MSE Poll: Energy smart meters: What's your view?

chocaholicmanc

A lot of strange objections to smart meters I see!

Some myths: smart meters do not use your wifi for connectivity (they have sims to transmit reads), they don't 'pick up' reads from another property, energy companies cannot just change your smart meter function to make it PAYG willy nilly - they still have to go through the same process as they do now - just no need to physically replace the meter at the end of it!


I understand not wanting one until they are universal - that makes perfect sense. Why go to the trouble of having several meter exchanges instead of just one? I have currently declined the offer of one for that reason. I believe some companies do have the second generation meters now, but not all. But not wanting one because you just don't like the idea seems silly.

Energy companies have until the end of 2020 to complete the smart meter roll-out. So no, you don't HAVE to have one now. The main purpose of smart meters is automatic meter reads for the energy companies. It will also allow them to better predict the amount of energy needed at any time. Considering how many power plants are being decommissioned, this seems necessary. Also, the number of people who never give their energy company meter readings, but their meter/s is/are located inside their property is ridiculous. Those are the same people who then complain about all their estimated bills....

Wizard_of_Id

Having followed this thread, I just don't understand the hatred of smart meters

It is just a meter, once it is installed, forget about it like you do with the meter that is already there, it wont (or shouldnt) stop you switching suppliers and it wont make any difference to the size of your bill if you just carry on as normal.

I just wish people hated dropping litter the same way as they hate smart meters.