Smart Meters

TPD

My energy and water providers are ringing me a lot about installing a smart meter. I thought it made sense at first but someone at work pointed out that its a way of actually ending up paying more, as a monthly fee just allows you to 'clock watch' a bit less.

They also said its risky as if there was a leak in your property you would be charged for that as usage. Overall they were dubious about the meters and its made me think twice as they do call me a LOT about it and it makes me think there must be something in it for the providers, not the customers?

Is this completely wrong? I don't know either way but would be good to know people's thoughts before i go ahead.

thanks

SpotlandRules

If the leak was after your meter, your meter would clock this, no matter is smart or dumb.

System

TPD wrote: »

My energy and water providers are ringing me a lot about installing a smart meter. I thought it made sense at first but someone at work pointed out that its a way of actually ending up paying more, as a monthly fee just allows you to 'clock watch' a bit less.

They also said its risky as if there was a leak in your property you would be charged for that as usage. Overall they were dubious about the meters and its made me think twice as they do call me a LOT about it and it makes me think there must be something in it for the providers, not the customers?

Is this completely wrong? I don't know either way but would be good to know people's thoughts before i go ahead.

thanks

A meter is a meter. Smart or dumb it just records energy/water usage. What monthly fee are you talking about? FWiW, I would say 'no' to an energy smart meter until all suppliers are able to offer the latest SMETS2 meters. These connect to a central communications hub and allow you to switch suppliers without losing the smart functions on the meter.

As far as water is concerned, it is true that a leak on the house side of a meter will be recorded as water used. You have to assess the risk (which in my opinion is small) against the savings that metering can offer to most households. A house with 2 people is probably better having a water meter whereas a house with 6 occupants may find it cheaper not to have one fitted.

One final point. Whereas smart energy meters are a consumer choice; ie, you can say 'No', I think that I am correct in saying that in certain areas where there is 'water stress' suppliers have the legal right to fit a water meter. Others may know more.

footyguy

TPD wrote: »

My energy and water providers are ringing me a lot about installing a smart meter. I thought it made sense at first but someone at work pointed out that its a way of actually ending up paying more, as a monthly fee just allows you to 'clock watch' a bit less.

They also said its risky as if there was a leak in your property you would be charged for that as usage. Overall they were dubious about the meters and its made me think twice as they do call me a LOT about it and it makes me think there must be something in it for the providers, not the customers?

Is this completely wrong? I don't know either way but would be good to know people's thoughts before i go ahead.

thanks

Yes it is completely wrong.
You will pay for what you use according to your tariff. It doesn't matter what type of meter you have.