Smart meters

stewardchrs

I'm with Ovo as a dual supply customer and have a smart meter fitted, and am happy so far, but does anyone know what the deal is if I decide to switch? I think I read that most suppliers cannot read their competitors meters. If so, I suppose this means that a switch would require the new supplier to fit a new meter? Are smart meters another way to raise exit barriers/switching costs?

[Deleted User]

When you switch, you will just have to read the meter yourself and give the information to your new supplier. The smart meter will just become a meter.

SailorSam

You don't need to read it yourself, if your new supplier has meter readers he'll do it. But as gsminx says not all companies are set up to take automatic smart readings.

System

SailorSam wrote: »

You don't need to read it yourself, if your new supplier has meter readers he'll do it. But as gsminx says not all companies are set up to take automatic smart readings.

If the OP wants estimated bills for up to 2 years then you are correct. If he wants a quiet life, then he will need to provide the supplier with frequent actual meter readings.

Suppliers have a licence requirement to read the meter once every two years. BG has a 5 year derogation.

Lady321986

If you leave, until all suppliers have an universal smart reading system in place for the meters it'll operate as a normal dumb meter.

Please ensure you read your meter(s) and don't read it unless you want a massive catch up bill (which you'll have to pay).

CashStrapped

SailorSam wrote: »

You don't need to read it yourself, if your new supplier has meter readers he'll do it.

I agree with Hengus. Waiting for a meter reader to do it is one of the worst things you can do. It is more than 2 years since mine came.

If you do this you will end up with estimated bills which could mean you end up in a lot of debt or end up overpaying each month (although you would get that back).

Just take a reading every four months. It takes one min to do it!

I take one every month just after the DD goes out.