Forced meter change

drewdrop

:mad::mad::mad: Hi, I am a British Gas dual fuel customer, I have just had a letter stating that they are changing my meter for a smart one. My landlord doesn't want it and neither do I. The number to call just rings then asks you to leave a message-but the mailbox is full :mad:. I rang B'Gas to be told that I can reject now but must change by January. Any info / advice pls.

Joyful

What is your problem with this? I can't wait to get a Smart meter. I can think of no down points apart from employing less meter readers. I was shown one working last week and immediately signed up for it when it comes to my area. No more estimated bills, lets you know what you are using, and allows you to you input your tariff and DD amount. If you then check 2 weeks later it lets you see if your DD will cover it or if you should cut back.

If you then move suppliers it just becomes a normal meter. Smart meters will be in every home within a couple of years so your Landlord should be pleased about this not upset.

In the future you will be able to access the internet, pay your telephone bills, do your shopping. In fact the list is endless. It even will tell you what the weather is.

drewdrop

no bias then ? there is very little info on the meter in the letter, just the 'be in' date and time. I don't like forced changes and I work six nights a week so I also dont like pre-arranged visits w/o consulting me

cybergibbons

drewdrop wrote: »

no bias then ? there is very little info on the meter in the letter, just the 'be in' date and time. I don't like forced changes and I work six nights a week so I also dont like pre-arranged visits w/o consulting me

Is your objection to the meter itself, or to the fact it will inconvenience you?

I can see no reason why you wouldn't want a smart meter unless you are fiddling the meter.

I've also always found the utility companies pretty good at rescheduling if you have a genuine reason. Swapping the meter itself, assuming it is accessible, will be very quick - the team doing it will have done hundreds before.

drewdrop

cybergibbons wrote: »

Is your objection to the meter itself, or to the fact it will inconvenience you?

I can see no reason why you wouldn't want a smart meter unless you are fiddling the meter.

I've also always found the utility companies pretty good at rescheduling if you have a genuine reason. Swapping the meter itself, assuming it is accessible, will be very quick - the team doing it will have done hundreds before.

:mad: Hi, I am not fiddling anything, so I suggest you be sure of your facts before making inaccurate statements. I am just happy giving reading every 3 months and paying the accurate bill. I object to forced changes.

cybergibbons

drewdrop wrote: »

:mad: Hi, I am not fiddling anything, so I suggest you be sure of your facts before making inaccurate statements. I am just happy giving reading every 3 months and paying the accurate bill. I object to forced changes.

I'll say it again - "I can see no reason why you wouldn't want a smart meter unless you are fiddling the meter." That means that, I, myself, have the opinion that there are no logical reasons why you wouldn't want a smart meter. This statement is not inaccurate in any way, and I am sure of my facts.

They'll most likely change it at a time that doesn't greatly inconvenience you in the next 6 months. You won't have estimated bills anymore, and you can view your energy usage online. I can't wait for them to change mine over.

drewdrop

Hi, well I am so glad that you can't see a reason !
It is my choice, not yours.
I do not have estimated bills as I give accurate readings.

cybergibbons

drewdrop wrote: »

Hi, well I am so glad that you can't see a reason !
It is my choice, not yours.
I do not have estimated bills as I give accurate readings.

You've really not articulated a logical reason why you don't want one, so to anyone else, it just looks like you are being awkward. You could write a letter to BG stating the same, but I doubt they'd be interested.

Andy_WSM

Why wouldn't you want your meter changed? If not changing to a Smart Meter it could just as easily have been a visit to replace the meter due to age anyway. I recently had to wait in for the electric meter to be changed as the old one had reached the end of it's life / calibration period. It's one of those responsibilities that come with living in a flat / house.

dunloadin

I object to forced changes.

drewdrop, trust me on this, this is not a forced change....that would be accompanied by a warrant to enter your house. ALL the suppliers will shortly be rolling out smart meter fits, they have till 2012 to get the whole country changed to them, so don't think they're just picking on you.

It may well be your getting yours because the meter you have is due certification, which in itself is a meter change wether smart or not. The only part of your property (or the landlords) that you dont own are the meters, and suppliers and network people need access to them from time to time.

ps If your set on keeping the old meter change to another supplier, keep doing it long enough and you'll be the last person in your street to get one. Lets hope you don't want to keep your old valve telly when they switch over to digital in your area!

KillerWatt

The meter is not your property to start with, so the provider can change it when they want, for what they want.