Is my meter an RTS meter?

QrizB

LL123LL said:

Purely out of interest, does the smart meter display screen tell you “live” when it switches between day and night, the way you get the light and the “pop” sound on my current meter? 

You are likely to get a "clunk" from the contactor, and a little LCD indicator on the screen. Not generally a big glowy light, although you could probably have an electrician fit one somewhere near the meter if you really wanted.

Ildhund

Some IHDs even show a countdown to a tariff change. I wouldn't rely on it, though - it may not take the meter's randomized offset into account. 

The sound of the load control switch isn't loud, but noticeable if you're listening for it.  

Swipe

Ildhund said:

Some IHDs even show a countdown to a tariff change. I wouldn't rely on it, though - it may not take the meter's randomized offset into account. 

Mine does. The countdown ends at the exact time the tariff changes i.e 00:37 and 07:37 rather than the specified half hour mark

Phones4Chris

Swipe said:

Ildhund said:

Some IHDs even show a countdown to a tariff change. I wouldn't rely on it, though - it may not take the meter's randomized offset into account. 

Mine does. The countdown ends at the exact time the tariff changes i.e 00:37 and 07:37 rather than the specified half hour mark

You are one of the lucky ones as I recall the previous posts on the topic
You still have an SGM1416-B I assume !

Phones4Chris

Ildhund said:

Whilst you're wondering whether or not to accept the offer of a meter exchange, please consider this proposal published by Ofgem yesterday: "... after support for RTS meters ends ... the licensee cannot supply electricity to premises that rely on RTS technology."
Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS): Electricity Supply Licence changes | Ofgem 

Thanks for posting that. Personally I think that's an absolute nerve to suggest suppliers need not provide a supply in those situations.
However. the clause -
"the licensee must take all reasonable steps to provide a tariff that leaves the consumer  ‘no worse off’ than their existing arrangement as a result of an RTS meter upgrade" - 
is actually a good one as suppliers then have to take seriously how to deal with customers on E10 or similar tariffs, rather than just dismiss it and imply that you'd have to put up with another tariff!

Swipe

Phones4Chris said:

Swipe said:

Ildhund said:

Some IHDs even show a countdown to a tariff change. I wouldn't rely on it, though - it may not take the meter's randomized offset into account. 

Mine does. The countdown ends at the exact time the tariff changes i.e 00:37 and 07:37 rather than the specified half hour mark

You are one of the lucky ones as I recall the previous posts on the topic
You still have an SGM1416-B I assume !

No, I've never had one of those. I have an Itron EM425-UK25T with a Chameleon IHD3.

Qyburn

Phones4Chris said:

Thanks for posting that. Personally I think that's an absolute nerve to suggest suppliers need not provide a supply in those situations.

I find it hard to believe that is the intent, but even the fuller wording in the actual document reads the same. 

"Any proposed draft licence conditions will seek to address the following issues and policy outcomes, with the overarching aim being the timely replacement of RTS Meters to minimise detriment to consumers:

1. After the cessation of support for RTS Meters, supplier use of these meter types will no longer be appropriate for consumers given they are unable to receive radio signals and therefore no longer work in their intended manner. There will be an obligation on suppliers to no longer provide electricity to consumers with an RTS Meter after the cessation of support for RTS meters."

Ildhund

Qyburn said:

There will be an obligation on suppliers to no longer provide electricity to consumers with an RTS Meter after the cessation of support for RTS meters."

... except where "the supplier is unable to install or arrange for the installation of any replacement metering arrangement at the relevant premises despite taking all reasonable steps to do so."

That will come down to an interpretation of reasonable. For example, if a particular smart-meter-denier persistently refuses offers to have his RTS meter exchanged, would enforcing the exchange at great expense by involving the courts, the police and a locksmith be reasonable? If the supplier doesn't go down this route, would he then be in breach of this licence condition? Or would it be more reasonable just to opt for the cheap solution, cut the customer's supply and set him adrift ?

Phones4Chris

I don't agree that it's reasonable, it's draconian! So they'd leave people without electricity, not good enough OFGEM.
IF the system was still switching correctly (and some will), I see no justification for such draconian action.
It would be fairer to allow suppliers to change the tariff to one that was maybe a little less competitive, by that I don't mean put them on single rate, or something that could break the bank for anyone possibly vulnerable.
That condition as worded in unacceptable.

Gerry1

There will be hell to pay when someone on the Priority Services Register is cut off and freezes to death, or returns home after a winter holiday to find their house flooded because the pipes have burst.  Entirely foreseeable tragedies.

Show just how desperate they are to force smart meters on to people who don't want them.