British Gas smart meter replacement

N9eav

The question is; Is there any benefit for me?

British Gas called and said they needed to set up an appointment to replace my old Electrcity meter with a new Smart Meter.
I have the old type with the spinning disk and rotating numbers.
They told me the new one sends readings to them automatically, so I need not bother with that anymore..etc.
After a while I asked if I had to do it?
No, was the reply.
hmmm, initially I was being told I had to have it replaced.

Anyway Do I need one? Or am I better off with my current meter?

NVRAM

I'd love to have mine replaced, wonder fi they woudl move it at the same time
Last time I asked was told "thousands" to move the meter, even after pointing out it would
make it easier for them to get readings and was for their benefit.

Old meter is in a daft place taking up an entire cupbaord lol

Joyful

I love my BG smart meter. No more estimated bills and able to see consumption easily so no shocks in Winter as you can see your usage daily.

NVRAM

Joyful, any idea if BG offer these meters to new customers and if it has to be in exactly the same place as the old one?

Much appreciated

Joyful

The meters go in the same place usually. The smart meters are being rolled out in certain areas. You could always ask if the area you are in is getting them soon but they would not fit just one out of thousands of households.

staffyman_2

I had a letter for replacing my old meter as well but was told by someone in the trade that everyone that has had one changed that he knew ,they're bill went up ! Something to do with the old meters slowing down with age ? .So I told them no

macman

staffyman wrote: »

I had a letter for replacing my old meter as well but was told by someone in the trade that everyone that has had one changed that he knew ,they're bill went up ! Something to do with the old meters slowing down with age ? .So I told them no

This is complete nonsense. What is more likely is that they were being billed on estimated readings, the meter was read upon change and their DD's went up as a result of the arrears then being recovered.
The meter belongs to your supplier or DNO, they have the legal right to access is and change it if they so wish.

staffyman_2

If they want to change it change Supplier ? Funny thing my old watch slowed down with age LOL

Sam2008

I agree with Staffman...... I experienced same thing and i know that the old meters were much slower...not only in this country but around the world......the new meters much faster....dont be fooled....old is gold..

staffyman_2

Just google smart meters health,security risks ? Plus I'd like to keep people in jobs as long as possible (meter readers ) .The big energy company's make enough money as it is .Trouble paying your bill don't worry they can send a signal wirelessly to turn your meter off ,saves them a lot of time and they will know when your house is empty so maybe they will send someone round to look after it for you (hope one else can hack into it lol )
Think I will stick with my old meter for as long as possible

SailorSam

What do you mean the meters get read once a month, isn't it a 24hr thing constantly sending the readings.
I asked both electric and gas if i could have a box outside, ridiculous charges when it's for their benefit more than mine,