smart meters

rogerblack

datlex wrote: »

I would want assurances that the new smart meters won't do the same. I know the current non smart meter doesn't.

They won't.
They will typically indicate in some manner that the user may be attempting to fiddle the meter/there are solar panels, but they don't run backwards.

I truly hope the meters are smart enough to allow net metering however.

datlex

I do wonder how that will work. My internet wifi and I'm guessing most other people's is protected by a password. I don't intend giving that to BG or any other supplier in future. Currently I do put in my own readings online each month so my bills are accurate.

rogerblack

datlex wrote: »

I do wonder how that will work. My internet wifi and I'm guessing most other people's is protected by a password. I don't intend giving that to BG or any other supplier in future. Currently I do put in my own readings online each month so my bills are accurate.

There are several schemes.
From each meter has a mobile phone SIM inside, to a 'mesh' network - where meters can talk to each other - and relay signals from other meters.
So, you may have for example a housing estate with 500 meters, with 10 of them with mobile phones, and whichever one has a signal may transmit the data for all the others.

[Deleted User]

British Gas have had smarts up and running for coming up to 4 years. Theres been a few sim card failures I know, because we go out and change them. They cut a lot ( not all ) of energy theft, both gas and electric. so far I have only found one tampered smart meter. Smarts are an excellent idea for both consumers, power stations, the enviroment, suppliers, also cuts down our lot traipsing in to read the meters. We cant stop progress so we should just accept them. Only a few oddballs and weird beards have joined in with something else they can moan about, a bit like the equally loony anti frackers

datlex

sacsquacco wrote: »

British Gas have had smarts up and running for coming up to 4 years.

Not for everyone as yet.

lstar337

sacsquacco wrote: »

They cut a lot ( not all ) of energy theft, both gas and electric.

If only that saving would result in lower charges. Sadly I think it will just line shareholder pockets.:(

rogerblack

lstar337 wrote: »

If only that saving would result in lower charges. Sadly I think it will just line shareholder pockets.:(

Energy theft is - as a headline number - a small portion of total energy costs.
It's not like water where well in excess of 10% leaks out (intentionally or unintentionally).

lstar337

rogerblack wrote: »

Energy theft is - as a headline number - a small portion of total energy costs.
It's not like water where well in excess of 10% leaks out (intentionally or unintentionally).

I'm just going by things I have read or seen in the past where the company reps talk about how people stealing energy increases bills for everyone else, and how we should report it if we see it.

But then, they would say that. Dangle the carrot of 'lower bills' if we become their own little investigation team!

rogerblack

lstar337 wrote: »

I'm just going by things I have read or seen in the past where the company reps talk about how people stealing energy increases bills for everyone else, and how we should report it if we see it.

But then, they would say that. Dangle the carrot of 'lower bills' if we become their own little investigation team!

In principle, yes, it raises bills.
http://blueandgreentomorrow.com/2013/07/03/electricity-theft-costs-consumers-at-least-200m-says-energy-watchdog/ - so - on the order of perhaps 4-5 pounds per energy customer per year.
(Including buisnesses).

Negligible - well - not completely.
But certainly small.

[Deleted User]

Energy theft is an unknown level, even OFGEM has finally got their act together and pushing the big 5 who are doing nothing to combat it. Only British Gas have been trying , they find the vast majority of all finds reported. The others are extremely poor. Last quarter I discovered a 4 year substituted gas meter, measured and photographed his consumption over 4 days in June , as it was an exterior meter, and Scottish Power only added a paltry £230 pound debt on his prepay gas for 4 years high volume theft. I calcu lated, by his summer gas use alone, he should have had £3200 debt added to his credit meter. So a career criminal like that openly gets away with stealing thousands with no consequence, aided and abetted by suppliers like Scottish Power. with things like that happening no wonder energy theft is rising. Truly shocking action by Scottish Power. I dearly hope they have made good all the £1000 s this man has thieved back to the producers, eg British Gas. Ofgem are getting my complaint about Scot Power. Bring on smart meters for all as fast as possible. Those who wont have them will have to pay for the privelidge