I think I need a new meter installed

hock79

I remember about 7 or 8 years ago my energy supplier were going to install a new electric meter for me. This was because my one was getting too old (been in since the house was built in 1979 I believe). Anyway, for whatever reason this never happened and I'm now wondering if having an old meter will cause any problems if I come to sell the house next year (hopefully). Should I find out about getting a new meter installed?

I know smart meters are being rolled out, but is there any chance of requesting one or do you have to wait until it's your turn? My fixed rate with Eon is coming to an end so I wonder if there are any suppliers I should switch to that might install a new one free of charge at my request?

TIA

chile_paul

I've never heard that having an old meter would be a problem in the sale of your house? If for any reason it did need replacing it would be your suppliers responsibility for getting it sorted.

In general all of the different suppliers are at different stages of their roll out Smart Meters and I think you're likely to get a different response from each of them as to whether they will be willing to move you over to a smart meter either when renewing your deal with Eon or moving elsewhere. I think we'll see more and more suppliers offerring incentives and offers next year to get people to sign up and get a Smart Meter at the same time. It will also depend what time of meter you currently have (Credit or Prepay) as the development of the Smart meter technologies are moving ahead at different paces.

Regardless the switch over to a smart meter should be free of charge to you.

By the way, just to avoid any potential conflict, I work for British Gas but I'm posting here in a purely personal capacity. My views aren't necessarily those of my employer etc.

hock79

Hi, thanks for your reply. I think maybe I have got myself confused and it was the fusebox they were going to change, is that something the electric company would do?

Bark01

Fuse box is your responsibility, meter is the suppliers. There is no way a supplier would have left a meter for nearly a decade if it needed replacing. A straight swap meter exchange old for new takes 20 minutes.

TBagpuss

I have just switched to First Utility and have received a letter from Siemans on their behalf saying they want to install a smart meter. I assume this is a result of the switch and not a random coincidence.

The fuse box (consumer unit these days I think!) is something which an electrician would do and you would pay for. Any survey on the house will say that the electrics are not up to date and will recommend that the buyer gets them checked / replaced as that is pretty standard advice.
However, just because the box is old does not mean it is dangerous or that the house is unsaleable. When you sell, your buyers may want to get an electrical report (EICR) done.

In an older house, it's not unusual to have older wiring etc. and your house is unlikely to stand out from the others of a similar age.

hock79

Seems like if it was the fuse box I missed a good deal getting it done for free! However I've never had any problems with it so hopefully it won't need replacing and won't put any buyers off either then!

TBagpuss, I wonder if First Utility change to smart meters for all new customers, or if you happened to live in the area they are currently updating? Will have a look at their site and prices thanks.

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

hock79 wrote: »

I remember about 7 or 8 years ago my energy supplier were going to install a new electric meter for me. This was because my one was getting too old (been in since the house was built in 1979 I believe). Anyway, for whatever reason this never happened and I'm now wondering if having an old meter will cause any problems if I come to sell the house next year (hopefully). Should I find out about getting a new meter installed?

I know smart meters are being rolled out, but is there any chance of requesting one or do you have to wait until it's your turn? My fixed rate with Eon is coming to an end so I wonder if there are any suppliers I should switch to that might install a new one free of charge at my request?

TIA

Hi hock79

Thought I'd pop on and let you know we've been installing Smart Meters for quite a time now.

So far, we've installed over 345,000. The aim is to hit the million mark by the end of next year. Although the ultimate target is to offer all our customers a Smart Meter by 2020.

At the moment, eligibility for Smart depends on the region and what type of metering set up is currently in place. If you contact us, we'll tell you if you're eligible now.

You can also register for Smart through our website. One of our advisors will be in touch to go through your request.

As chile_paul says, there's no charge for having a Smart Meter.

Currently, if we install a Smart Meter and you change supplier, it may not work as a Smart Meter.

Depending on the supplier you switch to, it may revert to the type of meter you currently have. This is because each supplier has developed the technology independently. I believe, though, there are plans afoot to standardise the technology.

Hope this is of interest hock79 and that your house sale goes smoothly if you decide to go ahead. Let me know if you need any more details as happy to help.

Malc