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electricity meter at the end of its certification period? NOT INTERESTED IN SMART METERS
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Strangely enough, Citizens Advice guidance for this situation contradicts much of the advice given in the MSE energy forums. In this article, expand the section 'If your supplier says the meter has expired'.Nowhere do they mention the doomsday scenario of being disconnected if you refuse a smart meter.They also state that a MID certified meter doesn't expire. Your meter does display this MID Certification mark.1
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Peter999_2 said:There really is no difference between the meter you have and a smart meter apart from the communications making life easier. If you look the meter you have even says on it that it's a smart meter (just without the network connection).0
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As the meter belongs to the supplier, they can decide what meter to fit and when .
The certification period is that which the manufacture deems that the meter should stay within its specification and so, the supplier can decide to change it whenever he deems necessary. That means anytime until its considered end of life or, if experience shows that they maintain accuracy, then they could possibly extend the service period, but it's their choice not yours.
Although there may be no legal reason for a customer having a smart meter (stupid decision on the part of government) the suppliers are being pressured into replacing smart meters by being fined if they don't roll them out fast enough.
Kicking against having one may make you feel better but in the end its not really your choice because its not your meter.
At some time in the supplier its possible could refuse to supply you with energy or charge you a premium if he can't meter it or it adds costs due to your intransigence.Never under estimate the power of stupid people in large numbers0 -
So the CAB link that has been provided above states "If you need to replace your old-style meter because it’s unsafe, you might not be able to refuse a smart meter. This is because not many old-style meters are made now - your supplier might not have any in stock.
If you’re having your electricity meter replaced with a smart meter, you could consider having your gas meter replaced with a smart gas meter at the same time."
That seems reasonably conclusive to me allowing that the supplier will claim that an end-of-life meter could be more likely to become unsafe - it is logical that a supplier will want to supply the most up to date meter they can, and these days, that will be a smart meter. AS explained above, the meter, while in your house, it's not actually "yours" - so it is down to the supplier to decide what is fitted.
More information about MID certification here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mid-approved-gas-and-electricity-meters
Bes thing to do OP would be to explain what your concerns about smart meters are - there is a lot of nonsense talked online about them, both by conspiracy theorist types and unfortunately by those who have been convinced by the argument that those conspiracy theorists put up - it's a sad state of affairs, but there are people out there who thrive on creating unnecessary fear amongst others. the chances are, if you elaborate a bit about your concerns, people will be able to set your mind at rest.
On the plus side, once you have smart meters fitted, you will have far more choice of tariffs to choose from, which could very well save you money - particularly as you are with Octopus.
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Chris_b2z said:Strangely enough, Citizens Advice guidance for this situation contradicts much of the advice given in the MSE energy forums. In this article, expand the section 'If your supplier says the meter has expired'.Nowhere do they mention the doomsday scenario of being disconnected if you refuse a smart meter.They also state that a MID certified meter doesn't expire. Your meter does display this MID Certification mark.
The other source often quoted is 'Which?'. I can't remember the exact wording but I think they at least say you can refuse the offer of a smart meter - i.e. the popups and e-mails saying you can book an appointment. But in these cases like the one currently under discussion it's not an offer, it's a requirement because the supplier has determined they will be changing their meter and they will of course be replacing it with a SMETS2 meter.0 -
Spoonie_Turtle said:Unfortunately sometimes CAB pages give incomplete or inaccurate advice; just today we've found a page about benefits eligibility that is misleading. Which is a little disappointing coming from such a respected organisation.
Many consumers rely on Citizens Advice to provide unbiased and well-researched guidance.
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EssexHebridean said:... the CAB link ... states "If you need to replace your old-style meter because it’s unsafe, ... "
It's in the supplier's interest to make sure that meters are properly certified.
Full disclosure: IANAL.
* Batteries have a reputation for this sort of behaviour. Both electricity and gas smart meters have batteries in them.I'm not being lazy ...
I'm just in energy-saving mode.0 -
Chris_b2z said:Spoonie_Turtle said:Unfortunately sometimes CAB pages give incomplete or inaccurate advice; just today we've found a page about benefits eligibility that is misleading. Which is a little disappointing coming from such a respected organisation.
Many consumers rely on Citizens Advice to provide unbiased and well-researched guidance.
Which … I suppose is technically true, if one is happy to no longer be supplied with electricity because the supplier won't install a non-smart one without good reason but also can't legally bill against an expired meter, so would be within their rights to cut off the supply instead.
Your final sentence is exactly why it's disappointing when their pages are inaccurate and/or misleading in the first place. I'm sure they do make corrections, but in the meantime people see the wrong guidance, latch onto it (especially if it's what they want to hear, as is often the case with wanting to refuse a smart meter), and often don't come back to (re)check.
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No, I was more referring to their statement on that page "You don’t have to accept a smart meter if you don’t want one."
Which … I suppose is technically true, if one is happy to no longer be supplied with electricity because the supplier won't install a non-smart one without good reason but also can't legally bill against an expired meter, so would be within their rights to cut off the supply instead.
"8.4 If You do not have a Smart Meter at Your Premises, We may install one for You. We will arrange an appointment with You for installation. If You repeatedly refuse to allow Us to install a Smart Meter, We may terminate Your Supply Contract immediately."0 -
Qyburn said:For example in Tomato's domestic terms and conditions..
"8.4 If You do not have a Smart Meter at Your Premises, We may install one for You. We will arrange an appointment with You for installation. If You repeatedly refuse to allow Us to install a Smart Meter, We may terminate Your Supply Contract immediately."And on the Tomato Energy website, their list of tariffs includes -Tomato Prime: Our traditional, flat-rate, easy and classic tariff. Great value energy by the kWh, suited to those who don't have a smart meter.
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