AVRO Energy Smart Meters - Whats the point?

Possetjohn

Interesting Thread as I have just switched to them with SMETS2 Smart meters!!
According to a linked article on their website then can read second generation smart meters
https://support.avroenergy.co.uk/hc/en-us/articles/360013824778-Switching-to-Avro-with-a-Smart-Meter-

The first monthly bill should be with readings on the 5th September, so lets see what happens

surveybobuk

We have a Smets 2 meter fitted by our previous supplier. I waited specifically for the Smets 2 meters so that they would work when we switched suppliers. In the event, it took the first supplier 18 months and lots of hassle from me to get them to get the meters to work. We then switched to Avro who, after requesting manual meter readings from us, told us that they can’t read Smets 2 meters yet. Interesting that Ofgem haven’t issued a notice to them to get this issue sorted out. I suspect the obligation is to install meters and there is a loophole, which Avro is exploiting, allowing suppliers not to actually use them when new customers switch to them. The Smart meter program is a complete fiasco.

CalvinHobs

About 10 years ago, we had one of the first generation so-called "smart" meters installed when were with e.On. The only reason I got it was to automatically send them the monthly meter readings so I didn't have to. I never used the display thingy (IHD) because if I want a cup of tea then I put the kettle on. I don't need to be nagged by some little gizmo how much it's costing me to boil a cup of water.

The "smart"  meter did what it was supposed to for a couple of years - until we switched to OVO. That was when we found out that the smart meter was not transferrable to a new supplier. So it was back to reading the meters every month and entering the readings on the OVO website.

Around 2015, OVO kindly replaced the original smart meter with a SMETS1. I asked the installer if this meter was transferrable to a new supplier. His answer was "no" but there would be an update at some point in "the future" to make it transferrable*. The SMETS1 only ever supplied OVO with electric meter readings - I still had to do the gas meter readings myself. I did contact OVO about this but got nowhere.

In 2020 we switched to Avro. SMETS1 meter still not transferrable so it was back to reading both meters myself and entering the readings on Avro's website.

* Apparently, "the future" has finally arrived and the promised SMETS1 update is now available. I don't know if mine has been updated or not because I don't know if Avro are even aware that we have a SMETS1. Having read the comments on this thread, I think I will stick with manual readings - assuming Avro don't go out business in the very near future.

Based on my experience, the "smart" meter rollout has been an effing shambles.

[Deleted User]

@CalvinHobs

You can see if your SMETS1 meter is now connected to The DCC Network by signing up for N3rgy.com access. Use the 'I am a consumer' link. You will require your MPAN (from a bill) and your IHD ID. If you can access gas and electricity data then your meter is connected to the Network.

To pull data from your meter, the supplier needs secure Adapter software connected both to the Network and its billing system. Data is usually pulled from the meter once per day.

CalvinHobs

[Deleted User] said:

@CalvinHobs

You can see if your SMETS1 meter is now connected to The DCC Network by signing up for N3rgy.com access. Use the 'I am a consumer' link. You will require your MPAN (from a bill) and your IHD ID. If you can access gas and electricity data then your meter is connected to the Network.

To pull data from your meter, the supplier needs secure Adapter software connected both to the Network and its billing system. Data is usually pulled from the meter once per day.

Thank-you for the advice but I won't be doing any of that. From what other people have posted, Avro have not got things sorted at their end and customers are ending up with inaccurate estimates. I know the manual readings work so I will stick with it for now.

If Avro go bust then, once I am with a new supplier, I will look into the SMETS1 update again.

[Deleted User]

CalvinHobs said:

[Deleted User] said:

@CalvinHobs

You can see if your SMETS1 meter is now connected to The DCC Network by signing up for N3rgy.com access. Use the 'I am a consumer' link. You will require your MPAN (from a bill) and your IHD ID. If you can access gas and electricity data then your meter is connected to the Network.

To pull data from your meter, the supplier needs secure Adapter software connected both to the Network and its billing system. Data is usually pulled from the meter once per day.

Thank-you for the advice but I won't be doing any of that. From what other people have posted, Avro have not got things sorted at their end and customers are ending up with inaccurate estimates. I know the manual readings work so I will stick with it for now.

If Avro go bust then, once I am with a new supplier, I will look into the SMETS1 update again.

You are missing the point. I was offering you a way of checking to see whether your smart meter has been updated and is now connected to The DCC Network. You will then know whether future suppliers can pull data from your meter. Updating your meter is not an opt in/opt out process: suppliers are doing it in batches under direction from The DCC.

brewerdave

Dolor said:

@CalvinHobs

You can see if your SMETS1 meter is now connected to The DCC Network by signing up for N3rgy.com access. Use the 'I am a consumer' link. You will require your MPAN (from a bill) and your IHD ID. If you can access gas and electricity data then your meter is connected to the Network.

To pull data from your meter, the supplier needs secure Adapter software connected both to the Network and its billing system. Data is usually pulled from the meter once per day.

That final paragraph is the key issue - seems extremely unlikely that the smaller suppliers are going to commit resources and money to developing such a link in their current parlous circumstances.

CalvinHobs

[Deleted User] said:

CalvinHobs said:

[Deleted User] said:

@CalvinHobs

You can see if your SMETS1 meter is now connected to The DCC Network by signing up for N3rgy.com access. Use the 'I am a consumer' link. You will require your MPAN (from a bill) and your IHD ID. If you can access gas and electricity data then your meter is connected to the Network.

To pull data from your meter, the supplier needs secure Adapter software connected both to the Network and its billing system. Data is usually pulled from the meter once per day.

Thank-you for the advice but I won't be doing any of that. From what other people have posted, Avro have not got things sorted at their end and customers are ending up with inaccurate estimates. I know the manual readings work so I will stick with it for now.

If Avro go bust then, once I am with a new supplier, I will look into the SMETS1 update again.

You are missing the point. I was offering you a way of checking to see whether your smart meter has been updated and is now connected to The DCC Network. You will then know whether future suppliers can pull data from your meter. Updating your meter is not an opt in/opt out process: suppliers are doing it in batches under direction from The DCC.

I got your point but I don't care enough to check. SMETS1, SMETS2, DCC, N3rgy, MPAN, IHD ID and so it goes on. I already have acronym overload at work without all this rubbish. I thought Smart meters were supposed to make life simpler, not more complicated. With hindsight, I wish I had kept my old "dumb" meters. Thanks anyway.