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

stevep10

CSI_Yorkshire said:

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.

Everyone I have spoken to in the past knows that smart meters are not compulsory except in new build properties. It is known in law as "common knowledge", where the majority of the population is, however vaguely, aware.

Please note I say 'the majority', as there will be a percentage of the population who do not partake of digital content, newspapers, magazines or even social contact by personal choice

stevep10

[Deleted User] said:

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.

My point is that the option to say NO has been taken away. It is in theory still there, but can't be used.

Point of interest: How is a meter determined to have reached its end of life? When it breaks? When it's older than 5 years?

The phrase "if it ain't broke don't fix it" springs to mind.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

stevep10 said:

It is known in law as "common knowledge", where the majority of the population is, however vaguely, aware.

I think that's an urban myth, would it stand up in court?

GrumpyDil

If you search you will see that meters are given a date after which their certification is no longer valid. That's the date that the companies work to. 

TimSynths

Brie said:

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.

I put off getting one then once the energy crisis hit I really wanted more knowledge and control so I asked for one- took 11 months for BG to then fit one. Really happy with it, have it connected to the Hugo Energy app and really love the geekiness of it all.

Just spent two weeks aboard and unplugged everything but the fridge so I could see how much I use as an absolute minimum to set a base line- can extrapolate the data exc standing charges too, loved doing this whilst sat by the pool.

Smart Meter App to Reduce Energy Cost | Energy Saving App | Hugo (hugoenergyapp.co.uk)

Wish I had got them installed sooner.

matt_drummer

stevep10 said:

My point is that the option to say NO has been taken away. It is in theory still there, but can't be used.

Point of interest: How is a meter determined to have reached its end of life? When it breaks? When it's older than 5 years?

The phrase "if it ain't broke don't fix it" springs to mind.

I think you are missing the most relevant point.

The meters do not belong to a homeowner, they belong to the energy supplier and they have a right under their conditions of supply to fit any metering equipment they deem necessary.

Your friend isn't even the owner of the property.

Why should you friend have any say at all in what is fitted at their rented home?

How do you tell when an energy meter has broken?

Surely it is best to change them before they break?

Do you wait for your car to break before carrying out routine maintenance?

[Deleted User]

stevep10 said:

Dolor said:

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.

My point is that the option to say NO has been taken away. It is in theory still there, but can't be used.

Point of interest: How is a meter determined to have reached its end of life? When it breaks? When it's older than 5 years?

The phrase "if it ain't broke don't fix it" springs to mind.

The option to say ‘no’ has been taken away from the consumer when an end-of-life meter is replaced by a supplier. If necessary, under The Gas and Electricity Acts the supplier can apply to a Court for a Warrant of Entry to make the change.

Meters are not owned by the occupants of a property. They are the responsibility of the supplier who cannot legally bill if a meter has passed its certified date. It is not a question of ‘it ain’t broke’ - the issue is that the meter through wear and tear may not be providing accurate readings. 

Would you be happy if if ‘the ain’t broke’ policy was applied to supermarkets; fuel stations and your local pub?

brewerdave

Brie said:

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.

Because after fitting , there is no pressure on the suppliers to make sure that they are actually working as "smart" meters?
My s-i-l had meters fitted by SP in his previous house and the gas meter never reported usage ,either to his IHD or SP themselves.
He has now moved to a new build house with meters fitted by EON; Neither electric or gas meter are reporting anything back ,in fact the gas meter is not even working (no display) but EON are not in the slightest bit interested in getting the meters sorted !!! .

stevep10

Brie said:

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.

Unfortunately my friend is one of those "worriers" in life. He would be constantly looking at the display, even though I could have it locked in the cupboard out of sight. Takes him weeks to make a simple decision sometimes........

CSI_Yorkshire

stevep10 said:

CSI_Yorkshire said:

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.

Everyone I have spoken to in the past knows that smart meters are not compulsory except in new build properties. It is known in law as "common knowledge", where the majority of the population is, however vaguely, aware.

Please note I say 'the majority', as there will be a percentage of the population who do not partake of digital content, newspapers, magazines or even social contact by personal choice

"Lots of people think this" is not the same as "this is the law".  Lots of people think all sorts of idiotic things.

It doesn't matter how many people think it, the rules aren't determined by what the consensus is in the pub.