Smart meters install request by energy co

roytom

I’m using one of the minor companies as my energy supplier - they have suddenly asked when they can install a smart meter - I haven’t asked for this.

Is this a good idea? Or is this still not the best time?

Ta

agrinnall

Read the MSE Guide.


https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/smart-meters/


Then ask your supplier if the meter(s) they want to install is SMETS 2 - if it is then I'd go ahead with it, if it isn't then you need to be aware that it may stop functioning as a smart meter if you switch to another supplier so you might still need to send in readings (or it may send in readings but not connect to the home display - this is what has happened to mine).

DoaM

Check out also The Energy Board ... your query seems better suited there?

tempus_fugit

I would just tell them no at the moment. I don't intend getting one, SmETs2 or no, until I absolutely have to.

debitcardmayhem

Mine’s been installed for 3 months and I still have to go outside to send readings or put up with them changing my direct debit, in their favour of course. It’s a hare brained idea from hmg to show that they can do something to combat global warming, whilst still giving the power companies a reason to get around energy caps. These “smart” meters don’t switch off your lights etc, or turn down your thermostat. If the uk saves 50% of our carbon footprint how much will that save in terms of global saving. Answers on the back of fag packet, since they can be recycled.

kwikbreaks

It was an EU initiative. As usual out useless government jumped in too quickly which means millions of meters are installed but will need replacing if the prouder is changed. They offer no real advantage and have cost us all a fortune through increased fuel costs to cover the cost of installations. That applies even if you don't have one.

I spend a lot of the summer away from home which made the energy company think I'd bypassed the meters so I kept getting "safety checks". As that was annoying I opted for smart meters. That way they can see the usage pattern and the "safety checks" have stopped. I'm on my second set and if I change supplier again will probably need another change or possibly more as they still aren't universally installing the latest type which will work with all proveders.

Chino

agrinnall wrote: »

Then ask your supplier if the meter(s) they want to install is SMETS 2 - if it is then I'd go ahead with it

Also ask how you would go about getting a replacement In-Home Display (IHD) if yours either stops working or gets lost/broken.

Some energy suppliers are apparently reluctant to provide replacement IHDs:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5679649/british-gas-wont-replace-faulty-smartmeter-monitor&highlight=ihd

RumRat

Why on earth would anyone want one? Meter readings take seconds sent via the companies app. It's not possible to save money unless you turn everything off. If you do that what's the point of having electricity?
Personal choice, but, I have no intention of having one for as long as I can.
I've blocked the numbers the energy company call from and just ignore their emails ans letters.
The problem is theirs, not mine....;)

moonpenny

I signed up for EDF cheapest deal but on reading the t&c it was a condition of the deal that you were agreeing to one.

I know that the public has a right to say no but I thought maybe they would get round this by saying I agreed because of t&c's and cancel my contract and I would have to pay the early leaving fee.

Because of this I cancelled and went for their next deal which was dearer but wasn't pushing a meter on me.

Energy comparison sites don't mention which companies have this hidden away in t&c until you are well into the process of signing up.