Next MSE Collective Switch Coming to an End

vigman

As in all things IT compatibility is the issue here. If companies are using the 'secure' type smart meter it is not impossible for these to be taken over by a different supplier

However if companies are using different brands and protocols and are also linked to your online account in a specific way it will be necessary for you to use the type of smart meter compatible with their systems.

This was the situation with first generation smart meters. However from late 2017 the second generation smart meters should be compatible with all/most suppliers. More info here:

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consumers/household-gas-and-electricity-guide/understand-smart-prepayment-and-other-energy-meters/smart-meters-your-rights

Vigman

mikeyorkie10

vigman wrote: »

As in all things IT compatibility is the issue here. If companies are using the 'secure' type smart meter it is not impossible for these to be taken over by a different supplier

However if companies are using different brands and protocols and are also linked to your online account in a specific way it will be necessary for you to use the type of smart meter compatible with their systems.

This was the situation with first generation smart meters. However from late 2017 the second generation smart meters should be compatible with all/most suppliers. More info here:

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consumers/household-gas-and-electricity-guide/understand-smart-prepayment-and-other-energy-meters/smart-meters-your-rights

Vigman

Hi vigman, yes I agree ( our meter was installed about 18 months ago) about different suppliers and protocols but I would have expected local connectivity to a monitor by wifi to remain after switching - unless BG have switched it off as part of the switch?

vigman

I lost my first reply but basically this from The Telegraph sums up the 1st generation smart meter situation

"British Gas, which has installed 1.4 million smart meters, more than any other supplier, said: “If a smart meter customer switches to another supplier, it will become a standard meter.”

Hopefuly the second generation rollout will solve the switching problem

Vigman

mikeyorkie10

vigman wrote: »

I lost my first reply but basically this from The Telegraph sums up the 1st generation smart meter situation

"British Gas, which has installed 1.4 million smart meters, more than any other supplier, said: “If a smart meter customer switches to another supplier, it will become a standard meter.”

Hopefuly the second generation rollout will solve the switching problem

Vigman

It all depends if 'dumb' relates to meter to supplier comms, display to meter comms - or both? ........

vigman

mikeyorkie10 wrote: »

It all depends if 'dumb' relates to meter to supplier comms, display to meter comms - or both? ........

Agreed. I imagine the 'standard meter' means display to meter only?

Vigman

mikeyorkie10

vigman wrote: »

Agreed. I imagine the 'standard meter' means display to meter only?

Vigman

I'm going to contact BG and see if I can get an answer .... watch this space :-)

Tyler_Du

For those who have moved from the BG deal (and who wouldn't) have you had any communication regarding whether you have any credit with then. I've started a switch and my BG account is now locked down (closed I guess) and I can't seem to check if I have any credit. I assume BG will give me a closing statement of some sort.

vigman

Personally being a retired IT pro I would rather trust the old electro- mechanical meters until smart meters are perfected and reporting to a central unit!

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/03/06/smart_meters_prove_dim/

Vigman

mikeyorkie10

Tyler_Durden_UK wrote: »

For those who have moved from the BG deal (and who wouldn't) have you had any communication regarding whether you have any credit with then. I've started a switch and my BG account is now locked down (closed I guess) and I can't seem to check if I have any credit. I assume BG will give me a closing statement of some sort.

My account is also closed down already. Last time I saw it I was over £100 in credit. I understand that they have up to 6 weeks to repay any credit and I've been told not to cancel the DD with my bank else the refund may never arrive - so keeping a close watch on my bank account.

bobstheboy

mikeyorkie10 wrote: »

My account is also closed down already. Last time I saw it I was over £100 in credit. I understand that they have up to 6 weeks to repay any credit and I've been told not to cancel the DD with my bank else the refund may never arrive - so keeping a close watch on my bank account.

I am also in credit so I contacted BG and asked them not to take any more payments, which they agreed. My account closed on the 12th September and I had notification that my gas had finalised on the 20th. I still had a credit balance of 145 pounds and they said they are holding that until my final bill for electricity is ready. If I don't hear by the end of the week I shall contact them again.

My payment was due on the 23rd and no money was taken, so far so good.