RTS Switch-off

Qyburn

Scot_39 said:
Enforced TOU tariffs - the potential for surge pricing - has appeared as a real concern in more than one anti-smart meter users postings here.

It's a recurring claim from anti smart meter conspiracy theorists. It would require legislation, maybe primary legislation. It's madness to think that if the government went that far they would exempt those who've refused a smart meter.

Newbie_John

I can only imagine that happening through TOU tarrifs - Agile, lifestyle, Tide, cosy, next drive etc. which offer cheaper slots as well or some automatically controlled charging times - like now Octopus is doing with some car chargers.

Otherwise there will always be OFGEM with its cap for majority of people who don't care.

Ildhund

Scot_39 said:
... it is clear Ofgem were very much still aware of users data privacy implications ...

I can understand the need for robust authentication measures to allow only those who have the consumer's permission to access his data. This doesn't explain why anyone would wish, for example, not to allow Hh data to be used for settlement when it will eventually become the industry-wide norm and is clearly in everyone's interest - consumers', suppliers', distributors' and generators'.  

HarryIb

Qyburn said:

Scot_39 said:
Enforced TOU tariffs - the potential for surge pricing - has appeared as a real concern in more than one anti-smart meter users postings here.

It's a recurring claim from anti smart meter conspiracy theorists. It would require legislation, maybe primary legislation. It's madness to think that if the government went that far they would exempt those who've refused a smart meter.

I hardly think "ant-smart meter users" are conspiracy theorists. Whilst there may be benefits to having a 'smart' meter, there are also potential downsides, privacy being one of the major issues. I for one don't want some goon at the electricity company knowing when my house is unoccupied.

GingerTim

HarryIb said:

I hardly think "ant-smart meter users" are conspiracy theorists.

...

I for one don't want some goon at the electricity company knowing when my house is unoccupied.

Sounds pretty like ... a conspiracy theory.

Alnat1

@HarryIb How would anyone know that your house was unoccupied unless they saw you leaving?

Your fridge, freezer, alarm system, router, smoke detectors, etc. would still be using power even when nobody is home.

What is this mysterious "goon" going to do if they think you've nipped to the shops? Please enlighten us, we need a giggle.

matelodave

HarryIb said:

Qyburn said:

Scot_39 said:
Enforced TOU tariffs - the potential for surge pricing - has appeared as a real concern in more than one anti-smart meter users postings here.

It's a recurring claim from anti smart meter conspiracy theorists. It would require legislation, maybe primary legislation. It's madness to think that if the government went that far they would exempt those who've refused a smart meter.

I hardly think "ant-smart meter users" are conspiracy theorists. Whilst there may be benefits to having a 'smart' meter, there are also potential downsides, privacy being one of the major issues. I for one don't want some goon at the electricity company knowing when my house is unoccupied.

Just think of all the others that know where you are, who you speak to and everything else about you that you keep on your phone. Possibly where you go shopping etc if you use a credit card

 Anyone walking past your house can tell whether you are in or out base on whether your lights are on or off or if theres' a car in the drive.

I'd have thought that the least of your worries would be who knows how much leccy you are using. 

Scot_39

Ildhund said:

Scot_39 said:
... it is clear Ofgem were very much still aware of users data privacy implications ...

I can understand the need for robust authentication measures to allow only those who have the consumer's permission to access his data. This doesn't explain why anyone would wish, for example, not to allow Hh data to be used for settlement when it will eventually become the industry-wide norm and is clearly in everyone's interest - consumers', suppliers', distributors' and generators'.  

Ofgem promised us "switch to save" was going to save us.  And look where that led us - 30 failed suppliers and everyone paying SoLR levies - to protect those who did switch to save.

They now tell us half hourly settlement will save us.  

You might be convinced - I'll wait until it shows a saving for all households - regardless of their tariff choice.

Because if it only works like "switch to save" by people selecting the right deals to take advantage - then it will fail the same approx 1/2 the population - arguably weighted towards the poor or elderly and other vulnerable households - that the Ofgem "switch to save" policy failed.