Smart meter - having second thoughts

Netexporter

It did also make me wonder, why all these Apps need my permission to access my data.

Perhaps that's because they are focused on maintaining security, contrary to what the tinfoil-hatters believe.

Spoonie_Turtle

[Deleted User] said:

Maybe I'll rephrase it: It got me thinking, that if it's my data, then I should be able to access it, with ease!...

The companies need to access your data in order to be able to show it to you.  And to access it, they need your permission because they are a third party. 

If you want to directly access it yourself without a third party, you'd need to build your own completely independent (certified) tool.

Cashmygiro

I wouldn't have one. If the Government are pushing for them then there is obviously no benefit to the end user by having one.

MattMattMattUK

PhilHornby said:

Maybe I'll rephrase it: It got me thinking, that if it's my data, then I should be able to access it, with ease!...

Reading further into the DCC (aka Capita) stuff, they claim they're not the Data Controller, just a Processor (despite being the first in the chain). They also say they'll retain it, send it abroad and give it to 3rd parties for marketing purposes. They claim that a consumer probably doesn't have any agreement with them in the first place and they're lawfully allowed to do all this.

At first reading, it doesn't quite seem right to me.

The usage of the data collected and stored by the DCC is stipulated under the legislation and with elements stipulated to the minister and Ofgem. The security side is overseen by GCHQ. 

EssexHebridean

Cashmygiro said:

I wouldn't have one. If the Government are pushing for them then there is obviously no benefit to the end user by having one.

Could you give us an idea of the reasoned and quantified logic behind that one? Governments push for all sorts of things including higher safety standards in various environments - being anti something purely on the basis that "the government wants it" (and allowing that all major political parties right now would continue with the smart meter roll out) seems a rather narrow and closed minded approach...

On the subject of benefits to users - Octopus have just announced the launch of a scheme that will enable those registered with it to make use of free electricity at certain times, as well as enabling joining in with the demand flexibility "savings sessions". Both of these will offer a financial benefit to users. A smart meter is understandably required to make use of both of these facilities as an exact timing on when energy is used is required. 

ArbitraryRandom

PhilHornby said:

Maybe I'll rephrase it: It got me thinking, that if it's my data, then I should be able to access it, with ease!...

You can access a limited view of the data using the in home device which is provided to you on installation, or via your energy suppliers online account, or you can collect the data yourself by counting the flashing lights  

Spoonie_Turtle

Cashmygiro said:

I wouldn't have one. If the Government are pushing for them then there is obviously no benefit to the end user by having one.

Okay well forgive me if I find that notion absolutely hilarious since being on a smart tariff has saved us getting on for £1,000 compared to the standard variable rate *just this year*. 

Most people's savings might be somewhat more modest.  But since this is a moneysaving site it would be remiss not to mention the very real, quantifiable benefits that smart meters are providing end users.

Bigphil1474

My understanding is that smart meters allow for better real time monitoring on the energy grid, which allows for better adjustments to production to meet demand. Benefits us all in the long run really. The upside being potential savings as suggested above through Octopus. It's a bit like not wanting to switch to a smart phone, which having only done so about 8 year ago, is a decision I haven't regretted. 

Newbie_John

Bigphil1474 said:

My understanding is that smart meters allow for better real time monitoring on the energy grid, which allows for better adjustments to production to meet demand. Benefits us all in the long run really. The upside being potential savings as suggested above through Octopus. It's a bit like not wanting to switch to a smart phone, which having only done so about 8 year ago, is a decision I haven't regretted. 

Similar here. It also makes it easy to understand how much things cost to run and find unwanted excessive usage.
I now know how much oven costs to run, how much I pay for water heating, dishwasher, washing machine cycle.. if you don't care about that, and don't care about cutting you electricity usage - then it really makes no difference.
Smart meter also works like normal one, it displays the readings and if you want to - you can continue submitting them manually.

eastcorkram

Spoonie_Turtle said:

Cashmygiro said:

I wouldn't have one. If the Government are pushing for them then there is obviously no benefit to the end user by having one.

Okay well forgive me if I find that notion absolutely hilarious since being on a smart tariff has saved us getting on for £1,000 compared to the standard variable rate *just this year*. 

Most people's savings might be somewhat more modest.  But since this is a moneysaving site it would be remiss not to mention the very real, quantifiable benefits that smart meters are providing end users.

Are you high usage? You've saved £250 more than my total bill for a year.