Smart meter

leopoldo_2

If I accept a smart meter from Eon, I will be able to switch to any supplier of my choosing when my fixed rate expires, is that correct?

I want to be as flexible as possible given the current prices.

Thanks

Astria

Yes, whether the smart meter continues to be "smart" is another thing entirely of course

leopoldo_2

Does that mean it may not be compatible with other suppliers?

QrizB

leopoldo_2 said:

Does that mean it may not be compatible with other suppliers?

In principle, all smart meters currently being fitted are compatible with the DCC and every supplier is able to take smart meter readings from the DCC (I think it's a licence condition).

In practice, there have been a few glitches thrown up during the mass transfers of customers that resently took place under Supplier of Last Resort arrangements. The biggest was that British Gas seemed unable to cope with some (poissibly all) E7 smart meter customers.

leopoldo_2

I assume that, at worst, this would simply mean going back to taking readings yourself? Or is that no longer possible?

QrizB

leopoldo_2 said:

I assume that, at worst, this would simply mean going back to taking readings yourself? Or is that no longer possible?

In the majority of cases, yes.

BG's problems with E7 smart meters were more complicated than that. If you don't have E7 or don't join BG, though, you won't be affected by those.

leopoldo_2

Thanks for the info

FreeBear

leopoldo_2 said: I assume that, at worst, this would simply mean going back to taking readings yourself? Or is that no longer possible?

Got smart meters here (SMETS1), and have changed suppliers a couple of times without problem. The meters went in to dumb mode after the first switch, so I've been submitting manual readings ever since - Having an IHD means I don't have to go scrambling around in the dark to read the meters, I can do it from the comfort of my chair.

Ultrasonic

Economy 7 does seem more prone to issues. Do you have this? If not then don't get too put off by this.

I had my smart meter installed by e-on and so far it and the associated in-home display has continued to work successfully through account transfers to Pure Planet, Shell and most recently to Scottish Power.

My take is that errors are absolutely possible but probably not common. Like faults with all things you're far more likely to find examples of those who have had problems than those who haven't, because people don't generally spend time saying everything is working as it should be.

leopoldo_2

I don't have economy 7 no, thanks 

Sterlingtimes

FreeBear said:

leopoldo_2 said: I assume that, at worst, this would simply mean going back to taking readings yourself? Or is that no longer possible?

Got smart meters here (SMETS1), and have changed suppliers a couple of times without problem. The meters went in to dumb mode after the first switch, so I've been submitting manual readings ever since - Having an IHD means I don't have to go scrambling around in the dark to read the meters, I can do it from the comfort of my chair.

... but I have to report cubic metres whereas the IHD shows kWh.