Keeping smart meters, well, smart

Smart meters have quietly become one of the most powerful tools in the UK’s journey to net zero.

Almost two-thirds of the meters found in British homes are smart, helping households to manage their energy usage, giving suppliers the data to balance the grid, and supporting the nation’s climate goals by helping customers to use less energy in the first place. But even the smartest tools need upgrades to stay ahead – and that’s where 4G comes in.

At E.ON Next, we’ve installed the first pilot 4G Communications Hub alongside the Smart Data Communications Company (DCC) - one of Europe’s largest telecommunications networks . In simple terms, this upgrade is essential as the 2G and 3G networks which help current systems to communicate will be phased out by 2033. Think of it like upgrading from an old Nokia mobile to a smartphone – it’s built for the future.

This pilot phase isn’t just about getting the hubs installed – it’s about learning, refining, and ensuring the transition to 4G is as smooth as possible for customers.

For households, this upgrade means uninterrupted access to the smart features they rely on; real-time energy usage tracking, time-of-use tariffs, and easy switching between suppliers. It also paves the way for future innovations, making smart meters even smarter. The Dual Band Communications Hub — part of the 4G upgrade — extends the reach of the Home Area Network, simplifying installations and enhancing performance in all types of premises.

Upgrading to 4G ensures this critical infrastructure remains fit for the future, supporting the UK’s decarbonisation efforts and delivering value for energy consumers.

A first for E.ON

Our first 4G Comms Hub installation took place in Staffordshire towards the end of 2024, and it’s already delivering results. Phil Gilbert, Director of Net Zero Delivery for E.ON Next, said:

“Smart meters a crucial component in the work to deliver Net Zero targets in Great Britain. They allow households to take control of their energy use and carbon footprint and help suppliers balance demand across our national energy infrastructure. We’re delighted to be among the first suppliers piloting the installation of these new 4G Communications Hubs.”

The move to 4G ensures smart meters stay reliable, secure, and ready to support customers for decades to come – which means better real-time energy usage tracking, easily accessible time-of-use tariffs, and easy switching between suppliers.

Smart meters play a pivotal role in our energy system – in fact, the smart meter network is already one of Europe’s largest telecommunications systems, with more than 100 million devices connecting to 33 million buildings. They not only allow households to track energy usage and carbon footprints but also help suppliers, like us, balance demand across the national grid.

However, maintaining the connectivity that powers these benefits is essential. The new 4G Communications Hub is a new, cost-efficient solution, ensuring secure and stable connectivity and enabling homes and businesses to continue reaping the benefits of smart metering.

By embracing this next step in connectivity, we’re proving that staying ahead of the curve is about more than just technology — it’s about keeping customers and the planet in mind, every step of the way.