We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
The MSE Forum Team would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. However, we know this time of year can be difficult for some. If you're struggling during the festive period, here's a list of organisations that might be able to help
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Has MSE helped you to save or reclaim money this year? Share your 2025 MoneySaving success stories!
Very pushy replacement energy meter calls
Comments
-
Scot_39 said:
Meter tampering - or at least those caught for doing so is still fairly rare.Chrysalis said:If I was an energy company and I got a customer who was resisting a routine swap, I would be doubling down on it, as in my opinion it makes it more likely they have a tampered meter.
Counted in 1000s e.g.
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/energy-regulator-steps-action-against-festive-fraud
I like my smart meter / IHD - but suspect millions are reluctant to go smart.
Some who have wish they hadn't as problems when they occur are handled badly by suppliers.
When they are selling tariffs that can only be billed accurately when the meters operate reliably - like EV and TOU tariffs based on multiregister or 1/2 hourly data - they need to be far more responsive at fixing problems.
Days / weeks not weeks / months.
Thankfully you added "those caught". I expect we dont know true numbers as the resources are not there to police it.
0 -
On the balance of probabilities an old meter, outside its certified life, is more likely to be inaccurate than a new smart meter.0
-
Are there (or have there been) code defects identified on any of the smart meter models installed in UK?Netexporter said:On the balance of probabilities an old meter, outside its certified life, is more likely to be inaccurate than a new smart meter.
0 -
This content has been removed.
-
Netexporter said:On the balance of probabilities an old meter, outside its certified life, is more likely to be inaccurate than a new smart meter.
A mechanical diaphragm gas meter will remain accurate far beyond it's certified life, this can't be said for a smart meter.
0 -
What proof do you have that this is true?0
-
Out of everyone here, Zandoni's history suggests they're likely to be correct.timjim said:What proof do you have that this is true?1 -
Chrysalis said:Scot_39 said:
Meter tampering - or at least those caught for doing so is still fairly rare.Chrysalis said:If I was an energy company and I got a customer who was resisting a routine swap, I would be doubling down on it, as in my opinion it makes it more likely they have a tampered meter.
Counted in 1000s e.g.
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/energy-regulator-steps-action-against-festive-fraud
I like my smart meter / IHD - but suspect millions are reluctant to go smart.
Some who have wish they hadn't as problems when they occur are handled badly by suppliers.
When they are selling tariffs that can only be billed accurately when the meters operate reliably - like EV and TOU tariffs based on multiregister or 1/2 hourly data - they need to be far more responsive at fixing problems.
Days / weeks not weeks / months.
Thankfully you added "those caught". I expect we dont know true numbers as the resources are not there to police it.Nonetheless, I would think that the numbers are small - I've only ever known of it happening once.Certainly that alone is not worth the cost of creating a sub-industry to replace every meter across the country.
So, the "genuine reason" is that the "tin foil hat" brigade annoy you...powerful_Rogue said:
Can't be fitted due to no fault of the occupier (EG: Spacing, no signal etc)prowla said:powerful_Rogue said:I would just double the standing charge and electric/gas rate for those that refuse a smart meter with no genuine reason.I'm sure something like this will happen in the future, sadly it probably won't be as extreme as i'd like it to be.Why on earth would you want to do that and what would you define as a "genuine reason"?Plus, what would the "extreme" you'd like it to be - hanging?Extreme is what I said - Double standing charge and double unit rate for electric/gas.As to why? Because the tin foil hat brigade irritate me!
1 -
My colleagues and I come across meter tampering weekly.prowla said:Chrysalis said:Scot_39 said:
Meter tampering - or at least those caught for doing so is still fairly rare.Chrysalis said:If I was an energy company and I got a customer who was resisting a routine swap, I would be doubling down on it, as in my opinion it makes it more likely they have a tampered meter.
Counted in 1000s e.g.
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/energy-regulator-steps-action-against-festive-fraud
I like my smart meter / IHD - but suspect millions are reluctant to go smart.
Some who have wish they hadn't as problems when they occur are handled badly by suppliers.
When they are selling tariffs that can only be billed accurately when the meters operate reliably - like EV and TOU tariffs based on multiregister or 1/2 hourly data - they need to be far more responsive at fixing problems.
Days / weeks not weeks / months.
Thankfully you added "those caught". I expect we dont know true numbers as the resources are not there to police it.Nonetheless, I would think that the numbers are small - I've only ever known of it happening once.Certainly that alone is not worth the cost of creating a sub-industry to replace every meter across the country.2
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 352.9K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 454.7K Spending & Discounts
- 246K Work, Benefits & Business
- 602.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 177.8K Life & Family
- 259.9K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards

