Using SMART meter to control spending but ShellEnergy SMART meter not working correctly

Tracyrichards

I have SMART2 meters installed by Bulb. But when I switched to ShellEnergy - even though they were 2's, ShellEnergy were only able to make the gas meter smart. Now even that is playing up.

As we cannot shop around for better deals at the moment, I have found that keeping control of my energy spending (gas at least) relies heavily on the IHD from my Smart meter. Now I cannot even rely on that, and Shell do not seem bothered. This morning, after having the central heating on for 10 mins (and having gone to bed early last night) the IHD says I've used £1.89 of gas, when I normally only use £2.50 a day! So I am now sitting here in the cold.

Have contacted Shell, they gave me some guff about IHD giving me an estimated reading based on previous usage. Now I know that is not true as I previously saw a direct impact on my IHD usage based on whether I had the heating on or not. So I am looking to leave ShellEnergy, do not appreciated being lied to.

Assuming that all variable prices are equal from April, can anyone recommend me a provider to switch to that will guarantee me working SMART meters? In the face of these ludicrous and rip off prices rises, an accurate IDH seems to be my only weapon, my way of avoiding bankruptcy (so no surprise Shell don't want to help me).

Robin9

Does the IHD give you a KWh consumption per day .  ?  It's approx but may give you a better guide. 

Your £1.89 will also include the standing charge for the day

[Deleted User]

No one can guarantee that your smart meters will work. Meter and IHD manufacturers are responsible for updating the firmware for their devices, and the DCC (the Network Operator) is responsible for the communications hubs.

Before an energy supplier can communicate with your meters, it has to be the designated supplier on the DCC Network: one meter - one supplier. The supplier then has to send out bespoke security certificates to each of your meters. These are a check which ‘informs’ the meters that they will receive instructions from the nominated supplier and that all other instructions are to be ignored.

By the sound of it, Shell may not have taken over your meters properly. For example, the security certificate may be missing from your electricity meter, or a firmware update is causing an issue. You will need to submit a written complaint to Shell. Switching suppliers should be the last thing on your agenda unless you can find a better deal.

Finally, I should add that even if your supplier can pull data from your meters, your IHD may still be incorrect. The IHD gets its tariff information from each of the meters. Some suppliers are very slow in updating this information. It would be worth looking at your smart meters. You should find the name of your supplier and tariff information in one of your meter sub menus if it has been sent out properly.

Tracyrichards

Thanks Robin. No I don't use consumption per day as I budget for each day. I try and economise on warmer days so I can keep a bit warmer on colder days. So current spending is pretty essential and to date, its been what I have been getting.
Standing charge is 26p

Tracyrichards

Hi Dolor. Thanks for the detail. Interesting and depressing :-)

The only thing I should have said is that it is known that ShellEnergy are having wider issues with Smart2. So that's the reason I want to go elsewhere. It may take a month to settle, but at least (I hope) some of the other providers have got working SMART networks. Just wanted to know which one 

MWT

Tracyrichards said:

... but at least (I hope) some of the other providers have got working SMART networks. Just wanted to know which one 

They all use the same network, that isn't the problem, but yes, some suppliers are better than others and configuring the meters.

Tracyrichards said:

No I don't use consumption per day as I budget for each day. I

Your current spending is just the consumption multiplied by the rate per kWh + the 26p standing charge.

Not as convenient as a monetary value, but only a few seconds away with a calculator...

bobbybuttons

I've got exactly the same issue with Scottish power . Your IHD reads your meter and if you check that you'll probably find your unit rates on it have not been updated. I've tried for weeks to get them to update my meter to my correct rates but they say it's not possible as the smart meter was installed by bulb my previous supplier .I want to be able to see what I'm using as I'm getting concerned what my bills will be with the new rates coming in and I'm trying to cut my usage down , but it's difficult when your IHD is displaying incorrect information and annoying they don't seem to be able to update it . Defeats the object of having smart meters with an IHD.

Tracyrichards

@bobbybuttons I agree 100%

Tracyrichards

@bobbybuttons and I will check out the unit rates on the meters when it stops raining. Thanks for the tip