New meter required and told I can only have a smart meter

MarcoM

Hi,

My supplier has written to me stating that my meter is old as it is now 15 20 years old.
They tell me: "we can't replace your meters like for like as traditional meters are becoming increasingly difficult to get hold".

I have read that these smart meters can cause issues, do you think I can refuse to have one installed and ask they look for a more traditional meter?

Many thanks for your advice

Mobtr

What sort of issues have you heard they cause? 

QrizB

MarcoM said:

... do you think I can refuse to have one installed and ask they look for a more traditional meter?

The answer to your question is no, you can't.

Your supplier will only fit a traditional meter if it turns out that your property isn't suitable for a smart meter.

SAC2334

I was told by British Gas Revenue Protection Unit guys that its legal to install or replace your own meters if they are done by the correct installers who are fully qualified. You don t have to use a suppliers  smart meter  fitting team who are only just basically qualified anyway just for meter fitting .
 Then register them with the supplier . 
i don t know if anyone has tested this out on the forum but the meters are all readily available . 
Basic new Ampy type digital meter is around £40 , similar price for a G4 gas meter . 
The Uk rules are still that smart meters are not obligatory .Dumb meters are available for sale despite what a supplier may say .Maybe they don t try hard you enough to find them 
EDIT 
There are private companies such as Crown Energy and Crown Utilities who advertise to fit or replace your current gas meter who do both business and domestic gas meters so any supplier does not have the monopoly  to do this rather simple job .
Presumably if you request a normal  G4 metric  gas meter  or a small perfectly  functional Ampy type digital electric meter they will comply .
 It might cost you say at a guess £150 rather than probably the awful Secure Liberty trashy smart meter which the cheapskate suppliers usually opt for because they cost the least .

dil1976

SAC2334 said:

I was told by British Gas Revenue Protection Unit guys that its legal to install or replace your own meters if they are done by the correct installers who are fully qualified. Then register them with the supplier . 
 

Dont forget to stick a copy of the Magna Carta to your front door too as proof

[Deleted User]

SAC2334 said:

The Uk rules are still that smart meters are not obligatory.

BEIS decreed in June 2020 that suppliers can replace end-of-life meters with smart meters WITHOUT the homeowner’s permission. Suppliers have a statutory duty to replace end-of-life meters and they have the legal right to apply to a Court for an Entry Warrant.

This might help the OP; however, the supplier will want to confirm such things as the certificated life of the meter etc.

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/709419/response/1693147/attach/3/FOI2020%2000200%20Final%20Response.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1

Ultrasonic

For the vast majority of people, smart meters just make things easier by no longer having to send readings to a supplier, and with the in-home display making it easier to monitor usage for those who wish to.

prowla

Can you wrap a smart meter in tinfoil to stop it sending data?

Ultrasonic

prowla said:

Can you wrap a smart meter in tinfoil to stop it sending data?

Joke? Stopping a smart meter sending data would cause problems not solve one.

diystarter7

Ultrasonic said:

For the vast majority of people, smart meters just make things easier by no longer having to send readings to a supplier, and with the in-home display making it easier to monitor usage for those who wish to.

Don't forget, they are running a business. With smart meters as I posted on this forum, we considered and most said avoid then the day after I read re 'variable tariffs during a 24 hour period.'  It's coming and this is why they want to lumber you with a smart meter. Avoid at all costs if possible IMHO.

I guess if you work during the day time like majority of workers, higher prices beween 5am and 10am then 4pm to 8pm - you are going to be properly ..... avoid.

dil1976

diystarter7 said:

Ultrasonic said:

For the vast majority of people, smart meters just make things easier by no longer having to send readings to a supplier, and with the in-home display making it easier to monitor usage for those who wish to.

Don't forget, they are running a business. With smart meters as I posted on this forum, we considered and most said avoid then the day after I read re 'variable tariffs during a 24 hour period.'  It's coming and this is why they want to lumber you with a smart meter. Avoid at all costs if possible IMHO.

I guess if you work during the day time like majority of workers, higher prices beween 5am and 10am then 4pm to 8pm - you are going to be properly ..... avoid.

Well if that is the case then they surely they will be smart enough to ensure everyone has them fitted by making those without one rates higher than those with a smart meter?