Forced to take a Smartmeter but will be worse off for it

Oliver27

I received an email from Scottish Power telling me I need to book a smartmeter upgrade with the following;
"We urgently need to upgrade your electricity meter as it's now been in use for more than 15 years. If you have a dual fuel account with us, we'll upgrade your gas meter too. Replacing your meters will help to ensure they're safe and efficient for years to come."

I am on a clock type economy7 meter with my offpeak times 10:30pm - 12:30am & 2:30am - 7:30pm. I am really hesitant to have a smart meter as I hear the 
offpeak is 12:00am - 7:00am and I like to do some washing and or drying at 10:30pm due to the offpeak rate being much lower than the day time rate.

How long will I be able to ignore this for, can they get court orders etc to change it?

oliverbrown

Have you asked them if they can fit traditional meters instead?

MalMonroe

My electricity meter has been in use for more than 15 years but I've not been contacted yet. I'm a bit worried now!

But actually smart meters are supposed to benefit consumers, since they display exactly how much electricity is being used every minute of every day and so usage can be adjusted to avoid high bills.

Don't ignore the matter, instead phone Scottish Power and tell them of your concerns. Hopefully they can put your mind at ease. 

BobT36

MalMonroe said:

But actually smart meters are supposed to benefit consumers, since they display exactly how much electricity is being used every minute of every day and so usage can be adjusted to avoid high bills.

They act like this technology hasn't existed for donkey's years:
https://www.theowl.com/index.php/products/energy-monitors/

wild666

The only benefit of a smart meter is that you can get your readings in 30 minute segments if the utility provider provides that option otherwise it's just like your old meter. 

If you really want to save money on energy usage then turn as much as possible off at the wall socket, that's TV, DVD, games consoles, surround sound systems, charging leads, stereo's, cookers, washers, microwaves, smart speakers, when not in use.
I do that and my daily kWh usage has dropped from 6 kWh to between 3 & 3.5 kWh plus reduce the heating temperature down to as low as 18 degrees. All that could save hundreds of pounds per year.

QrizB

Oliver27 said:

How long will I be able to ignore this for, can they get court orders etc to change it?

You can't put it off for long, and they don't need a court order - they already have statutory right of entry for this purpose.

Curiousgirl1

There’s no reason why your smart meter can’t have the same timings as your legacy meter. They’re called smart meters for a reason. Why don’t you speak to your supplier to discuss it? 

roddydogs

Both my meters are at least 30 yrs old, how can they force you to have a sm?

matelodave

roddydogs said:

Both my meters are at least 30 yrs old, how can they force you to have a sm?

As the meter belongs to the supply company and its a condition of supply that you have a meter then its up to them what sort of meter they want to install and how long they think it will last and therefore when they want to change it.

Curiousgirl1

roddydogs said:

Both my meters are at least 30 yrs old, how can they force you to have a sm?

Old style meters should be changed about every 15-20 years as after that can’t guarantee they work within correct parameters. 

They used to be recalibrated then put in another property. 

Now, because of the Smart rollout they are being exchanged for Smart meters & the old meters are being binned. 

Most companies don’t carry a stock of old meters anymore so requesting one doesn’t mean you’ll get one 

[Deleted User]

I thought that outside the date they are certified for they can get changed by supplier at will but they cannot force an upgrade inside that date? At the moment.

Either way looks like I will have to get one to chase rates now.
https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/do-i-have-to-accept-a-smart-meter-aLLKl9O63dbM