Smart meters - Page 2

MissMoppet · 5th November 2020, 17:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by wraymond

Smart Meters.

. . . the industry became 100 industries with 200 tariffs, and frequently went awol when needed. ‘Tariffs’ went from continuous to annual and grew in costs on the same basis.

I (still) blame Mrs Thatcher . . .

PS We used to rent out a house we inherited and clearing it out after one tenant had left we found a very powerful magnet squatting on top of the meter. No idea if it worked as intended though.

wraymond · 5th November 2020, 17:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by trikey

We had a smart meter fitted at our last rental property, the electric bill went from £20 per week to £180 per week!!

No hike in usage and this was at a time where I was working away from home 5 days a week, I queried the meter with the supplier several times only to be fobbed off.

It eventually went to court where I was ordered to pay the increased amount.

I’m still angry about this to this day.

That's horrific Andy. Did you get any explanation for the hike such as the tariff costs?

Saga Lout · 5th November 2020, 18:47

I've told EON to stop pestering me about a smart meter, I told them that the next time they do I'll change my supplier the minute I hang up, things have been OK until today when a letter came telling me they're ready to fit my smart meter. I'm now looking for a new supplier.
I had issues with British Gas too, knocking on the door to do a safety check on my Gas meter, "where's your Corgi card then" I asked him, his reply was " I don't have one but I've been trained to check your meter to see if it's safe". He was told that he wasn't checking my meter for`safety` without a Corgi card, it's now Gas Safe by the way. It was basically ticking a box that allowed a meter reader to check you're not fiddling the meter and meeting a lawful target. I didn't let them in until they sent a qualified engineer, I had a paper written for the meter readers that made them responsible if they checked it and then something went wrong, none of them would sign it so they kept on going away, I also covered the meter so that only the numbers were visible, it wore them down in the end.
A meter reader cannot inspect a meter for safety unless qualified, it's that simple.

trikey · 5th November 2020, 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by wraymond

That's horrific Andy. Did you get any explanation for the hike such as the tariff costs?

N, they just kept saying 'The meter has been checked and is ok'

richw · 5th November 2020, 19:42

No benefit to the consumer.

They help the fuel companies, as they can reduced their meter reading employees.

Oh, and when we have the inevitable power shortages (lack of capacity, windmill nonsense etc.) the smart meter will be able to turn you off. Lovely.

SCP440 · 5th November 2020, 19:42

I had an argument with a guy on the phone recently from my supplier, he was trying to tell me it was law I had to have a smart meter. I asked him to send me the details of when it was made law. Funny enough nothing has arrived.

I have many friends and relatives who have had problems with these meters, a work colleague had some very high bills once he had one installed. The meter was replaced and it carried on so he switched his fuse box off and it was still clocking up charges. He has since gone back to a conventional meter.

wraymond · 5th November 2020, 20:43

Therein lies the problem. I have been advised the current smart meters can not be removed for replacement by a non-smart model. It's a one shot job. If anyone can establish otherwise I would be very grateful. I do know the Gov. is putting tremendous pressure on the contractors to complete their side of the deal.

As these contractors are occasionally 'on the fringe' as it were they are not necessarily what you might expect. The program is way behind and large fines can be charged for lack of progress.

mh007 · 5th November 2020, 22:13

I certainly won't have one fitted & been asked several times by my supplier.
I'm happy enough to give meter readings when required.

wraymond · 6th November 2020, 18:21

I'm curious about how the system works in comparison with the usual tariff for one year then renewed with whichever supplier you choose to go to, if any. Presumably the same system would apply?

Les4048 · 6th November 2020, 18:59

I had one and wouldn’t have one again. I used to use an app and submit my meter readings and paid that amount every month by direct debit. After the smart meter went in my bills doubled, I’ve moved to another house and there will be no smart meter here

5th November 2020, 18:47	#13
Saga Lout This is my second home MG ZT and Rover 75, Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Wigan Posts: 3,276 Thanks: 2,556 Thanked 2,685 Times in 1,037 Posts	It's a No From Me. I've told EON to stop pestering me about a smart meter, I told them that the next time they do I'll change my supplier the minute I hang up, things have been OK until today when a letter came telling me they're ready to fit my smart meter. I'm now looking for a new supplier. I had issues with British Gas too, knocking on the door to do a safety check on my Gas meter, "where's your Corgi card then" I asked him, his reply was " I don't have one but I've been trained to check your meter to see if it's safe". He was told that he wasn't checking my meter for`safety` without a Corgi card, it's now Gas Safe by the way. It was basically ticking a box that allowed a meter reader to check you're not fiddling the meter and meeting a lawful target. I didn't let them in until they sent a qualified engineer, I had a paper written for the meter readers that made them responsible if they checked it and then something went wrong, none of them would sign it so they kept on going away, I also covered the meter so that only the numbers were visible, it wore them down in the end. A meter reader cannot inspect a meter for safety unless qualified, it's that simple.

5th November 2020, 20:43	#17
wraymond This is my second home 75 Auto 2.5 SE Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Westcliff on Sea Posts: 5,185 Thanks: 423 Thanked 1,680 Times in 1,014 Posts	Therein lies the problem. I have been advised the current smart meters can not be removed for replacement by a non-smart model. It's a one shot job. If anyone can establish otherwise I would be very grateful. I do know the Gov. is putting tremendous pressure on the contractors to complete their side of the deal. As these contractors are occasionally 'on the fringe' as it were they are not necessarily what you might expect. The program is way behind and large fines can be charged for lack of progress. __________________ member no. 235

6th November 2020, 18:21	#19
wraymond This is my second home 75 Auto 2.5 SE Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Westcliff on Sea Posts: 5,185 Thanks: 423 Thanked 1,680 Times in 1,014 Posts	I'm curious about how the system works in comparison with the usual tariff for one year then renewed with whichever supplier you choose to go to, if any. Presumably the same system would apply? __________________ member no. 235

5th November 2020, 19:42	#15
richw Avid contributor Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Stockton-on-Tees Posts: 243 Thanks: 6 Thanked 64 Times in 49 Posts	No benefit to the consumer. They help the fuel companies, as they can reduced their meter reading employees. Oh, and when we have the inevitable power shortages (lack of capacity, windmill nonsense etc.) the smart meter will be able to turn you off. Lovely.

5th November 2020, 19:42	#16
SCP440 I really should get out more....... MG ZT-T 260 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Witney Posts: 2,504 Thanks: 6 Thanked 910 Times in 571 Posts	I had an argument with a guy on the phone recently from my supplier, he was trying to tell me it was law I had to have a smart meter. I asked him to send me the details of when it was made law. Funny enough nothing has arrived. I have many friends and relatives who have had problems with these meters, a work colleague had some very high bills once he had one installed. The meter was replaced and it carried on so he switched his fuse box off and it was still clocking up charges. He has since gone back to a conventional meter.

5th November 2020, 22:13	#18
mh007 This is my second home MG ZT260 SE, MG ZT190+, MG ZTT 160, R75 Conn SE 2.0, R75 Conn SE 2.5 X 3, R75 Club SE 1.8, P5B Coupe Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Keynsham, Bristol Posts: 4,211 Thanks: 65 Thanked 635 Times in 499 Posts	I certainly won't have one fitted & been asked several times by my supplier. I'm happy enough to give meter readings when required.

6th November 2020, 18:59	#20
Les4048 This is my second home Rover 75 Tourer/ MG ZT-T 400 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Lhanbryde Posts: 3,277 Thanks: 2,627 Thanked 1,523 Times in 869 Posts	I had one and wouldn’t have one again. I used to use an app and submit my meter readings and paid that amount every month by direct debit. After the smart meter went in my bills doubled, I’ve moved to another house and there will be no smart meter here