SMETS1 Meter

eliza2811

Hello,

I'm currently with Octopus Energy.   I had a smart meter fitted going back a few years ago when was with one of the Big 6.  It had a great IHD console.   My hubby was watching ALL the time.     Then I was with a smaller energy company who changed something on the meter so they could take readings and the Big 6 IHD display was not fuctional. Was given a cheap shoddy IHD one instead.  The  smaller energy company went bust.  The IHD display from the now bust company went wrong at some point and we never asked for another one as we'd left the smaller bust company and the next company (not Octopus) couldn't get readings off the smart meter.   Back to going down our cellar each month       You can see I've switched a few times to get the best deals !!     Our current model of smart meter is SMETS1.

Octopus do take readings from the SMETS1 meter but we can't get an IHD for the old SMETS1 smart meter.  I have asked Octopus and SMETS1 meters aren't fitted anymore but they won't replace for a more modern one as OFGEM don't allow it.   I do suddenly really want the IHD now to keep an eye on things like what appliances cost.  Train my daughter to be more energy careful if possible.    And my husband whom I caught with the TV on, with the main front room light  on, chatting on his mobile not even watching the goggle box

Any ideas on how I can get a full smart meter ?  If I haven't got the IHD to go with the 'downstairs' bit, its sorta faulty in my eyes. 

Thank you x

[Deleted User]

If Octopus is pulling data from your smart meter then it would seem that your meter has been adopted by the smart meter network run by the DCC.

Sadly, suppliers are under no obligation to provide anybody with a replacement IHD after 12 months of use. You can buy a replacement. Have a look at the Hildebrand and IVIE websites. Both companies are Registered DCC Users so they can do what is needed to connect their IHDs to your communications hub.

Octopus is correct. They can be fined by Ofgem for replacing a SMETS1 meter which is working on the network.

As an alternative, download the App BRIGHT and if your meter is set up for 30 minute usage you will get very detailed usage and cost information.

eliza2811

Thanks very much. Will look at those sites 👍

[Deleted User]

Here is a typical cost Bar Chart produced by BRIGHT:

eliza2811

I did the Bright app and get as far as doing the selfie video and it wouldn't store it and proceed.  Try again tomorrow. Cheers x

QrizB

eliza2811 said:

I'm currently with Octopus Energy.   I had a smart meter fitted going back a few years ago when was with one of the Big 6.  It had a great IHD console.   My hubby was watching ALL the time.     Then I was with a smaller energy company who changed something on the meter so they could take readings and the Big 6 IHD display was not fuctional. Was given a cheap shoddy IHD one instead.

Do you still have your "Big 6" IHD? Octopus might be able to re-pair (not repair!) it with your meter.

chrisw

QrizB said:

eliza2811 said:

I'm currently with Octopus Energy.   I had a smart meter fitted going back a few years ago when was with one of the Big 6.  It had a great IHD console.   My hubby was watching ALL the time.     Then I was with a smaller energy company who changed something on the meter so they could take readings and the Big 6 IHD display was not fuctional. Was given a cheap shoddy IHD one instead.

Do you still have your "Big 6" IHD? Octopus might be able to re-pair (not repair!) it with your meter.

I was going to suggest this. I noticed Octopus have just started taking readings from my Smets1 meter so I dug out the old IHD I was given when the meter was installed (says British Gas on it but I've never been with them) plugged it in and it works fine.

wild666

eliza2811 said:

Hello,

I'm currently with Octopus Energy.   I had a smart meter fitted going back a few years ago when was with one of the Big 6.  It had a great IHD console.   My hubby was watching ALL the time.     Then I was with a smaller energy company who changed something on the meter so they could take readings and the Big 6 IHD display was not fuctional. Was given a cheap shoddy IHD one instead.  The  smaller energy company went bust.  The IHD display from the now bust company went wrong at some point and we never asked for another one as we'd left the smaller bust company and the next company (not Octopus) couldn't get readings off the smart meter.   Back to going down our cellar each month       You can see I've switched a few times to get the best deals !!     Our current model of smart meter is SMETS1.

Octopus do take readings from the SMETS1 meter but we can't get an IHD for the old SMETS1 smart meter.  I have asked Octopus and SMETS1 meters aren't fitted anymore but they won't replace for a more modern one as OFGEM don't allow it.   I do suddenly really want the IHD now to keep an eye on things like what appliances cost.  Train my daughter to be more energy careful if possible.    And my husband whom I caught with the TV on, with the main front room light  on, chatting on his mobile not even watching the goggle box

Any ideas on how I can get a full smart meter ?  If I haven't got the IHD to go with the 'downstairs' bit, its sorta faulty in my eyes. 

Thank you x

See if your smart meter is compatible with This it cost's £49.99 plus postage and you can use it even if you move home it's not restricted to the smart meter at the address.

eliza2811

Thank you all 

[Deleted User]

wild666 said:

….. you can use it even if you move home it's not restricted to the smart meter at the address.

Are you sure that is correct? I can see nothing to suggest this on Chameleon’s website. The Bud looks to be a modified Chameleon IHD/CAD6 that connects to a smart meter comms hub in the normal way via secure Zigbee. The CAD side connects via home wifi to SmartThings. All IHD/CAD devices can only be connected to a comms hub by a Registered DCC User. It follows that the Bud will only be movable between homes if Chameleon de-links it from the DCC Network at one address,  and then links it to another comms hub at a different address.

eliza2811

Still good with the Bright app.  Just says Error after i've made my selfie video and won't store it.  Thats a shame as I don't want to be shelling out money for something which should be free.  No offence to everyone whos suggested various solutions.

I don't have my previous Big 6 IHD.  I must have thrown it as I believed it would no good to me or anymore in the future ie didn't want to ever use British Gas again.

Thanks everyone