British Gas Meter end of life and Smart Meters

FreeBear

thorganby wrote: »

So this "smart meter" IHD only displays consumption in kWh, which is obviously correct for electricity but gas is actually measured in cubic metres!

The information is there. You just need to go through the menu and find the "meter details" page.


The gas meter readings will be in cubic metres, but the supplier will do some calculations to convert this to KWh before billing you. In this respect, displaying consumption graphs in KWh does make sense as it makes it easier to compare gas & electricity.

badmemory wrote: »

The IHDs are only "guaranteed" for a year. Once the year is up they do not replace them. They are a gimmick which does not give you the gas meter reading.

Once the warranty (or guarantee) expires, the IHD does not suddenly stop working. Most of the energy suppliers will replace the display free of charge if it is faulty. Some will charge if the display has been damaged.


Gimmick, maybe, but getting (almost) real time display of energy usage does allow you to make changes to reduce consumption. For me, having the tariff & rates displayed helped in partially resolving a dispute with Toto as to what I should be charged rather than what they though they could get away with.

MeterMan

aprieto wrote: »

Hi Ive just had a call form British Gas who have said my electric meter is end of life, and they they need to arrange an appointment to come and chage to a smart meter, they will also do my gas free of charge.

I asked if I could not have a smart metre and have a normal one they have said yes but it would not be free and that it would cost between 120 to 180 per meter.

Im just wondering if this is part of a drive to get people on smart meters and if anyone else has had this type of call.

That said i asked if they could email me the details so I can think about it, and they said they will call me in a few days, sureley a letter or an email would be ok, unless they arent actually supposed to be doing this?

either way although a bit skepitkal about smart meters im usually pretty happy to have another gadget, but obviusly concerned around the real TCO

So whilst everyone argues over warranties of an IHD.

Theres nothing wrong with a smart meter, BG are currently fitting the SMET2 meter which is compatible with all suppliers through a third party, yes the monitor will display the meter reading in kwh for electric and I cant quite remember what the gas is measured in on the IHD but im inclined to believe its in m3.

So, as for non smart meters, I have never known British Gas to charge for a mandatory meter replacement upon reaching end of life.

You have a few options.

1. Call their bluff, have standard (dumb) meters fitted and see if they bill you for it.
2. Have only the electric meter exchanged because the gas isn;t end of life yet.
3. Book a smart appointment and when the meter fitter turns up, tell him you dont want smart(he will believe you and fit dumb)
4. Get the smart meters and never worry about reading your own meters again.