Smart meter upgrade

FluffySP

I've had a smart meter for several years and know when my quarterly bill is due so send in both gas & electric readings. However, this last year BG have constantly sent me emails and texts stating there is a problem with my smart meter not sending readings (it never has) so they need to send an engineer to upgrade the meter from 1st edition to 2nd. I have explained that Ive always submitt3d meter readings and asked them not to keep contacting me about it. I have transcripts stating they won't. But here we are not 2 months later and today I get a phone call saying the same. I dont understand why they need to upgrade because if there's a problem with this  smart meter sending readings then it must be something to do with connectivity and its likely it will be the same with a newer model?
They are getting the readings from me in good time and my bills are always paid. I don't really want the disruption of workmen in my home and worried a new meter may be tweaked to increase bills. Am I being paranoid? I will take advice from someone more knowledgeable. What are the pros and cons of upgrading?

EssexHebridean

Most likely by the sound of it you have a SMETS1 meter currently, which for whatever reason cannot be upgraded to get it to send readings and become smart again. If that is the case, then having it switched for a SMETS2 will very possibly solve the problem. Do neighbours have "smart" smart meters? If so, no reason why yours wouldn't be.

As for the idea that they might somehow tweak a replacement meter to increase bills - yes, that is paranoid I'm afraid, although with the amount of scaremongering out there from conspiracy theorist types, it's not entirely surprising that people fall for these sorts of suggestions. The only reason that your bills might increase with a change of meter would be if the old meter was under-reading - and if something like that was likely, then it would be equally possible that you could see LOWER bills with the replacement meter as the old meter was OVER reading! 

The Pro of changing the meter is that you might end up with a properly working smart meter, and that in turn can let you have access to cheaper tariffs which can save you money.
The Con - there isn't one really. If the replacement meter still doesn't function as fully smart, then you are no worse off than you are now. 

FlorayG

Well yes you are being paranoid but on the other hand. you don't NEED a smart meter and you can keep sending readings if that suits you
One of my friends refuses to have one and they keep contacting her, too. It's easier for them if everyone has one, I suppose. You can just keep saying "no thanks"

EssexHebridean

FlorayG said:

Well yes you are being paranoid but on the other hand. you don't NEED a smart meter and you can keep sending readings if that suits you
One of my friends refuses to have one and they keep contacting her, too. It's easier for them if everyone has one, I suppose. You can just keep saying "no thanks"

You can only keep saying "no thanks" for as long as your meter remains in certification - once it is deemed life-expired, they will be changing it whether you like it or not!