SMETS2 & Automatic Meter Readings

GoldenVision

I am about to switch from Tonik because they haven't delivered a statement since last November and I still have to submit manual readings despite having a SMETS2 meter.  I've looked at some other providers' websites which also say they will need manual readings but I thought automated readings from SMETS2 was supposed to be a given.  Which providers do have this capability?  I'm guessing that they're only the biggest and don't offer competitive cheap tariffs or am I being overly cynical!?   Dan

Robin9

.  I've looked at some other providers' websites which also say they will need manual readings but I thought automated readings from SMETS2 was supposed to be a given.  .................

It's still some way off - I think 2025 has been mentioned.  If they weren't fitted by Tonik whose were they ?   In theory my SMETS1 will be upgraded but I'm not holding my breath.

matelodave

The fact that you've got SMETS2 meters doesn't automatically make them transferable to another provider, some will, some wont. It depends on the meter, the supplier and whether they have the processes in place to do the transfer. It's not an automatic thing there's a formal process between both suppliers and the DCC and each of them have a part to play to make it all happen.

It would also require the co-operation of Tonik for it to happen, so if they cant produce a bill or statement what guarantee is there that they are capable of helping with the transfer. I trust you've checked your on-line account and TBH if it's dragged on this long to get a bill or statement then I would have registered a formal complaint and gone to the Ombudsman by now.

MWT

I wouldn't be quite that pessimistic on the SMETS2 transfers, as long as the meter has been enrolled with the DCC (and unlike SMETS1 most were when installed) and you pick a supplier that has its own connections with the DCC up and running you should be fine.

Highland76

I had smets2 meters installed last year by E.ON. E.ON managed to read them remotely without any issues. I recently moved to EDF and they can also read the meters remotely. AFAIK smets2 meters should work with any of the 'big 6' providers, no matter who installed them. I think the greatest risk of smets2 becoming 'dumb' meters is mainly with the smaller suppliers.

GoldenVision

Thanks to all for your swift and helpful replies.  My SMETS2 was installed by EDF and shortly after that I switched (evidently rather naively!) to Tonik for a significant cost saving, in the belief that any supplier would be capable of working with my SMETS2 Landis & Gyr E470 Type 5394.  I have complained without success to Tonik about both the lack of billing and meter reading capability but haven't gone to the Ombudsman as I intend to vote with my feet.  I also agree with the point that the smaller suppliers seem to have the capability problem.  My conclusion is that it's a trade-off whereby you can't have the best of both worlds i.e. cheap tariff and good technological capability.  It's either one or the other depending on your priority.  Forgive my ignorance but what does DCC stand for?

matelodave

Data Communications Company - it's the organisation run by Capita who have the job of collecting data from all the smart meters and then disseminating that data between all the various energy suppliers.

There's a raft of information on t'interweb which tells you how it all should work but it's incumbent on the various suppliers to have all the processes in place to interact with the DCC. Mostly they'll do it with meters that they have installed themselves first - because that should be relatively easy. It become less easy when transferring a meter from one supplier to another, as all parties have to be involved and BTW they have to pay for the privilege for using the DCC (it's a monopoly).

It also requires that all the suppliers billing systems are compatible with the data output from the DCC - obviously some are more ahead than others, especially the bigger suppliers who have better resources because they charge more for their energy than the smaller ones.

As in all things if you want all the lights bells and whistles then it will cost you more than the basic product - personally I dont give a toss about whether it works as smart meter or not (mine doesn't any more) as I'd rather have the extra £250 or more in my pocket than pay extra for a bit of a gimmick - but it's up to you

GoldenVision

Thanks Dave, I agree with you.  It only takes a couple of minutes to submit manual readings, not worth giving away the cost saving and I don't care who the supplier is - it's the same gas and electricity.  I'm sure I can find a cheap tariff from a supplier who can at least produce a monthly billing statement.  Regards

anniecave

Not all suppliers do monthly statements. As far as I know most of the big ones are still on quarterly bills/statements, and some of the newer suppliers do this too.
I have a SMETS2 meter and I've just moved to Eon, in my account details they know I have a smart meter (I can tick boxes for data submission for half hourly or daily meter readings to be submitted to them) but on my main page when I login it says "We need you to submit a meter reading by x ..".  When I look at my meter read history with them there is my opening reading listed (I provided this) one reading that must have been "smart" via the DCC, and nothing since.  Hmm...  

trevorh59

Having swapped in past 3 weeks from sse to British gas, thinking due to smart meter no more meter reading again, however after switching receive a letter from bg asking for reading as smart meter not compatible. This is an issue as we are disabled and access is very hard to read to get the reading. Wondering what if any advice is around to eleviate this issue. 

Robin9

I'm no favour of the In House Display toy but do you have one, does it still work and does it give the meter reading ?