Academic research carried out by the University of Sussex, Aarhus University, the Finnish Environment Institute, and the Technical University of Berlin in 2015-2016. Data collection happened in the form of a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed academic articles on UK smart meters published between 2008-2017; and relevant government reports and media articles. In addition to the literature review, the authors carried out participant observation at 7 UK smart meter events between September 2015 and November 2016. The research brought forward new engagements with smart meters – uncovering persistent technical challenges and pertinent non-technical challenges, specifically vulnerability as well as consumer resistance and ambivalence.