Switch back to BG for smart meter functionality?

Skippas

Hi all,

I didn't come across anything on here about this after a quick search but apologies if this has been asked elsewhere, and please leave a link to where its covered, if you know.

I am currently with E.ON Next and have a SMETS1 smart meter that was installed by British Gas. E.ON Next won't upgrade my meter and are waiting on the DCC to upgrade it remotely I believe. It's a Landis+Gyr G/E 470 - think I've seen mention that these could be updated by September but not sure if that's a hard deadline. (would be interested if anyone has info on this as it could be a reason to stick out with E.ON)

I'm considering switching back to BG as the tariff is identical and it will mean I can at least regain smart meter functionality and keep a better eye on my usage. 

Was wondering if anyone had any good arguments I hadn't considered yet against switching back and just sticking with E.ON Next for now?

TIA!

brewerdave

You may find that BG can't use your smart meter either ! There have been posts on here from people who have gone back to BG to find that they can't reactivate the smarts.

wild666

I have the same meters put in by BG and Octopus can read my electric meter which I get daily readings from. 

Skippas

Hmm, that would be no good if I got back to BG and couldn't use them still....

E.ON Next can't use either meter with what's installed on mine and the display unit BG gave me just permanently reads "Connecting to smart meter".

I'm wondering if there's another display unit (3rd party maybe) out there that may work independent of what provider I'm with - as that's the only info I'm after really, a real time display of what I am using then and there.

pochase

I doubt that currently you will be able to switch to BG? They will not take on new customers.

Have you checked if they will take you on?

Skippas

Aye, I rang customer service and they'll take me back if I really want to switch.

But yeah, if you try to do it online it blocks you and says to stay with your current provider.

Ultrasonic

Skippas said:

Aye, I rang customer service and they'll take me back if I really want to switch.

But yeah, if you try to do it online it blocks you and says to stay with your current provider.

Did you ask them whether your in-home display is likely to start working again? If there's a chance you don't particularly have anything to lose by switching back.

Skippas

Nah I just assumed it would (did once before when I switched back for a fix but that was a couple of years ago). Will give them a call again and see what they say.

Brightone

I also have a BG SMETS1 and am now with E.On Next. I've been trying to get E.On to upgrade my meter to one that can actually be used but I keep hitting a brick wall.  Could the OP help me out by telling me where this information that they "could be updated by September but not sure if that's a hard deadline" is from? In these hard times I am really keen to get my in house display unit back