No, smart meters are not mandatory in the UK. Energy suppliers are required to offer smart meters to all households and businesses, but customers have the legal right to refuse installation. The UK government aims for all homes in England, Scotland, and Wales to have a smart meter by the end of 2030, but this target is not enforced through compulsion. However, if your existing meter is faulty or has reached the end of its working life, your energy supplier must replace it, and in most cases, this replacement will be a smart meter, as traditional meters are no longer being produced or stocked by suppliers. In such cases, you will not have a choice, but if your current meter is still functioning, you can decline a smart meter installation without penalty.
“The alarm was first raised on electromagnetic radiation almost 100 years ago, back in 1931, by fully independent, qualified scientists and has been growing ever since. However the industry attached to it is worth £trillions globally and has been paying lip service to human, animal and environmental health and safety in order to maximise profit. Research it now or remain ignorant, unobjective and unhelpful to the public.”
There is no verified scientific evidence that the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from smart meters—or other common household devices—pose a risk to human health. Public health authorities, including the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have reviewed decades of research and consistently conclude that EMF exposure at levels encountered in everyday environments, including from smart meters, is well within international safety limits and not harmful.
While concerns about electromagnetic radiation have been studied for many decades, including around power lines and occupational exposures, no causal link has been established between low-level EMF exposure and adverse health effects in humans. Some epidemiological studies have noted a statistical association between extremely high, long-term exposure to magnetic fields (such as near large power infrastructure) and a slightly increased risk of childhood leukaemia, but this has not been confirmed as a causal relationship and does not apply to smart meters.
The idea that a global industry is suppressing independent science is not supported by the breadth and independence of research conducted worldwide, including by government bodies, universities, and international health organizations.
You have the right to refuse a smart meter, but official guidance remains that they are safe.
electromagnetic fields health effects
smart meter radiation safety UK
“The World Health Organisation stated correctly in 2011 that there is a link between RF (radio frequency) and cancer in humans. Confirm?”
The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF) as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B) in 2011. This classification was based on limited evidence linking heavy mobile phone use to an increased risk of glioma, a type of brain cancer.
In 2013 came the publication of the full IARC Monograph (Volume 102), which detailed the scientific basis for the 2011 decision. The classification does not mean RF causes cancer, only that there is some evidence warranting further investigation. IARC emphasizes that “possibly carcinogenic” indicates a potential risk where more research is needed, not a confirmed causal link.
The WHO and other health agencies maintain that current evidence does not confirm adverse health effects from RF exposure below international safety limits
IARC classification of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields
IARC RF radiation cancer classification 2011 vs 2013
“Well, I’m a cautious type, and that’s good enough for me to refuse a smart meter. Okay?”
Yes, you are fully within your rights to refuse a smart meter installation in the UK, even on grounds of personal caution regarding health and safety. As of 2025, smart meters remain non-mandatory for households, and energy suppliers cannot force you to accept one.
You can:
Refuse installation even if your existing meter is due for replacement (though suppliers may no longer offer traditional meters).
Decline entry to engineers if they arrive unannounced.
Request your smart meter be operated in “dumb” mode if already installed, although suppliers are not obligated to comply.
While public health authorities confirm smart meters emit radiation well within international safety limits, your choice to refuse based on personal caution is respected under current regulations.
“What if engineers arrive after previously announcing in a letter that they are operating in the area? Can I decline entry?”
Yes, you can decline entry to engineers even if they arrive after a prior announcement. You have the legal right to refuse access to your home at any time. Smart meters are not mandatory in the UK, and no one can force entry or install a meter without your consent.
If engineers turn up unannounced, you are under no obligation to let them in. Even if you previously agreed to an appointment, you can cancel or deny access on the day.
refuse smart meter engineer entry UK
“Thanks for clearing that up.”
You’re welcome. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions.
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