Smart meters and how Installations work

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Thanks swaledale. Just replied.

Malc

System

swaledale wrote: »

DCC 1.2 is live in both the North and Central/South regions, as of 25th November. The confirmation of this is here: https://www.smartdcc.co.uk/consultations/dcc-consultations/dcc-plan-and-implementation-milestones/

Agree 1.2 is a limited phase though.

Malc - thanks will drop an email over...

Thanks - I hadn't locked on to that update.

Redan

I've had a phone call from British Gas saying that my meter is due to be replaced and they will install a smart meter so turning to the MSE community for advice please. We are with British Gas on the collective fix which comes to an end in Feb 17 so likely to change soon to a better deal elsewhere. My questions:
1) Are BG likely to install a second gen meter - I live in Greater Manchester so DCC2 is live?
2) If the meter is due for replacement, can I decline their offer?
Obviously, I'd prefer a meter that could talk to a new supplier (unless Cheap Energy Club get a good deal from BG again and I don't change)

System

Redan wrote: »

I've had a phone call from British Gas saying that my meter is due to be replaced and they will install a smart meter so turning to the MSE community for advice please. We are with British Gas on the collective fix which comes to an end in Feb 17 so likely to change soon to a better deal elsewhere. My questions:
1) Are BG likely to install a second gen meter - I live in Greater Manchester so DCC2 is live?
2) If the meter is due for replacement, can I decline their offer?
Obviously, I'd prefer a meter that could talk to a new supplier (unless Cheap Energy Club get a good deal from BG again and I don't change)

1. Unlikely - but you could ask them. Big 6 suppliers only have to install 1500 meters each in the coming year and they are allowed to include SMETS1-compliant meters in that figure.

2. Yes, you can decline a smart meter, and if the meter is end-of-life they will fit another dumb meter.

Redan

Many thanks Hengus for a quick reply. I've emailed BG to ask them. Given the choice between a dumb meter or SMETS1, what do you reckon?

Jonesya

OP - if you definitely want a Smart meter fitting then you might want to look at the new tariff launched last week - it's a true Time-of-use tariff with different unit pricing bands for night/day/peak etc and they have to fit a new smart meter when you switch in order to do the necessary half-hour metering.

That said, obviously need to check where it make a senses for you financially, based on your usage patterns and gas, as it's dual fuel.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/energy/2017/01/green-energy-launches-time-of-day-tariff---electricity-savings-available-but-gas-remains-pricey

System

Redan wrote: »

Many thanks Hengus for a quick reply. I've emailed BG to ask them. Given the choice between a dumb meter or SMETS1, what do you reckon?

I am waiting for the full rollout of SMETS2. There is no guarantee that all SMETS1 meters will be suitable for upgrading to SMETS2. The ToU tariff quoted above is only suitable for people who never sleep; have storage heaters and an electric vehicle. BG's ToU is based on 8 hours a week of free Electric on its SVR tariff. Cheaper to stay dumb and fix with another supplier imho.

Redan

Thanks Hengus