Your meter is approaching its use-by date and needs to be replaced

1socrates1

I have booked for them to install the digital meters on 8 March. I am sure it will be okay, it just feels as though I am relinquishing some vestige of power over to the energy company due to automation of reading. But I am sure I will get used to it, will do my own readings for the first few months and make sure the automated readings reflected in my bill tally up with what I see. 

ariarnia

1socrates1 said:

I have booked for them to install the digital meters on 8 March. I am sure it will be okay, it just feels as though I am relinquishing some vestige of power over to the energy company due to automation of reading. But I am sure I will get used to it, will do my own readings for the first few months and make sure the automated readings reflected in my bill tally up with what I see. 

we always take a monthly reading on the 1st of the month (take a picture actually) as our meter reading date is the middle of the month and we like to have the info for each month complete. takes a couple of minutes to just put the numbers on google sheets (and it means if there is a problem we have dated photos on our phone which have been handy a couple of times to just reference)

1socrates1

Hours ago I received an email confirming the smart meter appointment for 8 March. About half an hour ago I received another email like the original email stating my meter is approaching its use by date. I will ignore this one.

jvjack

If like me you will love the in home display. Installed few weeks ago.
Have compared readings of it to actual meter and all match. 
Before i was doing meter reading morning noon and night testing gas fire and new gas boiler etc for a month. Loads of calculations.
I hardly look at it this week as i now know sort of what i've used and cost etc
Edit.  And there is nice graph on on energy supplier website .. mine EDF
And if you like half hour readings Bright – Apps on Google Play

EssexHebridean

Definitely good policy to continue to check your meter readings regularly anyway - hopefully the only difference once you have the smart meter will be that you no longer have to send them to the supplier as well! 

Spoonie_Turtle

EssexHebridean said:

Definitely good policy to continue to check your meter readings regularly anyway - hopefully the only difference once you have the smart meter will be that you no longer have to send them to the supplier as well! 

In all fairness, much of the marketing if them has made such a big deal about not needing to read your meter any more.  Really very unhelpful, because if they don't check their bills (even worse with the suppliers that bill only 6-monthly) and don't notice any problems, that's when things can go very wrong and turn into big messes stretching back over months/years that are a nightmare to try to sort out.

EssexHebridean

Spoonie_Turtle said:

EssexHebridean said:

Definitely good policy to continue to check your meter readings regularly anyway - hopefully the only difference once you have the smart meter will be that you no longer have to send them to the supplier as well! 

In all fairness, much of the marketing if them has made such a big deal about not needing to read your meter any more.  Really very unhelpful, because if they don't check their bills (even worse with the suppliers that bill only 6-monthly) and don't notice any problems, that's when things can go very wrong and turn into big messes stretching back over months/years that are a nightmare to try to sort out.

Completely agree. I think the advertising is getting slightly better - I’ve noticed that at least one of the irritating “Einstein” ones now refers to “smart meter home display” rather than just “smart meter” as it used to - and there does seem to be less emphasis on “never needing to take meter readings again”. 

jvjack

Sending a meter reading in twice a year to EDF in my case and most is no problem.  Using it as a sort of selling point to have smart meter is a bit odd. 
Edit.  But it is less thing to worry about.

[Deleted User]

jvjack said:

Sending a meter reading in twice a year to EDF in my case and most is no problem.  Using it as a sort of selling point to have smart meter is a bit odd. 
Edit.  But it is less thing to worry about.

How often do you provide a home voltage reading?

One of the biggest challenges that DNOs face today is the control of Grid voltage. High or low Grid voltage can reduce the life of domestic electrical items/appliances. Smart meters offer a way for DNOs to control voltages proactively as smart meters store 30 minute voltage data.

https://www.current-news.co.uk/northern-powergrid-unveil-voltage-control-project-to-increase-network-efficiency/

A year ago, my Grid voltage was peaking above 256V. There is more to smart metering than saving consumers from reading their meters once or twice a year.

jvjack

Dolor that's interesting.  Data in all forms is usefull and thats a bit why they want the info in half hour reads from metres.
Had to look up DNO

Distribution Network Operators

And now i'm thinking poor Original Poster OP is lost.