British Gas Meter | Smart meter upgrade (from conventional meters)

Benji_23

Hi, 

First time poster here, hopefully I haven't missed another post covering this. 

I wondered if anyone had any advice about how to successfully get a Meter Change Appointment from British Gas. We moved into this property on 4th November and inherited traditional prepayment meters. We asked to move to DD but were told that is impossible and we'd need to upgrade to smart meters first. This is fine as at least my wife can top up whilst at home (1 yr old plus 8 months pregnant). I work abroad for long periods and want to have the meters in reasonably soon to save my wife the trouble of topping up. 

Anyway, seemingly easy thing to do. Absolutely impossible to get British Gas to confirm an appointment. Spent approx 9-10 hours on phone to them collectively already and many unsuccessful Live Chats. They seem to have no ability to book appointments but won't say that and keep coming up with hurdles (wait 28 days, register me on list, wait another 2,3,5 working days etc). 

Just wonder if anyone has managed to get them called out. I dont want to call an emergency appointment, as clearly it's not. But just wanted to have an appointment booked in, even if into 2023. Seemingly impossible! 

Ben 

[Deleted User]

Shortage of meters (semiconductor shortage) and very high consumer demand might be the reasons. I suspect suppliers are struggling to keep up with demand for smart meters now that energy prices are so high.

Anyone that plays the emergency card in the circumstances you describe should in my opinion be charged for the visit. 

macman

Switch supplier. Octopus should be able to install your meters within a month. But you'll need to sign up manually: Twitter or email are best. Not online.