Is this a ‘threat’ to make me go over to the dark side to a Smart Meter?

bintheredunthat

Hopefully this is the correct forum? I’m with Shell energy and I get emails once every 6 months telling me that my current old style electricity meter is going to be defunct. I really don’t want a smart meter nor do I want an installer crashing around in my newly installed kitchen cupboards to remove old and fit new. Question is whether the message from Shell is purely because it makes life easier for them or factual and will I lose functionality? I have economy 7, I’m not a big user of electricity. Here’s the message from Shell. Thanks in advance……………….

We’re writing to let you know that your Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter will lose functionality from March 2022. This is due to an industry wide change that will affect the radio signal your meter uses to communicate.

This change means your meter won’t be able to support your multi-rate tariff, as it’ll be unable to switch to your tariff’s cheaper off peak rates. In some cases, this change may also cause a permanent interruption of your home’s central heating, as well as your meter’s ability to record your energy usage accurately.

It’s important that you take steps to arrange a replacement for your RTS meter, and we have just the thing.

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Our SMETS2 smart meters allow you to keep your multi-rate tariff without the fuss. Smart meters submit your readings for you, always produce accurate bills, and help you to keep track of your energy usage.

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Section62

This would be better on the "Energy" board, but it is a real thing and something will have to be done about your meter if you want to stay on E7. (if your existing meter is one of the affected ones)

newlywed

Hasn’t March 2022 already gone?.

FreeBear

Electricity (and gas) meters have a certified working life. One the meter reaches the end of this period, the supplier is obligated to replace it. You don't get a choice as to whether the replacement is a "smart" meter or not. The government has set targets for smart meter installations, and the supply companies are obligated to hit them.

Fitting a replacement meter doesn't usually make a mess, but there does need to be sufficient space to get in the cupboard to do the work and mount the small amount of extra equipment - If you have the space, it is well worth asking them to fit an isolator switch between the meter and consumer unit (tell them you are planning to get an EV car in the near future).

bintheredunthat

newlywed said:

Hasn’t March 2022 already gone?.

Good spot, I hadn’t noticed that. I went searching for one of their emails to copy & paste and that was the first one I found. Presumably there’s another one in my email box saying March 2023! Makes their argument a little weak, doesn’t it? 

MACKEM99

Shell tells me on a monthly basis to get a smart meter.  I ignore it.

theoretica

The teleswitch service stopping at some point does indeed seem to be a thing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_teleswitch#Transmitter_and_service_obsolescence

Section62

bintheredunthat said:

Makes their argument a little weak, doesn’t it? 

No.

The system had originally been slated for closure in 2017.

The life has been extended because energy suppliers weren't able to switch people to 'smart' meters quickly enough. (an appalling lack of prioritisation IMV)

March 2023 is the new date, but unless people's meters are changed there is a risk of a further life extension being needed - or otherwise people who haven't had the conversion will potentially suffer the consequences.

FaceHead

Well it's not complete scaremongering. At some stage, RTS will become defunct and your tariff will essentially default to single rate. Clearly the exact timing isn't decided and has already changed several times. OVO suggest Dec 23 here:

Radio teleswitch (RTS) shutdown sunset FAQ | The OVO Forum (ovoenergy.com)

Do you have appliances wired to the cheap rate, e.g. storage heaters? If so, they will indeed stop working, as your meter will essentially be stuck on the peak tariff. 

There is nothing wrong with having a smart meter. in fact they make life easier not having to read the meter. However I understand your concerns about some random workman bashing around in the new kitchen (my experience was good with both Gas and electricity and water, though).

If I was you, I wouldn't take the risk until I had to. Wait until they actually turn off RTS (these things always get pushed back) and then when it does happen, get them to give you a smart meter. 

bintheredunthat

MACKEM99 said:

Shell tells me on a monthly basis to get a smart meter.  I ignore it.

So far I’ve done the same. Thank you

bintheredunthat

FaceHead said:

Well it's not complete scaremongering. At some stage, RTS will become defunct and your tariff will essentially default to single rate. Clearly the exact timing isn't decided and has already changed several times. OVO suggest Dec 23 here:

Radio teleswitch (RTS) shutdown sunset FAQ | The OVO Forum (ovoenergy.com)

Do you have appliances wired to the cheap rate, e.g. storage heaters? If so, they will indeed stop working, as your meter will essentially be stuck on the peak tariff. 

There is nothing wrong with having a smart meter. in fact they make life easier not having to read the meter. However I understand your concerns about some random workman bashing around in the new kitchen (my experience was good with both Gas and electricity and water, though).

If I was you, I wouldn't take the risk until I had to. Wait until they actually turn off RTS (these things always get pushed back) and then when it does happen, get them to give you a smart meter. 

Thanks for the info. No storage rads, just the washing machine, dishwasher etc. I read an article in the Telegraph recently by a journo who said he wouldn’t have one of they paid him to. Issues about pricing and accuracy were his main concern and the fact that they control your meter and it’s readings from afar and not the householder. It looks like it’s wise to wait till the lat minute and  they want to insert a chip in my head to give them readings😉