Full guide to comparing and switching energy tariffs with standard, prepayment, and Economy 7 meters. Smart meters are optional — your savings aren't.
Contact UsThe simple answer is yes — and here's how
Millions of UK households compare and switch energy suppliers without smart meters every year.
Despite growing smart meter adoption, having a smart meter is not required to:
View all available deals from UK suppliers based on your meter type.
Change suppliers freely with standard, prepayment, or Economy 7 meters.
Access fixed, variable, and competitive tariffs to reduce your bills.
Comparison tools like UtilityKing are designed to work just as effectively for standard credit meters, prepayment meters, and Economy 7 meters as they do for smart meters.
Clearing up common misconceptions
Many households believe these common misconceptions about smart meters and energy comparison:
Important: In 2026, UK energy rules still protect consumer choice — including the right to refuse a smart meter and switch suppliers freely. Ofgem regulations ensure equal access to the energy market regardless of your meter type.
Identifying your meter for accurate comparison
Before comparing energy prices, it helps to know your meter type. The most common non-smart options are:
All of these meter types can be compared without a smart meter. UtilityKing supports comparison for every meter type available in the UK market, ensuring you see all available tariffs regardless of your current setup.
The process is simpler than you might think
When you compare energy prices without a smart meter, the comparison uses:
For regional pricing and available suppliers in your area.
Standard, prepayment, or Economy 7 meter specification.
Annual kWh usage or typical household profile for accuracy.
UtilityKing then calculates:
The cost per kilowatt-hour for your electricity and gas usage.
Daily fixed costs that apply regardless of your usage.
Total expected cost based on your usage patterns and tariff rates.
This method is fully accepted by suppliers and regulated under Ofgem rules. You receive the same accurate comparison results as smart meter users, just without the automated data collection.
Separating comparison from switching requirements
| Action | Meter Readings Required? | When & Why |
|---|---|---|
| Compare Tariffs | Not Required | You can compare using estimated usage, which is standard practice for initial comparison. |
| View Available Deals | Not Required | See all available tariffs without providing any readings or usage data. |
| Estimate Savings | Optional | More accurate with actual usage, but estimates work well for most households. |
| Switch Suppliers | Required | Only when proceeding with a switch to ensure accurate billing transition. |
Your current meter readings are needed to:
Important: Even then, readings can be provided later — not during initial comparison.
The truth about "smart-only" pricing
While some tariffs are labelled "smart-only," they are usually:
Designed for EV charging or flexible usage patterns that may not suit typical households.
Often require lifestyle changes to maximize savings, which many households cannot accommodate.
For most homes, standard fixed tariffs without smart meters are often cheaper and more predictable.
Key Insight: The majority of the cheapest fixed-rate tariffs in the UK market are available to all meter types, not just smart meters. Price competitiveness depends more on supplier competition and market conditions than on meter technology.
Your options remain fully available
Important: Smart meters are not a requirement for either fixed or variable tariffs. All suppliers must offer both options to customers with standard meters under Ofgem regulations. Your choice depends on your preference for price certainty versus flexibility.
Separating fact from fiction
False — switching is completely independent of meter type. Millions switch annually with standard meters.
False — installation remains optional in the UK. You have the legal right to refuse a smart meter.
False — many of the cheapest fixed deals in the market are available to standard meter customers.
False — savings come from switching to better tariffs, not from the meter itself.
Smart meters aren't for everyone — and that's okay
Smart-only tariffs may not suit these households:
Standing charges matter more than time-of-use rates. Simple fixed tariffs often work better.
Limited control over property infrastructure makes smart meter installation impractical.
Homes without flexible usage patterns won't benefit from time-of-use pricing.
Comparing without a smart meter keeps options simple and predictable. You see all available tariffs without being pushed toward smart-only options that may not suit your lifestyle or circumstances.
Standard, prepayment, Economy 7 — every meter type is fully supported.
Regional variations calculated precisely for your location.
Tariffs ranked by real annual cost, not misleading headline rates.
Smart meters remain optional — never assumed or required.
With UtilityKing, you stay in complete control of how you manage your energy, without pressure to adopt technology you don't want or need.
The process is identical and straightforward
Use UtilityKing to see all available deals for your meter type and usage.
Select your preferred tariff based on price, contract length, and supplier reputation.
Provide switching details — no engineer visit required for standard meters.
Submit meter readings on switch day for accurate billing transition.
No engineer visit is required unless you specifically opt in to a smart meter installation later. The switching process for standard meters is completely seamless and happens behind the scenes, with no disruption to your supply.
You do not need a smart meter to compare energy prices, find cheaper tariffs, switch suppliers, or reduce your bills. With the right comparison platform, non-smart meter households can still save hundreds of pounds per year.
Access all available tariffs regardless of meter type.
Same saving opportunities as smart meter customers.
Your right to choose your preferred meter type is preserved.