Smart Meters - good idea or not?

sarar

I have just had a call from my supplier British Gas, to say they need to make an appointment to fit a Smart Meter, but what I would like to know is when they call me back in an hour, should I go ahead and have one fitted or not?

[Deleted User]

Why wouldn’t you want one? There are some issues but most do what it says on the tin. If you want to make use of cheaper time-of-use tariffs you need to have a smart meter.

[Deleted User]

Usually, yes. In general, and I mean apart from some very infrequent issues, they work very well.

One big concern though, is you say British Gas.  Are you on Economy 7?

victor2

A working smart meter means you no longer have to provide readings and won't get any estimated bills. 
They don't save you money, but the In-house Display may make you more aware of when you are using a lot of electricity (not so informative with gas).
The more recent ones retain their "smartness" when you switch supplier - if ever that becomes commonplace again!

sarar

[Deleted User] said:

Usually, yes. In general, and I mean apart from some very infrequent issues, they work very well.

One big concern though, is you say British Gas.  Are you on Economy 7?

Yes I am and that was the reason they said it would be needed.

dunstonh

BG have a problem with economy 7 on smart meters. I would decline if that is the case with you.  Otherwise there is nothing to fear and they can be useful.

sarar

dunstonh said:

BG have a problem with economy 7 on smart meters. I would decline if that is the case with you.  Otherwise there is nothing to fear and they can be useful.

Are they still having this problem and if so and the lady tells me that everything is sorted with the issue, is she not telling the truth?

[Deleted User]

sarar said:

dunstonh said:

BG have a problem with economy 7 on smart meters. I would decline if that is the case with you.  Otherwise there is nothing to fear and they can be useful.

Are they still having this problem and if so and the lady tells me that everything is sorted with the issue, is she not telling the truth?

I’m almost certain that it’s still a massive problem and you would end up on a single rate tariff the moment your new meter was installed.

sarar

[Deleted User] said:

sarar said:

dunstonh said:

BG have a problem with economy 7 on smart meters. I would decline if that is the case with you.  Otherwise there is nothing to fear and they can be useful.

Are they still having this problem and if so and the lady tells me that everything is sorted with the issue, is she not telling the truth?

I’m almost certain that it’s still a massive problem and you would end up on a single rate tariff the moment your new meter was installed.

Hi Sparky,  They just called my mum back and said that they had ironed out the problems with Economy 7 and that is why they are offering it, but we declined her offer for the time being until i hear more reviews.

lohr500

I am sure you have done the right thing.
Some very recent posts on here have highlighted issues with BG Eco7 smart meter installations, where customers have ended up with a single rate tariff and have lost the Eco 7 off peak rate.

sarar

Thank you everyone for all your quick replies and great advice.