British Gas getting around the non-compulsory fitting of smart meters!

stevep10

So here's a little doozy concerning British Gas.
We all know that the fitting of smart meters ARE NOT COMPULSORY.
However, a friend of mine has just had 2 smart cards and a letter delivered saying they are coming to fit them, even though he hasn't asked for them.
So I called British Gas on his behalf to find out what's going on.
According to British Gas, they are no longer providing the normal meters so are switching ALL customers onto smart meters, whether they like it or not.
And if you refuse to have them, if, as, and when your current meter breaks or goes cattywampus, they will charge you £175 to change them.
Now ain't that a snide way around the non compulsory fitting.
I also have a feeling that they are, or will be, telling their engineers to tell customers that their meters cannot be repaired, even if they can, just so they can fit smart meters instead.
Joe Public being railroaded again by the big brothers.

matt_drummer

Who owns the meters installed at your friend's home?

CSI_Yorkshire

stevep10 said:

We all know that the fitting of smart meters ARE NOT COMPULSORY.

We don't "all know" this, because you are wrong.  The fitting of smart meters is, under some circumstances, compulsory.

Kind of makes the rest of your post a little silly.

[Deleted User]

Now ain't that a snide way around the non compulsory fitting. 

The Regulations changed in 2019. When an existing meter reaches the end of its certified life, the energy supplier is empowered to fit a smart meter WITHOUT the consumer’s approval. This is a pragmatic decision as many suppliers no longer hold stocks of analogue meters.

If you search this forum, the subject has been aired many times.

TheMilkmansDad

Sorry to disappointing, but I think you are incorrect. But British Gas are correct. Old style meters are no longer produced (or there's a shortage in supply) so it will be Smart meters. Unless you (or your friend) have a good reason for not wanting one then that's what will be fitted.

[Deleted User]

From Which:

‘Energy companies also have to take ‘all reasonable steps’ to install smart meters where they’re replacing an old meter, or installing a meter for the first time (for example in a new-build home).’

Spoonie_Turtle

TheMilkmansDad said:

Sorry to disappointing, but I think you are incorrect. But British Gas are correct. Old style meters are no longer produced (or there's a shortage in supply) so it will be Smart meters. Unless you (or your friend) have a good reason for not wanting one then that's what will be fitted.

No I think the 'good reason' for not fitting them has to be an installation problem (e.g. no space on the backboard, or not having the right type for the supply [e.g. a 5 terminal one for some E7 installations]) rather than the customer not wanting one.

Brie

I'm still surprised that people don't want a smart meter.  It makes life much easier as you don't have to submit readings so one's bills tend to be more accurate rather than having a supplier guess how much energy you've used.

[Deleted User]

Given that suppliers are struggling to meet the demand for smart meters ( due to a lack of trained installers) with some delays in months in some regions, I doubt that suppliers are adding to their woes by making up end-of-life meter dates. This is what a NAO report (14 Jun 23) has to say on the subject:

stevep10

matt_drummer said:

Who owns the meters installed at your friend's home?

It's a rented property of Birmingham City council

matt_drummer

stevep10 said:

matt_drummer said:

Who owns the meters installed at your friend's home?

It's a rented property of Birmingham City council

As the meters are not owned by your friend, or even by the property owner, what makes your friend think that they have any right to object or influence the type of meters fitted at the property they don't even own?