Can smart meters be used on economy 7 tariffs?

burntwood

Stu8044 said:

I switched to British Gas Lite (BGL) for the farm, before the switch we had economy 7 meter, BGL arranged with Western Power Distribution to install a smart meter as part of the 3 year contract. I discovered I could not see 2 ratings on the meter, I contacted BGL and they said it was an industry wide problem and could not be rectified. I have to believe BGL are charging myself correct, I cannot see the Rate 2. I’m at the stage where BGL has 2 months to fix the problem or I report them to the energy ombudsman as I believe they have not supplied a like for like meter. Th hassle I’m going though is not worth the annual saving of £200.00.

Didn't you ask the installer to demonstrate how to read the meter so you could then sign the declaration of the start readings to be used?
I know they are usually zero with a new smart meter, but I would want to verify that first before certifying that.
Also I would want to assure myself that I knew how to correctly read any new meter that was installed in my property.

Welcome to MSE, btw.

MWT

Stu8044 said:

The meter is a Landis Gyr E470. I found the user instructions on the internet and you have to be a scientist to understand the details. Thank you for the tip above, the industry needs to get a grip and make things simple.

If it is the SMETS2 version of that meter you can definitely get it to display both registers.

Takes a little button pushing and yes the manual is poor, but you can reach a screen which will alternate between the two totals.

dave_dph

I have the same meter on economy 7 with EDF, installed last October.

To the best of my knowledge you cannot cycle through the Rate 1 and Rate 2 readings, and this was  confirmed by the installer. You can however see the corresponding reading on the display during the relevant charge period. I.e. at the moment my meter shows Rate 1 (day) between 08:34 and 01:34 and then Rate 2 (night) between 01:34 and 08:34. This changes to 07:34 and 00:34 once the clocks go back for winter.

Alternatively, read Rate 1 during the day and then subtract it from the total reading which can be found through the menu options on the 'in home display' unit, to achieve the night reading.

Talldave

According to the manual, two short presses of A, followed by a long press of A should get you into Rolling display mode that lists all the registers as you press A repeatedly:

Gerry1

Wow... all that faffing about just to get a meter reading.

No wonder there are so many estimated bills !

MWT

Talldave said:

According to the manual, two short presses of A, followed by a long press of A should get you into Rolling display mode that lists all the registers as you press A repeatedly:

Yep, that will do it, I checked mine a couple of days ago.

The rolling display mode will cycle on its own as well if you don't press A, just easier to press it to get to the one you want once in Rolling Display Mode.

Stu8044

Great help people, that’s cleared a lot of anxiety, I can sleep better. I would not recommend using British Gas Lite, there is no interaction it’s all via web chat.