Latest MSE big energy switch event - Important omission

dcweather

I have just noticed a major omission in the comparison tables. They do not state whether the Company has Smart meters or is Smets2 Smart meter compatible if you wanted to transfer. This is a BIG issue for some. I am with Bulb and have their somewhat "flakey" smart IHD. Nevertheless since having it I have saved a further 5% on my electricity by paying close attention to it. For example I hadn't realised my desktop PC (which used to be recommended to leave on all of the time) was running at 120W. It's now off at night and that is saving about a unit per day. So it is important for me to have one. I have contacted both Igloo and SO Energy so far which would be slightly cheaper for me. So Energy don't have smart meters and haven't even started rolling them out yet. Igloo are in the process of doing it but my Smets2 meter will only work for electricity and not gas at the moment. No doubt this is an issue with other "small" companies and perhaps some of the bigger ones. So if Smart Meters are important to you check first to avoid disappointment.
In future perhaps companies that support smart metering could be highlighted in the comparison?

Flt._Lt._Biggles

dcweather wrote: »

I have just noticed a major omission in the comparison tables. They do not state whether the Company has Smart meters or is Smets2 Smart meter compatible if you wanted to transfer. This is a BIG issue for some. I am with Bulb and have their somewhat "flakey" smart IHD. Nevertheless since having it I have saved a further 5% on my electricity by paying close attention to it. For example I hadn't realised my desktop PC (which used to be recommended to leave on all of the time) was running at 120W. It's now off at night and that is saving about a unit per day. So it is important for me to have one. I have contacted both Igloo and SO Energy so far which would be slightly cheaper for me. So Energy don't have smart meters and haven't even started rolling them out yet. Igloo are in the process of doing it but my Smets2 meter will only work for electricity and not gas at the moment. No doubt this is an issue with other "small" companies and perhaps some of the bigger ones. So if Smart Meters are important to you check first to avoid disappointment.
In future perhaps companies that support smart metering could be highlighted in the comparison?

If you have a smart meter and switch supplier, assume the meter will no longer function in smart mode following the switch; it will still work as a dumb meter.

If it does continue to work in smart mode, well you are lucky.

One day, you may find it starts to work again ... it is being suggested.


There is no way a comparison site will be able tp be more specific, as they have no idea what meter you currently have.

Read more about smart meters in this useful MSE guide on the topic - currently updated monthly
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/smart-meters/

AndyPK

I don't think many are fitting Smets2


NOw you have used a SM are learnt to turn your PC Off at night, you don't really need one do you?

dcweather

Thanks for the sarcastic reply. Three points:-
1. Comparison sites could easily state whether a Company currently supplies smart meters or not.
2. The IHD is useful to see if you have accidentally left something high power running. e.g an electric iron in another room.
3. It automatically sends in my meter readings so I have very accurate bills (so far anyway).
This all may have been no interest to you but I suspect somebody that wants or has a smart meter might find it useful.

AndyPK

It would be nice for the meter data to be available but I don’t know if the info is available

Comparison sites have a hard job keep things up to date and legal.

Do you really need a display to tell you the iron is left on.
Turn it off before leaving the room