BG Smart Meter - Can i switch???

buba2006

Hi

I've recently changed to a BG smart meter, can i switch to any supplier with a smart meter?

I'm not sure if i can switch or not?

thanks

matelodave

you can switch to anyone you like although the smart functions for the meter will only work for British Gas, or possibly Sainsbury's.

It just becomes a dumb meter which has to be read manually

mrke

When you say it becomes a dumb meter, I understand you need to read it manually, BUT does the handset/display still work and read how much fuel you are using?

I ask as been considering joining BG to get smart meters installed and then leave them straight after for a better price IF the energy monitoring will still work?

[Deleted User]

mrke - Many energy companies fit smart meters for free so just pick the best deal for you regardless, but for it to be future proofed it will need to be the latest kind that will work with any energy company.

footyguy

mrke wrote: »

When you say it becomes a dumb meter, I understand you need to read it manually, BUT does the handset/display still work and read how much fuel you are using?

I ask as been considering joining BG to get smart meters installed and then leave them straight after for a better price IF the energy monitoring will still work?

Yes, the IHD should still work, but will no longer be supported if something goes wrong.

Some suppliers have their tariff details linked into the IHD, to allow usage shown to reflect actual cost. If that applies to yours, this will no longer function correctly as it will display the cost according to the BG tariff you had, not whatever supplier & tariff you move to. No one will support to allow the tariff data to be changed.

mrke

Thank you for the replies. I'll stick with my cheap energy providers then even though they are not offering smart meters at the moment.

Maybe time to buy an energy monitor? I'll ask seperately on another thread as to which to get.

System

I have a smart meter and am switching away from British Gas. I've never used the tariff information on the IHD display anyway - I'm just concerned about my consumption.. I realised yesterday that you get a meter reading on the IHD so that will be a huge benefit for me in submitting manual meter reads to my new supplier. My meter is tucked away very high up in a narrow entry outside of the house and I was concerned that it would be very difficult to take a reading directly from the meter.