Scottish Power Old Non Smart Meter Replacement Question.

ThatITGuy2023

I have resisted getting a Smart Electricity Meter installed. Last week a man from Scottish Power came out to do a equipment check and said we must get a replacement meter as our non smart one is now old. It must be a least 30 year old by my guess. He asked me how I did my meter reading and I told him I write the readings down and put them in the Scottish Power Website once a month.

He said this was fine and wrote the details down. He also said the new meter would send in the readings if i forget. I got a email from Scottish Power about the Smart Meter appointment. My question is though is this a full Smart Meter which I don't want or just one with some smart functions? I take it I have no choice about getting the old non smart meter replaced anyway.

Thanks

MattMattMattUK

ThatITGuy2023 said:

I have resisted getting a Smart Electricity Meter installed. Last week a man from Scottish Power came out to do a equipment check and said we must get a replacement meter as our non smart one is now old. It must be a least 30 year old by my guess. He asked me how I did my meter reading and I told him I write the readings down and put them in the Scottish Power Website once a month.

He said this was fine and wrote the details down. He also said the new meter would send in the readings if i forget. I got a email from Scottish Power about the Smart Meter appointment. My question is though is this a full Smart Meter which I don't want or just one with some smart functions? I take it I have no choice about getting the old non smart meter replaced anyway.

Thanks

It will be a full smart meter and you have no choice.

Alnat1

What are you reasons for not wanting a smart meter?

EssexHebridean

As Alnat says above, if you share your concerns about smart meters then it may well be we can put your mind at rest - there is a heck of a lot of nonsense talked about them (even on here, we’ve had our share of conspiracy theorists and those influenced by them who think it will give “them” control over when you can boil a kettle!) and often people’s concerns are things which are either simply untrue, or that are actually of far les significance than they believe. 

MikeyPGT

If Scottish Power are as efficient about fitting your smart meter as they are in everything else they do then don't worry it'll probably never happen.  They can't even return phone calls which they promise, so don't hold your breath!

diystarter7

ThatITGuy2023 said:

I have resisted getting a Smart Electricity Meter installed. Last week a man from Scottish Power came out to do a equipment check and said we must get a replacement meter as our non smart one is now old. It must be a least 30 year old by my guess. He asked me how I did my meter reading and I told him I write the readings down and put them in the Scottish Power Website once a month.

He said this was fine and wrote the details down. He also said the new meter would send in the readings if i forget. I got a email from Scottish Power about the Smart Meter appointment. My question is though is this a full Smart Meter which I don't want or just one with some smart functions? I take it I have no choice about getting the old non smart meter replaced anyway.

Thanks

Hi

Feel free to seach MSE site as there is loads of info by MSE here

I found the link below helpful and the magazine a consumer magazine has a great reputation IMO about being honest and fair so it highlights the good and the bad

https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/smart-meters/article/smart-meters-explained/what-is-a-smart-meter-artlW8n6atdo

Very easy to read and follow link

I suggest you seach "smart meter" on MSE as well but your choice

Good luck

ThatITGuy2023

I had to change the date as I have been ill. Oh yes they now going to change the Gas Meter also which we were never told about.

EssexHebridean

It should be noted that the Which report linked to above gives the impression that you can always simply refuse to have a smart meter - however the exception to this is if the new meter is required to replace one which is past certification date - and that sounds like the situation here. In that circumstance, as I am sure has already been mentioned, the supplier can fit a SM regardless. 

OP - sorry to hear you have been unwell, hopefully you are now recovered? Probably makes sense just to get both meters done at the same time really - less disruption that way hopefully. I hope it goes well for you! 

ThatITGuy2023

EssexHebridean said:

It should be noted that the Which report linked to above gives the impression that you can always simply refuse to have a smart meter - however the exception to this is if the new meter is required to replace one which is past certification date - and that sounds like the situation here. In that circumstance, as I am sure has already been mentioned, the supplier can fit a SM regardless. 

OP - sorry to hear you have been unwell, hopefully you are now recovered? Probably makes sense just to get both meters done at the same time really - less disruption that way hopefully. I hope it goes well for you! 

Fine now just had a bad cold. I am just a bit annoyed that the man that first came out did not mention about the box outside. Also he said it would take about 30 Mins. The company that's installing them though said both boxes would take about 90 Mins. Probably not his fault lol.

4kitty_kats

Whilst updating DD details with Scottish Power after a bank change, I was told my 1997 meter needs to be replaced.  I was not living at my current address then, so I cannot verify this fact as being accurate.  
I was told it would be a 2nd generation smart meter.
Are they any good?
Are they reliable?
I am worried that if something goes wrong it would be hard to prove or get repaired in double quick time.

Is my concern valid?

Are 2nd generation smart meters fault free?

Anyone out there know anything about them?
Your knowledge & response  would be greatly appreciated. 

1505grandad

I received this email from SP the other day:-

"You've maybe been put off getting a smart meter by some things you've heard about them.

But the reality is that they make managing your energy much easier and can help you save on your bills. And the good news is, they only take around an hour to install.

Once your quick installation is done, at no extra cost to you, we'll give you a £100 Amazon gift card to say thanks1."