What Is The Situation With Smart Meter Installation?

[OldChestNuts]

Are the Smart meter still causing problem when you change supplier and does it still causes lots of issues taking readings?

Scottish Power asked to be put on Smart meter today. I am reluctant as I heard from people that it causes them problem when trying to change from one supplier to another.

Any Smart meter users can share their stories please before I commit myself to Smart meter.

[davebro]

I don't think they need wifi - just a mobile phone signal. Am I right?

[Canary42]

Amusing that when the OP specifically asked for the experiences of Smart Meter users, most of the replies come from non-users.

[Cloverjo]

I have one but it never worked. I switched it off because it interfered with my wifi. A man comes round to read the old meter.

[bednobs]

in practice NJ, they still apply for a court order, even in the case of no entry being neeeded

[tamborine]

SSE installed my smart meter, offering improved broadband via connection to fibre that included my BT charges & £17 increase. Later I found fibre bband unavailable here - after paying extra for 6mts. BT retrieved my line reducing £17 further extra charge, adding none can access their phone boxes. SSE refused refund - ongoing debacle with SSE!

[Zacs-Master]

They make switching providers much easier.....if you get the right type i.e. a Second generation/SMETS2.

[tamborine]

I dont know what gen I have but SSE installed about 9mts ago. Advantage is not dragging a chair for climbing on to read the meter

[New Judge]

//in practice NJ, they still apply for a court order, even in the case of no entry being neeeded//

There no such thing as a "court order" in these circumstances, bednobs. Leaving aside the issue of remote disconnection via smart meters, disconnection cannot usually be effected from outside the property (short of digging up the road or pavement). A warrant of entry is required to cut the supply off at the meter.

But as I said, disconnection to occupied domestic premises is forbidden by Ofgen's Code of Practice. With that in mind, I don't see that being any different once remote disconnection is possible via a Smart Meter. Unless the Code of Practice is changed it is still forbidden to cut off an individual domestic supply, however it is achieved.

[tamborine]

My ill son's flat has just had a smart meter where leccy is bought in advance - great for tennated properties. Previous tenant left heaters on, after moonlighting, running up a bill of £300+ that was written off by the leccy company ;)

[bednobs]

intersting NJ. I was using this: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/problems-with-your-energy-supply/if-youve-been-told-your-energy-supply-will-be-disconnected/ but it seems it's all a load of nonsense? and they cant cut you off anyway?

[New Judge]

You will note this among the CAB's item:

"It’s rare to be disconnected as your supplier will usually offer to install a prepayment meter instead."

And again further on:

"If the court grants a warrant, your supplier will be able to disconnect your supply. They must give you 7 days notice in writing before they do. In practice, it’s rare for suppliers to disconnect customers. They’re more likely to fit a prepayment meter in your home."

In fact it's very rare. So rare as to be almost unheard of. The CAB document goes on to provide a list of customer categories who will not be disconnected under any circumstances. I believe their document is out of date (although shown as 2021). As I understand it all suppliers have pledged not to disconnect supply to an occupied domestic property except under the most extreme circumstances. Magistrates are aware of this and before granting a warrant of entry for disconnection (rather than to install a prepayment meter) they will want to know precisely what those extreme circumstances are. I have seen a large number of warrants of entry issued to energy suppliers and I cannot recall a single example of one being issued for disconnection to an occupied domestic property.