SSE. Letter. Your energy meter has expired.

MacMickster

I have received a letter from my current electricity supplier, SSE, telling me that my electricity meter has expired (odd terminology) and needs to be replaced.

I appreciate that meters do need to be replaced from time to time, but the current meter was only replaced around 10 years ago.

I am sceptical of this letter as all of the additional info seems to be about smart meters and the website that it refers me to to arrange the replacement is also purely to "upgrade" to a smart meter.

Since joining SSE only 6 months ago I have been bombarded with calls and emails asking me to change to a smart meter and have always refused. Is this likely to be legitimate that my meter really NEEDS to be replaced and, if so, can I insist that it is not replaced with a smart meter?

Gerry1

MacMickster wrote: »

Is this likely to be legitimate that my meter really NEEDS to be replaced and, if so, can I insist that it is not replaced with a smart meter?

1. Maybe.

2. Yes.

pooch

MacMickster wrote: »

I have received a letter from my current electricity supplier, SSE, telling me that my electricity meter has expired (odd terminology) and needs to be replaced.

I appreciate that meters do need to be replaced from time to time, but the current meter was only replaced around 10 years ago.

I am sceptical of this letter as all of the additional info seems to be about smart meters and the website that it refers me to to arrange the replacement is also purely to "upgrade" to a smart meter.

Since joining SSE only 6 months ago I have been bombarded with calls and emails asking me to change to a smart meter and have always refused. Is this likely to be legitimate that my meter really NEEDS to be replaced and, if so, can I insist that it is not replaced with a smart meter?

If you don't want smart meters, then there is no obligation to have them.

If the meter need to be replaced due to end of life, then you must allow it's replacement.

There are some reports that non-smart metering equipment is in short supply, so you may have what looks like a smart meter fitted, but the smart metering itself will not be active.
(but there seems a plentiful supply around here, probably as a result of many opting for smart meters, so lots of old dumb meters around, once they have been checked over and recalibrated)

jackandcoke

this is what suppliers have been waiting for; heritage meters coming to the end of their life. Now they can get Smart Meters out there as they can say they no longer have stock of heritage meters

Carrot007

MacMickster wrote: »

I appreciate that meters do need to be replaced from time to time, but the current meter was only replaced around 10 years ago.

Pretty much the current certification period (life span) for all the modern cheap meters.

Carrot007

MacMickster wrote: »

if so, can I insist that it is not replaced with a smart meter?

To add.


Yes, but you will probably just get a smart disabled meter as those are the only ones they buy any day.


If smart worries you that much (it has no reason to, if youi approve or not it is here and has benefits), that might be too much for you? But it makes no difference. All modern meters are programmable and can be pretty much whatever is required of them.

MacMickster

Carrot007 wrote: »

If smart worries you that much (it has no reason to, if youi approve or not it is here and has benefits)

Smart meters undoubtedly have benefits - but not for the consumer.

Thanks for all the replies. Fitting of a dumb meter now arranged.