Is the Dwelling Export-Capable?
Does a property have an export capable smart meter?
Dominic Bowkett
Last Update 2 days ago
All modern Smart Meters are “export capable” but may not be configured at the time of survey.
In short, an export-capable meter can record electricity sent back to the grid.
You can usually identify one by checking:
• Display Labels
• Meter Model
• Supplier Configuration
• Contacting the Supplier/DNO
Display Labels
Many smart meters show both import and export registers.
A+ shows how much you’ve used. A- shows how much you’ve exported.
Check any installation paperwork if it's available or the meter’s technical manual. It may say: “Approved for export metering” or similar
Scrolling through the meter
Different smart meters have different button sequences to scroll through the readings.
SMETS2 meters (the newer ones) almost always have a register for export, but you may have to find it.
Popular models: EDMI ES-10B, Landis+Gyr E470, Secure Liberty 100/110/120, Kaifa MA120.
On some models you may be able to press ‘A’ repeatedly to scroll through the display screens.
Again, you’re looking for:
A label like ‘Export’, ‘OUT’, ‘A-‘, or ‘Reverse Energy’. Or it may show ‘Import’ (A+) and then ‘Export’ (A-) on the next screen.Use the In Home Display (IHD)
Some IHDs (the little portable screen) show export, but many do not. Most only show usage/import, so the physical meter is the reliable source.
Meter Models
Common Smart Meters that Support Exporting
All these models are SMETS2 certified and designed to handle export metering.
However, whether they actually record export depends on:
Whether the supplier has configured the meter for export.
Whether the firmware is up to date.
Whether they are registered for the microgeneration system (e.g., with the DNO and Smart Export Guarantee).
EDMI
EDMI ES-10B
EDMI ES-12B
Landis+Gyr
Landis+Gyr E470
Landis+Gyr E470 Type 5424 (the most common)
Kaifa
Kaifa MA120
Aclara
Aclara SGM1410-B (electricity only)
Honeywell / Elster
Elster AS300P (some later versions are SMETS2 — check the firmware version)
Secure
Secure Liberty 100
Secure Liberty 110 / 112 / 120
Toshiba
Toshiba SMETS2 meters (less common, but do exist in certain rollouts)
Not all SMETS1 meters are export capable.
Many early SMETS1 meters were designed only to measure import (consumption).
A few later SMETS1 meters can record export if they have the right firmware and have been configured correctly.
Supplier Configuration
Some meters are technically capable but must be configured by the supplier or DNO to record export.
Look for the Smart Meter Technical Specification (SMETS) or Meter Model
SMETS2 meters (the newer standard) are generally export capable by design, but it depends if your energy supplier has enabled this function
Some early SMETS1 meters may not be export capable — check the model and its specification sheet.
You can search the model number online for confirmation. Meters connected to the Data Communications Company (DCC) for SMETS2 will have export capability data in the account with the supplier.
Contacting the Supplier/DNO
If in doubt, the electricity supplier or DNO can confirm whether export functionality is active.
Not all suppliers enable the export function automatically, even if the meter can do it.
Tip: If you take a photo of the Meter and upload it to ChatGPT or Google Lens, then this will give you a pretty accurate description of the meter and its capabilities.