SEG without a smart meter

Reaper

I am unable to have a smart meter - I've tried but they say there isn't enough space.

I have just got solar panels so I am looking for a SEG tariff that allows me to give them readings from the export meter instead. However almost everyone says a Smart meter is compulsory. So far OVO is the only one I have found who doesn't, though their tariff is rather poor at 4p.

Has anyone found anything better, or found that one of the companies that say you must have a smart meter relent when it turns out to be physically impossible?

QrizB

Can I just check - your installer has fitted a certified, MID-compliant export meter?

This is quite unusual, most installations only get a total generation meter (which is useless for metering export). And by being unusual, suppliers might not have a process for accepting readings.

Dolor

From the Ofgem SEG Guidance to suppliers:

QrizB

Another question:

Reaper said:

I am unable to have a smart meter - I've tried but they say there isn't enough space.

I don't know the layout of your house, but an obvious solution to the lack of space would be to move your meter to somewhere where there *is* enough space. Is this a possibility?

My local DNO has a webpage on the subject:
https://www.ssen.co.uk/our-services/existing-electricity-supplies/moving-your-meter/

Reed_Richards

In my case I made space by getting my electrician to move another meter that was above my old electricity meter.  However the fundamental problem was not the meter itself, the new one was much the same size as the old one.  But on top of the meter is a Comms Hub which is about the same size as the actual meter, a bit larger in fact.  This plugs in to the meter.  You would think they could use flying leads as an option so it didn't have to be directly on top.

Reaper

QrizB - yes I have an export meter. I have previously checked about moving the meter but apparently it will involve moving the consumer unit too at a cost of around £400.

Dolor - thanks for that quote. Very useful. I will check with some providers as it sounds like they must offer at least one SEG tariff without the need for a Smart meter.

Reed_Richards - yes the Comms Hub is the problem. They are smaller these days but still won't fit. I too wish they could be repositioned somewhere other than perched on top.

Dolor

Dolor - thanks for that quote. Very useful. I will check with some providers as it sounds like they must offer at least one SEG tariff without the need for a Smart meter.

Note the requirement for an export meter that is capable of measuring in 30 minute blocks. I suspect that this requirement is part of the industry move to 30 minute settlements. Smart meters can record export in 30 minute blocks.

matt_drummer

Reaper said:

QrizB - yes I have an export meter. I have previously checked about moving the meter but apparently it will involve moving the consumer unit too at a cost of around £400.

You would soon recoup the £400 with all tariffs available to you with a smart meter, it would be money well spent.

Not that I don't believe you but it sounds odd, why did your installer fit an export meter?

Where is your export meter and how is it connected to your suppliers electric meter?

How does your export meter measure the electricity you export, I assume it is fitted inline with the cable of the house supply? 

Does it use a CT clamp?

Reaper

I have spoken to the installers and it turns out I am wrong. It's just a gen meter which throws a spanner in the works. Apologies for misleading you. I guess I must either shell out to move the meter, or wait and see if new models come out that are smaller. Thanks for all your help.

matt_drummer

Do you know how much you generate in a year and some idea of how much you export?

I can't see electricity meters getting smaller, they need to fit some pretty hefty cables and that determines their size in some respects.

It's possible that the comms hub might be integrated with the meter in the future but I would say that is a long way off.

I truly think you would recover the costs of the electrical work in a short time once you are on an appropriate import and export tariff.

I assume you have no battery storage?

I don't know what inverter you have but I have always found my smart meter ihd very useful for seeing how much electricity is being exported at any instant and then using that information to turn things on or off to make the best use of the generation.

My wife finds the ihd particularly useful.

Dolor

It's possible that the comms hub might be integrated with the meter in the future but I would say that is a long way off.

I doubt it for a couple of reasons. One, the comms hub is a secure piece of kit managed by the DCC whereas meters are owned by Meter Asset Providers. Two, in the next few years, all Central and Southern region comms hubs are going to be replaced with 4G. The existing smart electricity meter will not have to be replaced.