Smart Meter Signal Problems in Old and New Homes

Smart meter signal problems in homes are more common than most people realise — affecting both old stone properties and brand new builds. If your smart meter isn’t sending readings automatically, your property type could be the cause — even if you live in a brand new house. Here’s why it happens and what you can do.

Why property type affects your smart meter signal

Smart meters communicate wirelessly — sending your readings automatically to your supplier via the Wide Area Network (WAN). That signal has to travel through your walls, roof and any other materials in its path.

Two very different types of property consistently cause problems: older stone-built homes and modern energy-efficient new builds. For completely different reasons, both can block or weaken the signal your smart meter needs.

Old homes — why thick walls block smart meter signals

Many older UK properties — particularly in Scotland, northern England and rural areas — were built with extremely thick stone walls. These walls were designed centuries before wireless communication existed, and they’re very effective at absorbing and weakening radio signals.

The thicker and denser the wall, the harder it is for your communications hub to connect to the network. This is why smart meters in Victorian terraces, stone cottages and pre-war properties are disproportionately affected by signal problems.

Common signs in older properties:

Intermittent connection — meter works sometimes but not consistently
Weak signal strength shown on the communications hub
Smart meter stops sending readings after working fine initially
In-home display loses connection frequently

New builds — why energy efficiency blocks signals too

Modern homes are built to high energy efficiency standards — which is good for your bills but can be bad for your smart meter signal. The materials used to reduce heat loss can also block wireless signals.

Common culprits in new builds include:

Foil-backed insulation — acts like a Faraday cage, reflecting signals back inside
Metal structural frames — interfere with wireless communication
Reinforced concrete panels — dense material that absorbs signals
Energy-efficient glazing — some coatings block radio frequencies

New build buyers are often surprised to find their brand new smart meter doesn’t work properly from day one. The meter isn’t faulty — the building is blocking its signal.

Where meters are installed makes it worse

Signal problems are compounded when meters are located in areas that further weaken communication:

Underground or basement utility rooms
Internal cupboards with no external wall access
Metal meter cabinets — which act like a signal cage
Garages with metal roofing or cladding
Plant rooms surrounded by concrete

An engineer may be able to relocate the communications hub using a fly lead — moving it to a position with better signal without moving the meter itself.

→ Smart meter fly lead — what it is and why engineers use it

What your supplier should do about it

If your property type is causing signal problems, your supplier has options. They should not simply leave you with a non-communicating meter indefinitely.

Solutions your supplier can arrange:

Relocating the communications hub via a fly lead
Upgrading to a 4G communications hub with stronger signal capability
Arranging an engineer visit to assess signal strength and options

If your supplier is not taking action, you have the right to raise a formal complaint. Under Ofgem’s Guaranteed Standards your supplier has 5 working days to provide a resolution plan.

What to do right now

Check whether your meter is still recording usage correctly — press the display button
Submit manual readings to your supplier to avoid estimated bills
Contact your supplier and specifically mention that signal problems may be property-related
Request an engineer visit to assess signal strength and hub positioning

Not sure what’s causing your problem? Start a free Health Check →

Supplier not helping?

If your supplier isn’t taking your signal problem seriously — especially if it’s been ongoing for weeks — you have the right to escalate formally.

How to dispute an energy bill →

Generate a formal complaint letter →

Related help:

All advice on SmartMeterHelp is independent. We’re not affiliated with any energy supplier.