Smart Meter

[HarryM1BYT]

I was logging and feeding in my gas and electricity meter readings weekly online, not because I had to, but for my benefit in keeping an eye on the bills. I was also using an EXCEL spreadsheet to separately record the readings.

So I jumped at the chance to have the Smart Meters installed. I even delayed our holiday, to allow the work, but they cancelled and I hit the roof. The made the second appointment, which went smoothly enough, just before we went away. They feed their readings straight to OVO's website, so I was able to see some daily readings whilst away.

We are on the dual fuel tariff, we pay a fixed sum per month - less than our usual consumption, then each month I make a manual top up.

The meters also feed a small in house energy display, which can give instantaneous consumption values and record other data - I'll look into this further later.

Yes, I am aware they can remotely cut you off, but I am not paranoid about such things.

[topman]

I'm trying to get one at the moment but they aren't doing our area yet. It'll stop me having to faff about manual sending them the readings as they always over estimate by miles. Plus it's a free way to get off the eco7 rate, which doesn't work for me but I'd have to pay £70 to get changed over.

[HarryM1BYT]

Originally Posted by topman

I'm trying to get one at the moment but they aren't doing our area yet. It'll stop me having to faff about manual sending them the readings as they always over estimate by miles. Plus it's a free way to get off the eco7 rate, which doesn't work for me but I'd have to pay £70 to get changed over.

I originally registered with E.ON, when still with E.ON then with OVO when they emailed me to invite me to have them.

I understand there are a number of different sub-contractors fitting them and they do them by areas. G4S is one of them and I seemed to see a few G4S vans around about two weeks before we were done, but we were done by a company called Trojan. I made a point of grabbing the readings on the old mech meters, before he put them in his van, but he left a form with his readings on anyway.

The new meters start at all zeros.

I did wonder about the competence of these operatives, but our installer seemed absolutely fine.

I just need to get my head around the new meters and the new display. I fitted one of those gadgets they had a few years ago, to keep an eye on consumption, but it was hopeless and hopelessly inaccurate. This one seems to be brilliant so far - it shows up a 3w LED's consumption when turned on, above our base load.

[Robti]

I'm sure I picked up something that these are all getting changed, as you are tied to the supplier who fitted them, and if you decide to change suppliers you need the new suppliers meter installed, whereas phase two that is due to be rolled out the meters will work with any supplier.

That's why they are being pushed by the energy companies

[HarryM1BYT]

Originally Posted by Robti

I'm sure I picked up something that these are all getting changed, as you are tied to the supplier who fitted them, and if you decide to change suppliers you need the new suppliers meter installed, whereas phase two that is due to be rolled out the meters will work with any supplier.

That's why they are being pushed by the energy companies

I heard a similar rumour, but the fact is they give the same incremented consumption readings as an old fashioned mech meter would. So I cannot see there being a problem, just back to taking readings and entering them online I suppose (?)

[Dragrad]

One more way BIG BROTHER can watch your activities.....

Signed

Paranoid 1984 (or maybe not)

[Kennyeth]

First Utility offered me one early in the year if I signed for a fixed term three year contract.
I was all for it until I read that Housing Associations and Council homes Etc were "barred"
You have to have to own your own home.
I guess that`s in case you move or croak the next tenant won`t have any tinterweb
Ken.

[topman]

Who told you that? There was nothing said to me about that, maybe the rules have changed. I don't see how it would make any difference if you owned your home or not

[Kennyeth]

Originally Posted by topman

Who told you that? There was nothing said to me about that, maybe the rules have changed. I don't see how it would make any difference if you owned your home or not

I did read it, I am defiantly sure it was on my suppliers site.
I have just done a little search and found this:
https://www.smartenergygb.org/en/how...-meter/tenants
So having read that I do not need to tell my Landlord I have contacted my supplier and said I want to go ahead.
Thanks to your post.
Ken.

[topman]

No problem

Same with water meters, no need to tell the landlord. Btw another way for many to save money. We knocked about 60% off our water bill when we got one.