Smart Meter

[grannie39]

Each month when I send my meter reading to EDF, I am asked if I would like a smart meter, what is the point please. thanks

[EDDIE51]

The smart meter will send the reading all by itself without you needed to do anything. They have a mobile phone circuit inside them that automatically sends the readings to the electricity company. Plus it continuously tells you how much electricity you are using and the cost.

[Old_Geezer]

The point is to give control to the company who can then control what you get, at what time, and if you get it at all. Plus it passes data which could be intercepted or whatever by the malicious. And being more complicated must go wrong easier. And at the moment another point is that the seems no one standard, and switching suppliers may mean a new meter. There is nothing the new types can do that you can't achieve by other means. The benefits tend to be for the supplier not for you, but you will be bedazzled by the ease in which a five minute wonder at easier reading of how much you are using is supposed to be the best thing since sliced bread. Don't think you won't pay for the unnecessary changes. You may not be presented with an immediate bill, but the company aren't in it to drop their bottom line over the longer term.

[Tilly2]

We can't have one because we have a n odd 20:20 meter. Something to do with our cheap rate tariff.

[Togo]

Lucky you Tilly. Like Geezer I wouldn't let the duplicitous electrickery companies anywhere near me with a snoop and recoup meter.

[Mamyalynne]

Don't forget the Government's role in this, not just done on a whim by the energy companies.

[Old_Geezer]

Yes everyone is supposed to be offered the chance of a smart meter. I just wish they wouldn't keep on and on.

[New Judge]

The advantages are supposed to be:

1. An end to estimated bills

(I have not had an estimated bill for more than 20 years).

2. Gives you control over your consumption.

Er....how? So I see it costs me 4p (or whatever) to boil a kettle. am I going to boil a kettle less frequently? I see it costs me 25p to do a wash in my washing machine. Am I to use it less? Absolute cobblers.

I know exactly how much leccy and gas (in Kwh) I use each month and how much it costs me. That's all I need to know.

[Maydup]

Eventually they will insist. We had a letter last month to explain that, as part of the national move to smart meters we are to be switched over now, and were given an installation date. No option. Except to rearrange to a more convenient date, but theres no putting it off entirely, it will come eventually and by 2020 everyone will have one.

[Arksided]

For me as mine are PAYG smart meters the advantages are that I can top them up at most outlets, Online or by phone and don't have to be physically be at home like the old key meters I had. I can also see first hand when they're running low and I don't have to face a hefty quarterly bill.

[EDDIE51]

By 2020 the intention is that all meters will be smart meters, so in the long run we have little choice.

[New Judge]

"Eventually they will insist. We had a letter last month to explain that, as part of the national move to smart meters we are to be switched over now, and were given an installation date. No option."

"By 2020 the intention is that all meters will be smart meters, so in the long run we have little choice."

There is (as yet) no compulsion. This from the government website on the matter:

"All homes and small business sites will be offered smart meters by their energy company between now and the end of 2020."

Actually the rest of the document makes for light bedtime reading if you want a good laugh:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/smart-meters-how-they-work

From the "Which" website:

"Now the official roll-out has started, energy companies have been asked to take 'all reasonable steps' to install smart meters in every home, however you still have the right to refuse a smart meter.”

So you do have a choice. If your energy supplier is daft enough to make a unilateral appointment to fit one simply refuse entry. They have no right of entry to do this without a warrant and a Magistrates' Court will not issue one because there is no legislation to support it. The only time they will secure a warrant to change a meter is if they can show the existing one is dangerous because, say, it is damaged or excessively old. Even then, when you have a Smart meter fitted under those circumstances you can insist that the data transmission functions are disabled.

[CluckyChick]

Smart meters make things a lot easier for them and a little easier for you. BUT, they are very easily hacked. Would you take the risk of someone knowing your house is empty one week (because you are suddenly not using electricity) and the address to burgle, or to sell such information on the dark net?

[EDDIE51]

I agree with what you say NJ , but very soon (if not already) the only meters available as replacements for damaged or unserviceable meters will be smart meters. So though it will take longer than 2020 every meter will be a smart meter eventually.
Actually I seem to remember hearing that if you need a new meter now but refuse a smart meter , you just get a smart meter anyway but with the 'smart' function disabled .

[Old_Geezer]

I didn't a few months ago, but I had to wait longer because I refused a "smart" one. But I'd not be surprised if they tried to force them on you in future. It's in their interest to be awkward and bully you into it.

[dannyk13]

I was asked over a year ago if I wanted a smart meter, but when I told them that my present meter was on the floor in the garage I was told that a smart meter would not work unless the meter was raised from the floor.I asked if this would be paid for by them.I have not had any more offers of a smart meter.

[malagabob]

Smart meter installers were trained up even if they had not prior knowledge of working with gas or electricity.
They HAVE to convert 5 properties a day. This leads to rushed and botched installations. The outcome of which is well documented.

[Ryzen]

Spot on malagabob....when enough smart meters are in use the energy companies will dramatically increase unit charges and then offer an 'incentive' to use energy outside peak times with 'attractive' lower rates,thus reducing maximum demand spikes and stress on the inadequate grid system.Result..a plaster on a gaping wound.

[grannie39]

Thanks for all your comments, I don't think I will bother at this time ,thanks all.

[Old_Geezer]

https://forums.theregister.co.uk/forum/1/2017/09/04/smart_meters_more_expensive_fewer_savings/