To replace or not to replace an old meter?

2013yearofthehouse

Interesting to see changing supplier can prompt a change of meter. Our meter hasn't been changed in at least 30 years and we've been with Southern Electric, EDF, Eon and Npower (some of them more than once) in the last 10 years or so and none of them have ever mentioned changing our meter.

talkingduck

BG wanted to charge me for switching to them because they would have to change the meter. Make sure you find out if the meter switch is free. I didn't go with them in the end, still got the old mechanical beast. Just waiting for the smart meter role out, it will be free for me then

ey143

My switch will be free because its old. Had it confirmed. Will be switching energy companies soon after.

Twisted_Cherry

It's in your interest to change it. Another reason for changing them every 20 years is safety. You would not be too happy if your meter started an electrical fire in your home!

Ich_2

It's in your interest to change it. Another reason for changing them every 20 years is safety. You would not be too happy if your meter started an electrical fire in your home!

From experience most fires or problems around the meter occur AFTER they have been changed!!

Usually owing to the cables being disturbed or not being tightened properly

cyclonebri1

2013yearofthehouse wrote: »

Interesting to see changing supplier can prompt a change of meter. Our meter hasn't been changed in at least 30 years and we've been with Southern Electric, EDF, Eon and Npower (some of them more than once) in the last 10 years or so and none of them have ever mentioned changing our meter.

Yep, that's why I posted, I thought 2 meter changes in quick succession was strange.

But I did go from split/low peak to standard. It reads daytime and night time and also gives a consolidated reading.
When I changed from low peak to standard, I was amazed that they couldn't take the total reading.

:A:A:A:A They changed the meter:A:A:A:A !!!!!!.?

ey143

On a separate note, is there any advantage of having economy 7 if you don't use more energy at night? I've just moved into this large house which has 3 electric meters (for different parts of the house) all on economy 7. House will be undergoing rennovation in a few months time and after that day time house will be empty or very low usage and evening will be family time - but no immersion heater usage.

cyclonebri1

ey143 wrote: »

On a separate note, is there any advantage of having economy 7 if you don't use more energy at night? I've just moved into this large house which has 3 electric meters (for different parts of the house) all on economy 7. House will be undergoing rennovation in a few months time and after that day time house will be empty or very low usage and evening will be family time - but no immersion heater usage.

No it will cost you.
The day rate is higher than it would be if consuming night rate, therefore overall if you aren't using night energy, you need to be on the lowest day rate,

ey143

But surely if both adults are at work during the day and tend to only use electricity for light, TV, computer and other general usage after 6/7pm, then the usage will still be higher at the night time rate than consumption during the day? When does night rate start, 7pm?

cyclonebri1

ey143 wrote: »

But surely if both adults are at work during the day and tend to only use electricity for light, TV, computer and other general usage after 6/7pm, then the usage will still be higher at the night time rate than consumption during the day? When does night rate start, 7pm?

I think most are much later, they know there is heavy usage in the evening. If you won't use much after say 10pm,then the single day tariff is your best option I'd say.

You asked the question and have challenged every answer, make your own mind up.