Any reason not to have a smart meter as nPower are virtually forcing them on us

Skools_Out

gardner1 wrote: »

You just know those updates will cause mass problems.........I can see the DM headline now "Smart Meter Meltdown":D

There are already questions being asked as to the roll out cost, the promised cost savings (especially to consumers) and the CAB have urged the government to extend the installation deadline from 2020 to 2023 to have the slightest chance of achieving it.
(despite the installation of smart metering being entirely at the customer's option in any event)

[Deleted User]

UKSBD wrote: »

I might ring them.

I had that communication earlier this year when I was with npower. And I did ring them to let them know I wasn't interested in their kind offer.
When asked why, I just said I swap suppliers a lot and needed a meter that worked across any supplier without issues.
The call handler laughed and said "Okay I'll add you to the ignore list then" as they couldn't offer an assurance that the supplied meter would work in that fashion.

Futuristic

gardner1 wrote: »

You just know those updates will cause mass problems.........I can see the DM headline now "Smart Meter Meltdown":D

Haha yup exactly why I said you're better off waiting for the new devices

steveouk

I was with npower and had the same thing. I called and said along the lines of what do you think you are ding booking an appointment without asking g if I would like a smart meter.
I then said please cancel the appointment and do not contact again they added to the do not contact. There is no need for a smart meter it's so easy to take and submit reads

GibbsRule_No3

EDF phoned me the other evening, I said "no thank you and I have E7 anyway", so was not convinced after reading here that E7 works with the smart meters. No pressure was put on me, so I assume lots of people are turning them down.

Thrice

I have continually refused to have a smart meter as well, and have had similar communications with british gas.

I don't want a meter because I can turn things on and off by myself. Their headlines of 'money saving' are not correct, and they have no proof that it can and will save me money. They are simply trying to hit their targets and I won't be part of it.

Ignoring the fact that I won't allow them access to my property to install, I don't really allow anyone into my home.

Lastly, the first part of the communications you have received from them is to read your meter. Again, I don't let them into my property to do this without first making a suitable appointment. I'm not going to open my door to some random guy in a hi-viz jacket wanting into my home. I have asked that they book an appointment with me and bring an appropriate sized ladder (my elec meter is about 10ft off the ground in my house. I won't allow them to use my ladder (health and safety and all that). So far I've had nothing from them, other than a random bloke turning up every few months at the door :mad:

Raxiel

It's important to establish exactly why they want to swap it, you can only refuse under certain circumstances.


All meters, smart or otherwise have a lifespan. Old meters lived longer than newer ones, but once they reach that certain age the supplier must replace it. This has always been the case and is nothing to do with the smart meter rollout.


If a customer refuses to allow the suppler to replace an end-of-life meter, the supplier can either cut off the supply or change it without permission, gaining entry with a court ordered warrant if need be, the cost of which may be passed on, so no one wants to let it get that far.


Of course, the question that then arises is: What will they swap the expired meter with?
It depends on the supplier. The last time it was discussed (which was almost a year ago now I look) , E.ON confirmed they still have a stock of old non-smart meters they can fit if the customer is adamant they don't want smart. Other suppliers may fit a smart model, but disable the communications module if the customer demands.

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

This Smart Dumb meter fiasco is causing more problems than it could ever solve. Mine was fitted in February and so far it has been as much use as a chocolate fireguard. No accurate billing and ...
AVOID