Sainsbury's energy won't send me an IHD free of charge - is this correct?

AD13

We moved into this home in 2018 and I wasn't aware our meters were smart meters. For all these years I've been giving meter readings manually - to multiple energy providers which I switched between every year. None of these providers ever said they could get the readings automatically.

Fast forward to now, I've been with Sainsburys Energy the last 2 years and they sent someone round last month to 'check the smart meter was giving the correct readings'. I said I don't have a smart meter - he said you do!

So I contacted Sainsbury's, explained the situation, and said can I have an IHD/smart meter monitor. And was informed that the monitor was provided to the 'house' as a 'gift' in 2017 and that's the only one they're able to provide. I said I didn't live here in 2017, I am your customer, the previous inhabitants weren't even Sainsbury's customers at the time, and there is no monitor here. He said you'll have to buy one for £50+delivery.

Just want to check is this correct? The monitor is provided to the 'house' and it's up to the previous resident (who died) to ensure we have one? I was under the impression your energy provider was legally required to provide you - the customer - with the iHD if you have a smart meter.

Thanks

molerat

You get an IHD with a new installation.  From then on you are on your own.

MorningcoffeeIV

Yes, that's correct.  There's no legal requirement to be provided with IHDs.  That would be a bit weird.

But you're free to buy your own or use the Bright app.

Alnat1

They are right, there is no rule that says they must provide you with another one.

You could try downloading the Bright app. It doesn't give "instant" stats on what you are using but updates every few hours. Lots of historical data too if the smart meters have been functioning well.

AD13

Great thanks all - just wanted to double check. Will try the Bright app

Mstty

I find using both loop.and bright the best. Bright still hasn't logged some data with their issues over Christmas yet it is logged in Loop. Bright looks nicer.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

have you checked bills to be sure they are actually receiving readings or have you been supplying readings?

C_Mababejive

put some sheet lead around the wireless transmitter on the electric meter installation and cut off their data flow. Send them manual readings.

MattMattMattUK

C_Mababejive said:

put some sheet lead around the wireless transmitter on the electric meter installation and cut off their data flow. Send them manual readings.

How would that benefit anyone, other than the tin foil hat brigade? 

Astria

C_Mababejive said:

put some sheet lead around the wireless transmitter on the electric meter installation and cut off their data flow. Send them manual readings.

All that will do is force you onto tariffs which only bill based on units used, rather than tariffs which could be cheaper depending on time of day..

CanNeverThinkOfAUsername

C_Mababejive said:

put some sheet lead around the wireless transmitter on the electric meter installation and cut off their data flow. Send them manual readings.

What a strange comment to make. This does not help the OP at all