Smart Meters are they optional and what problems

dunloadin

Yes they can get a warrent but if we all stick together and say no, nothing they can do about it. I for one will not be having one and if they force there way in, they will be met with a very strong resistance. I will be using the law as well, to stop them. Many laws can be used like, harassment, causing alarm or distress.

I think you'll find the law will be on the suppliers side, if you don't want a smart meter thats your choice....but the only option will be not having electricity at all.

walkon

Put it this way. We don't have to use a credit card, the net or mobile. We have the choice. You won't have the choice if smart meters are forced on us. Very simple.

Lets say you use a lot of power. The government will know you are using a lot, because the smart meter wirelessly and unsecured, sends your personal information out.

So the government decides to put a tax on all electric that is used above a certain level. That is a way to use the smart meters against you and how is that fair.

I could be here all day arguing about it but i'm not going to. It is obvious you support them. Well fine but don't expect everyone else to have them.

dunloadin

You make a fair point, but if the government were to tax higher users would it not be better to do so based on accurate reads and not estimates. I doubt it will happen though as we all pay tax on the bills anyway.

Just look through the posts here and see how many people have been caught out because they have been receiving under-estimated bills and get a big catch up bill; or who have their day/night reads transposed etc. Smart metering will make this a thing of the past (hopefully!!), though I can see certain systems that will be tricky to change to smart the majority of people will benefit.

Anyway, I too wont be arguing over the subject....got a van full of dumb and smart meters to sort and tidy up.

walkon

Just look through the posts here and see how many people have been caught out because they have been receiving under-estimated bills and get a big catch up bill; or who have their day/night reads transposed etc. Smart metering will make this a thing of the past (hopefully!!), though I can see certain systems that will be tricky to change to smart the majority of people will benefit.

Just to quicky say on that. I don't have a problem with any estimated bills. I am with ebico for both and I always call in, on the day with my meter readings.

So my bills are always 100% accurate all the time. Thats why I call them and give them my readings. Also i pay cash only. No DD, as it can't be controlled as easily.

So saying that will help to have smart meters, is only to sell them to a gullible public. Thats why you have meter readers and they will be out of a job, if smart meters become the norm.

Nothing wrong with a dumb meter.

Joyful

I have Smart meters which were put in 6 weeks ago. Previous to that I had an energy monitor for the electric which was good as I could not read my elec meter( down on the floor) so at least I knew what I was using. Now I can not only see that info but I can see my meter readings also for both the gas and electric. For me the other plus point is now having a monitor also for the gas. I get all the same info re daily, weekly and monthly amounts so can easily take action daily if I think I am using too much. This is much better for me than putting my reads in monthly and checking the bill as I now know immediately.

In the future the meters can be used to adjust tariffs at different times which will help people to use the electricity at cheaper times without needing an economy7 meter. They will also be able to be used with an additional unit to access the internet to do more.

They can also be changed to prepayment or back to credit so will not need to change the meters for this work. Where Prepayment meters are concerned there will be extra ways to top up the meters which will make them not so frustrating.

PNPSUKNET

Im sure energy providers are testing remote central heating linked to these meters, about stopping energy companys in is a no go as they own the meter

Meatballs

walkon wrote: »

So the government decides to put a tax on all electric that is used above a certain level. That is a way to use the smart meters against you and how it's that fair.

Next thing the utility companies will be charging seperate rates for the first x kWh of energy you use...:rotfl:

dunloadin

PNPSUKNET wrote: »

Im sure energy providers are testing remote central heating linked to these meters, about stopping energy companys in is a no go as they own the meter

The meters can be set up to operate as single or multi rate They are not connected into the central heating, but can operate a contactor switch to turn the loads on and off in leu of a clock or teleswitch.

So, the same meter can be programmed to do single rate, E7, E10, Eco20:20, Ev/Weekend tariffs. What they cant (yet) do is replace the more exotic tariffs like Heatwise/THTC/Comfort Plus as they require more switching and/or a meter with two recording elements.

Some videos on youtube about smart meters.

The Dark Side of 'Smart' Meters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLeCT...eature=related
Multiple Smart Meters on the living room wall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhJeF...eature=related

Only 4,000 odd viewings and nothing said by the H&S bods, who I'm sure would have a field day if there were any health issues....dont worry, you'll be OK sat in your panic room with the tinfoil hat on.

utility_csa

tidnab1967 wrote: »

Hello
I now regret my switch to First Utility after reading a thread on here

But ive done it now and id love to cancel with them but ill see how it goes for now and keep an eye on these morons.

Anyway to my questions
I understand the reasoning for a smart meter but who owns it?

I assume F U do and therefore making a future supplier switch more difficult?
Do i have to have one installed?
After reading the above thread im a little worried to say the least

What happened to a buyers market, seems as customers we are getting ripped off by these robbing b******s and having shoddy workmanship
Something needs to be done NOW!

thanks in advance

1) The smart meter(s) are owned by the MAM ( meter asset manager gas )/MOP. ( Meter Operator electric)

Ill assume your dual fuel with fu. that already limits who will be installing the meter.

Couple of MAM/MOPS for you to check - Siemens, United Utilities, Onstream

2) If you have the meter(s) installed they cannot tie you into staying with them, just the smart capabilites will not work with another supplier.
fu cannot force you to stay with them any longer than the contract you have agreed to, i assume they have early cancellation fees though.

3) No you do not have to have a smart meter installed at the moment, its is not government legislation..yet.

NigeThePrint

I have recently had a smart meter installed in my business premises, without my prior permission I might add, we were just told we needed a new meter installed not what it was. I now find with my contract up for renewal that I am unable to get the best prices for electricity as many suppliers are not able to support this particular type of meter. Personally I feel that my current energy suppliers are using this as a sneaky way to reduce competition and keep electricity prices up. As it is I have been able to find a supplier who can reduce my annual spend by approximately 35% but if I had a 'normal' meter still I would have been able to reduce it by 51%.
Oh boy am I angry about that! :mad: