Switching - Smart meters

JAspn

I am about to switch when my tariff ends at end of month. I have an old school clock dial (clockwise/anticlockwise) electricity meter which I hate trying to read from (some CS people aren't even sure which way to advise me to read them!). In switching I would like to have a modern smart meter which would be easy to use and allow monitoring usage etc. But not many of the smaller providers - saving me money - provide them yet. I called GNE and Zebra and ARVO and they didn't at the time. I am wondering if its advisable to go for the monthly DD saving over paying more to a larger provider to have the smart meter. Any experience/opinions/suggestions?
Thanks

System

JAspn wrote: »

I am about to switch when my tariff ends at end of month. I have an old school clock dial (clockwise/anticlockwise) electricity meter which I hate trying to read from (some CS people aren't even sure which way to advise me to read them!). In switching I would like to have a modern smart meter which would be easy to use and allow monitoring usage etc. But not many of the smaller providers - saving me money - provide them yet. I called GNE and Zebra and ARVO and they didn't at the time. I am wondering if its advisable to go for the monthly DD saving over paying more to a larger provider to have the smart meter. Any experience/opinions/suggestions?
Thanks

Wait until all suppliers are required to roll out second generation smart meter (SMETS2) which connect to The Data Communications Company and not individual suppliers. This will allow you to switch in the future without losing any of the smart meter communication modes. These are due to rollout from the end of this year (unless the Government changes its mind again). Smaller suppliers are waiting to see which of the new meters work well before they start buying into the smart meter programme.

Paying by monthly DD is not usually linked to the type of letter that is installed. My meters are now nearly 20 years old and I have paid by monthly DD for years.

JAspn

Thank you for your info - I just hate trying to provide electric readings from this one that must be 30/40 years old and am doubtful what I give is always correct (and CS rep on phones don't always sound like they know). I have to switch by end of month or I'll go to an EON tariff that will cost me £500 more a year, so can't wait too long. Ultimately I have to keep monthly DD down so will have to ring around as many as I can to find someone with a competitive offer that may be able to supply a new electric meter.

anniecave

I'd follow the above advice and leave the existing meters in for a year. If you use a price comparison site then there are plenty of suppliers which don't force you to switch to a current version smart meter.

I'm not recommending OVO, but their website has guidance for how to read old-style dial meters: - scroll part way down the page -

https://www.ovoenergy.com/ovo-answers/topics/meters-and-meter-readings/how-do-i-read-my-meter.html

SpotlandRules

So even if you take a smart meter now and you move later, thus, probably reverting back to dumb meters,you will get rid of your electricity meter that you dislike and it will be easier for you to give readings.

Bark01

You can always ask for a newer dumb meter to be installed they have digital display. They should be replaced every 10 years so if yours is 30/40 years old there should be no complaints. It takes about 10 minutes and should be free. Contact your current supplier and they will contact your local MOP to arrange a swap.