Is my meter an RTS meter?

QrizB

LL123LL said:

... Octopus are maintaining that it is and that they know it is because of the “meter register identifiers”. I’m not entirely sure what that is and whether the “register” has the correct information or whether they are just saying this to try to get me to switch!

Were you the householder in 2016-ish when that meter was fitted (by SSE, it seems)? Do you remember what the previous meter looked like?

It's possible that previous meter was an RTS one, but when it was replaced the central database wasn't updated. Meaning that somewhere there's a record that says your meter is still an RTS one.

I'm slightly doubtful about this as a suggestion, though, since I would have expected the meter serial number to be traceable and to show that it's not RTS.

LL123LL

Thank you both for your replies. So to be absolutely sure, this is definitely *not* an RTS meter is it and the switch off will have no impact as this meter will continue to cycle correctly between the on peak and off peak periods?

I think that it is highly likely that you are both correct in that they are making an assumption because it’s economy 7 that it must be RTS, and also that their records may well show details of the old meter which, albeit before my time, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was an RTS meter and I’ve reached out to the previous owner in 2016, who I know, to ask that specific question. 

Despite having seen the meter and a photo of the whole set up, Octopus are still saying it’s an RTS meter and that that’s the only reason they need to change it (as opposed to any other reason). It seems very strange that having seen it they are continuing to suggest this, which does make me a little dubious about them having honest intentions. 

As for a smart meter, I just don’t particularly have a want or need for one when there is no issue with my current set up, and my mum who lives very close to me actually has one and it doesn’t show her any data. She’s had it for well over a year and it still just says something like “loading” or “configuring” (I can’t remember the exact word) on the screen. She’s informed octopus (also her supplier) and they said it’s a common problem and just to ignore it. Seems a bit hopeless to have a smart meter but not be able to benefit from seeing your usage, and I don’t want to end up in that situation! 

Is there any other information I could possibly give them beyond the photos I’ve already provided? I would really like them to permanently correct their records so this doesn’t continue to happen as they are contacting me multiple times a week by all methods of communication and it’s very annoying! 

Many thanks again 

LL123LL

is this the specification document link? Perhaps if I send this to them? 

https://www.landisgyr.com/webfoo/wp-content/uploads/product-files/5246_Technical_Specification11.pdf

Swipe

It's not an RTS meter and still within the certification period so just ignore them.

Ildhund

Spoonie_Turtle said:

Maybe someone here could identify the most relevant part(s) of the specification document upthread to show them it doesn't use RTS.

The MTC from the MPAN might give a clue. See this earlier post: Meter Timeswitch Codes (MTC) for electricity meters 

nickgoldman

I am also being hassled by Octopus.  I also don't want an unnecessary change to my meterage.  Can any of you amazingly knowledgable folk tell me if my meter will be affected by the RTS switch-off?  Picture attached:  it has two rates and a built-in clock, and I see no evidence of RTS being involved.  (Octopus have literally never read my meter, relying entirely on readings I send them each month through their app.)

QrizB

nickgoldman said:

I am also being hassled by Octopus.  I also don't want an unnecessary change to my meterage.  Can any of you amazingly knowledgable folk tell me if my meter will be affected by the RTS switch-off?  Picture attached:  it has two rates and a built-in clock, and I see no evidence of RTS being involved.

That meter's a Schlumberger MTA from 1996.

Per the official list (link below) it had a 10-year certified life and should have been replaced in 2006 - that's 19 years ago!

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schedule-4-uk-nationally-approved-electricity-meters

nickgoldman

QrizB said:

That meter's a Schlumberger MTA from 1996.

Per the official list (link below) it had a 10-year certified life and should have been replaced in 2006 - that's 19 years ago!

Yes, well. It works, and it says it belongs to Eastern Electricity (!), so what do I need to do?  I'm quite happy to keep telling Octopus the two readings each month and paying that bill...

QrizB

nickgoldman said:

QrizB said:

That meter's a Schlumberger MTA from 1996.

Per the official list (link below) it had a 10-year certified life and should have been replaced in 2006 - that's 19 years ago!

Yes, well. It works, and it says it belongs to Eastern Electricity (!), so what do I need to do?  I'm quite happy to keep telling Octopus the two readings each month and paying that bill...

It was fitted by Eastern Electricity but it's now the responsibility of your supplier, Octopus. They already want to replace it. You should let them do so.

You said in your first post that you don't want an unnecessary change to your meter. Well, given the age of the meter, most people would say that it's necessary (and has been necessary for almost two decades).

You don't know that it's accurate. You could be being overcharged.

ripofflondon

Hi all

I was going to start my own thread re the RTS meter issue but if others have also jumped on THIS thread then I will too!

My meter is as in the pic.  Is it RTS and, if so, does it need changing by end June?  

Pls advise if you can.

Cheers

Mark