Smart Meter.

[Lurcher100]

Opinions on smart meters? I live alone, don't use much energy as scared to heat house in winter, gas c/h, also are they trustworthy as newish technology. What if dispute? Thanks in advance.

[New Judge]

I don't think there are any issues with their accuracy. There's simply no point in having one. I know exactly how much gas and leccy I use each month and how much it costs me. A so-called "Smart" meter will be of no benefit to me what whatsoever.

[ichkeria]

We have one. Saves having to send meter readings and is interesting to monitor usage.
Last time I checked we were all still healthy and nothing odd has happened.
Ridiculous fuss about nothing

[fiction-factory]

I know many people don't see any need for them as theys eem happy that they are using electricity in an efficient way, but I think it would be useful to be able to see usage at any point in time- for example it may demonstrate how expensive it is to use a tumble dryer and might persuade some people to use existing radiators more or let the washing blow in the wind for an hour to cut down tumble drier use. I use Economy 7 to heat my water at cheap rate before breakfast but don't know exactly what it costs relative to gas and might decide it's cheaper to use the gas boiler. And how much does it cost to light up the garden at night?

[fiction-factory]

I agree it seems a fuss about nothing. It has advantages for some customers and if it eliminates the need to employ meter readers it should help reduce costs, some of which savings should be passed on to us if OFGEM is on the ball. I see no real downside apart from the scare stories about being cut off.
The main problem at present is that I change suppliers every year and each would need a new meter.

[KARL]

Badly organised installation campaigns with each company using different meters are rather farcical. I believe the aim is for the UK to get this sorted out but I don't know within what time frame - until then I would suggest they are to be avoided. Otherwise I think the main point is that billing will be accurate without needing manual readings at frequent intervals - to me that is worth having.

With the universal use of smart meters it should become possible to change suppliers instantly if the customer wants - mind you it should already be more or less possible but it is said that the Ombudsman dislikes such convenient flexibility and insists on one being trapped for at least two weeks with the old supplier, including on moving to a new home (which sounds believable, seeing as here we are speaking of the UK).

Yes, if one fails to pay then one should expect to be cut off - why not ? If an error occurs (unlikely I would expect/hope) then reconnection can be done remotely and instantly (compensation claim pending). As for savings using smart meters, my understanding is that the argument for that relies on equipping you far self-limitation of consumption, in effect a kind of rationing - this I find daft, everyone surely knows that abstention reduces cost.

The supposed health risks and the data thing sound too much like a reliance on conspiracy theories along with the instinctive secretive nature of some. If hacking really is a risk then that needs serious attention although simple vandalism would seem the only motive for hacking and therefore for most this would seem a somewhat unlikely risk (unless I am missing something).

[Lurcher100]

Thanks all for replies,probably give it a miss, know that currently if I take 2 weeks to pay a bill I`m hounded with "reminders".

[EDDIE51]

The idea is that they will be compulsory by 2020. So you may as well get one now.
djtdjt They don't need an internet connection. They have a built in transmitter that automatically sends billing information to the power company ,using a 'mobile phone' type signal.

[CrapAtCryptics]

I have one on dual fuel and, as my old meters were over 26 years old, I guess an update was warranted. I also pay for just what I use each month rather than giving my supplier an interest free loan for half the year.

[woofgang]

EDDIE it will be compulsory for companies to offer everyone smart meters by 2020, it won't be compulsory to accept one. https://www.smartenergygb.org/en/smart-future/about-the-rollout

[Old_Geezer]

Those who see no issue probably haven't tried a websearch on the subject.
Data and control between your residence and the outside world, what could possibly go wrong ?

[New Judge]

"I also pay for just what I use each month rather than giving my supplier an interest free loan for half the year. "

You should start a contract in October or November, CaC. That way, you accumulate a debt in the winter which is paid off in the summer meaning you get the interest free loan.

[fender62]

i keep getting phones calls and letters from x company i just put them in the bin and black list there phone calls, if i get a court order then ill have one installed..not by choice.

[New Judge]

You won't get a court order (or more specifically, a warrant of entry) to have an existing meter replaced, jordy, unless you meter is obsolete. Any that need replacing on that basis will be replaced by a smart meter.

[woofgang]

NJ, I can't see a post on here by jordy or any post removed.....

[New Judge]

Apologies, I meant fender.

It comes from trying to watch the tennis and respond to jordyboy's post on CB, make a cup of tea and eat a biscuit all at the same time. As any woman will confirm, us chaps cannot multi-task, you know. And they're right! :-)