Smart meter

abwsco

Just had a phone call from BG, who we are currently with for electric, asking if we want a smart meter.

Given that I manage the account online, am on cheapest tariff at the moment (deal ending soon though so possibly moving supplier) input meter readings at least once a month and never have estimated bills am I right in thinking there is no advantage to us to do this.

TIA:)

utility_csa

abwsco wrote: »

Just had a phone call from BG, who we are currently with for electric, asking if we want a smart meter.

Given that I manage the account online, am on cheapest tariff at the moment (deal ending soon though so possibly moving supplier) input meter readings at least once a month and never have estimated bills am I right in thinking there is no advantage to us to do this.

TIA:)

Not really. no different to what you are doing anyway.

[Deleted User]

Interesting to hear that they gave you the option, they ve just been turning up and fitting them in the properties I ve see them in.No choice given to the householders. A change in direction from B.G.

abwsco

utility_csa wrote: »

Not really. no different to what you are doing anyway.

Thank you:)

abwsco

sacsquacco wrote: »

Interesting to hear that they gave you the option, they ve just been turning up and fitting them in the properties I ve see them in.No choice given to the householders. A change in direction from B.G.

Ooh, how strange. I just left it that I'd contact them if I did want one.

Terrylw1

Remember Smart is still being trialled so other suppliers won't support the functionality right now so Bgas would "dumb down" the meter to be the same as the one you have when you switch.

macman

But also no disadavantage...

Consumerist

Terrylw1 wrote: »

Remember Smart is still being trialled so other suppliers won't support the functionality right now so Bgas would "dumb down" the meter to be the same as the one you have when you switch.

It has been announced by <Consumer Focus> that smart meters are to be voluntary.

As far as I know the specification for smart meters hasn't yet been finalised so any meter installed now might not comply.

Terrylw1

Consumerist wrote: »

It has been announced by <Consumer Focus> that smart meters are to be voluntary.

As far as I know the specification for smart meters hasn't yet been finalised so any meter installed now might not comply.

Yes, with suppliers all doing different trials. Bgas though decided to push ahead and fit large numbers of a product gnat wasn't even agreed as the one to be used by all. Some customers have switched away from Bgas expecting to still receive the Smart functionality to be told they can't.

I'm not sure where that has gone wrong at Bgas, but they should be making this clear. For me, its like microgen as Bgas were ahead of everyone and decided to move from trial to business as usual, but as the customers switched away it caused tons of problems as other suppliers hadn't even completed their trials.

More industry control is needed and I suspect that's why Consumer Focus gave had to state the obvious!

Consumerist

Personally, I won't voluntarily have a smart meter until I'm sure all suppliers are able to use it on any available tariff.

utility_csa

Consumerist wrote: »

Personally, I won't voluntarily have a smart meter until I'm sure all suppliers are able to use it on any available tariff.

Sigh, im not really going to go into this again but they already are.