BG Smart Meter never worked

PrettyBubbles

I had two smart meters installed in July 23.  They have never been "commissioned", I have not got the monitor, and I have to submit readings.  I am losing out on the savings for Sunday use let alone it's pointless having them if they don't work.

I have contacted BG 4 times and registered two formal complaints as to why they won't finish the job.  Only on the last call was I told they have a national issue and there is a 6 month waiting list.

I have contacted another supplier that said the meters would need to be commissioned before I could swap supplier.  If this is so I am being handcuffed to a supplier I want to leave.  This can't be right,can it? 

Bark01

You need to find out the reason behind the issue, if its signal strength issue then it won't matter who you are with.

Try a few different suppliers, the issue might be the make model of meter, if the other supplier doesn't install them they may not have the know how of how to commission the meter.

Also is the kind of thing that requires deeper technical knowledge and might not be widespread through out each company, so its worth speaking to the main suppliers a couple of times to make sure your getting the same message. 

Gerry1

Forget the existing complaints, just raise a formal written complaint with BG that they haven't issued an IHD.  Threaten them with the ombudsman if they don't play ball: it's obviously easy to send one out, and an ombudsman case would cost them much more.
Then ditch and switch.  You don't even need to tell BG you're leaving: providing that you've paid all your bills and can send the new company the opening readings shown by the meters on the wall, the new company will take care of it all.  I can't see any valid reason why BG could attempt to block the switch.

Gerry1

Bark01 said:

the issue might be the make model of meter, if the other supplier doesn't install them they may not have the know how of how to commission the meter.

IMHO that shouldn't block a switch.  If for some strange reason the new company isn't happy with the existing make and model, they can replace it at their expense with anything that they prefer.

ArbitraryRandom

I agree it's worth trying to switch (just do it online and don't mention the problem) - worst thing that happens is the switch fails. 

It might help if you can tell us the make/model of your smart meters (not your serial number) - some models have a key sequence to attempt commissioning, and some have lights that help diagnose faults (like poor signal).

Would you be comfortable taking a picture and sharing it with us?