Smart Meters - Ask me anything!

Super_Stomper

It is interesting to read that nearly all new switching offers are asking us to agree to have smart meters fitted in order for the suppliers to meet their quota. Several years ago I had solar panels fitted using the rent-a-roof scheme and the company involved fitted some of their equipment in the electricity meter box because I didn't have anywhere for it to be fitted inside the house (the control panel is in the loft). After problems with British Gas caused by my old-fashioned 'spinning disc' meter going backwards I asked for the new smart meters to be fitted FOC to both my electric & gas meters. When they came to change out the meters they said that it was impossible to fit a smart meter into the electricity meter box as there was insufficient room!!! So they fitted a digital electricity meter and did nothing with the gas meter.
I have changed my supplier several times since then but really can't be bothered to make further enquiries re smart meters. Not one of the energy suppliers who has contacted me has been able to explain what the bit of the smart metering equipment that goes into the meter cabinet would look like and why it would take up so much room.
Does anyone have an answer to this?

wrightsue

I am about to change suppliers, am worried that my meter will not be compatible with new company. Are all meters the same with the big 6 companies. What do I need to do? I'm not tech minded & I can't find any info on how to give manual readings. HELP
Sue

wavelets

rubyandjas wrote: »

My gas supply has just been cut off due to my smart meter not working. i'm with iSupply but I cannot contact them due to it being out of hours. I called the emergency gas number and a guy came out to check the supply. He confirmed that the meter has been switched off/not working therefore gas is not going through the meter. I have emailed iSupply but not received a reply and doubt I will do until tomorrow. Until I can speak to anyone i'm left the night without heating or hot water. Is there anything I can do??
Thanks
Chloe

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=74780609&postcount=279 :cool:

wavelets

CHess wrote: »

Can you tell me whether it is Ok to have a smart meter with solar panels?

I'm afraid the OP has not returned to MSE for 2 years.
i.e. they left within a fortnight of starting this old thread, sorry.

chrisw99

Just had my smart meters installed this morning.

Got a little concerned that within 3 hours my gas usage was showing at £5 even though the gas is off.

When the installer left, both meters were at 999999 and this was also shown on the IHD.

Now the IHD for Gas is showing 215053 and is going up every 30 minutes, even though the meter itself under the stairs still says 999999.293

Gave them a ring and they said this is normal after a new install and will take a few days to "settle down". But I fail to see what needs to settle down - the gas meter sends a reading every 30 minutes to the hub connected to the elec meter and the IHD is supposed to be showing me the reading the hub last got from the meter which is 999999.293 and was showing that earlier, so why is it now at 215043 and rising?

Biggus_Dickus

chrisw99 wrote: »

Just had my smart meters installed this morning.

Got a little concerned that within 3 hours my gas usage was showing at £5 even though the gas is off.

When the installer left, both meters were at 999999 and this was also shown on the IHD.

Now the IHD for Gas is showing 215053 and is going up every 30 minutes, even though the meter itself under the stairs still says 999999.293

Gave them a ring and they said this is normal after a new install and will take a few days to "settle down". But I fail to see what needs to settle down - the gas meter sends a reading every 30 minutes to the hub connected to the elec meter and the IHD is supposed to be showing me the reading the hub last got from the meter which is 999999.293 and was showing that earlier, so why is it now at 215043 and rising?

That’ll be the fitters ‘tip’;...the gas fitter gets a £5 bonus for every smart gas meter they install. It’s automatically added to your first months bill.

chrisw99

Biggus_Dickus wrote: »

That’ll be the fitters ‘tip’;...the gas fitter gets a £5 bonus for every smart gas meter they install. It’s automatically added to your first months bill.

Not sure if its true but he said its set to 999999 so we get a little free gas as it doesn't start charging till 000000.

EachPenny

chrisw99 wrote: »

Not sure if its true but he said its set to 999999 so we get a little free gas as it doesn't start charging till 000000.

When you get your bill, check to make sure the 'start' reading is 000000 and not 999999.

Also, check to make sure the final reading for the old meter(s) has been correctly used on your bill. (The fitter did tell you what they were and/or left a card, yes?)

chrisw99

EachPenny wrote: »

When you get your bill, check to make sure the 'start' reading is 000000 and not 999999.

Also, check to make sure the final reading for the old meter(s) has been correctly used on your bill. (The fitter did tell you what they were and/or left a card, yes?)

I submitted meter readings and took a photo of both the old meters once they were off. Been around here too long to not do that!

0945_stan

Sorry if this has been asked before SSE are offering to install a smart meter will this be a second generation smart meter as we understand first generation meter are not suitable for switching we haven’t switched but want to keep the option open