UK energy firms can't force smart meter installs; customers can refuse or opt for "dumb mode."

Martin Lewis warned UK energy customers about a letter from suppliers regarding smart meter installation, clarifying that while companies can encourage adoption, they cannot force it without consent. He emphasized that consumers have the right to refuse, though outdated meters may require replacement with smart meters, which can be set to "dumb mode" to avoid automatic data transmission. Customers should review any communication carefully, understand their rights, and consider privacy and functionality concerns before responding.