there is a very cheap overnight rate for EVs which others have signed up to and fill their batteries or do their washing overnight. I usually run the dishwasher during that timeframe. It's just under 1/3rd of the daytime the cost for four hours).
As we also have a smart gas meter with half hourly readings I can also see pretty clearly exactly when the boiler fired up and what it cost. I will be interesting reading over the winter as I had a new, supposedly much more economical, boiler installed in March and I'm expecting to be able to identify very clearly my savings!! :-)
I suppose the other consideration in response to your question is whether the new supplier can access SMETS2. I *think* they all can but I'm not sure on that.
If anyone is interested in switching Octopus I have a referral code which earns me and you £50. They were certainly among the very cheapest when I was swapped, and say they are 100% green on electricity. My leccy tariff is about 13.5p daytime and 5p for 4 hours overnight but they do other tariffs.
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