Octopus claim my Electricity meter is at the end of it's life.

MantlePiece

Hoping this request is in the correct Forum/place. Basically they want to put a Smart meter in. I do not want one. They are saying it is a legal requirement to replace the meter because it has reached the end of it's 'certification' period. How do I find what the certification period and end date is? Incidentally they tried a month ago as well and when I said NO they responded by saying I don't need one and they have added a note to my account to this effect. 

la531983

Why not start off with why you dont want one, and we can tell you why you are misinformed.

Netexporter

You've got no choice. It is their meter and they can change it when required, using forcible entry if necessary.

Woodstok2000

MikeBeirne said:

Hoping this request is in the correct Forum/place. Basically they want to put a Smart meter in. I do not want one. They are saying it is a legal requirement to replace the meter because it has reached the end of it's 'certification' period. How do I find what the certification period and end date is? Incidentally they tried a month ago as well and when I said NO they responded by saying I don't need one and they have added a note to my account to this effect. 

Smart meters are infinitely better than legacy ones, but if you want to double check the meter certification, the install date and certification period should be on the meter, on a sticker or a seal somewhere. You can also look up the standard certification periods for meters online.

Netexporter

It never fails to amaze me why some people wish to deny themselves access to much cheaper electricity tariffs.

FrugaiMacDugal

What is your reason for not wanting a smart meter, are you fiddling your meter just now?

Do you have a smart phone or smart tv? 

twopenny

People have many other things to take into consideration. There are still many places where they won't work but the companies won't acknowledge that and install them anyway to fulfill their commitment. This leaves the owner with endless frustration trying to sort it.

But if you are not one of these I can tell you I resisted but had one installed eventually (my 90yr old neighbour had one years ago and she's sharp as a tack) because I live alone and any long spell in hospital would have ended up with a horrible mess of unpaid bills.
It's proved a blessing including the little thing that's in my kitchen telling me how much I'm using and has enabled me to adjust and decide what I use when.
You can still have paper bills and check 

So I'd suggest getting one while you have a reliable energy company with easy contact should you need it.

Woodstok2000

twopenny said:

People have many other things to take into consideration. There are still many places where they won't work but the companies won't acknowledge that and install them anyway to fulfill their commitment. This leaves the owner with endless frustration trying to sort it.

But if you are not one of these I can tell you I resisted but had one installed eventually (my 90yr old neighbour had one years ago and she's sharp as a tack) because I live alone and any long spell in hospital would have ended up with a horrible mess of unpaid bills.
It's proved a blessing including the little thing that's in my kitchen telling me how much I'm using and has enabled me to adjust and decide what I use when.
You can still have paper bills and check 

So I'd suggest getting one while you have a reliable energy company with easy contact should you need it.

And if you are in an area where they don't work, just use it exactly as you do your current meter and send in regular readings. No hassle, and a digital display is much easier to read!

QrizB

MikeBeirne said:

They are saying it is a legal requirement to replace the meter because it has reached the end of it's 'certification' period. How do I find what the certification period and end date is?

What's the make and model of your meter? When was it manufactured or recertified?

If you post a photo of your meter, we might be able to help you work out the certified life.

MikeBeirne said:

Incidentally they tried a month ago as well and when I said NO they responded by saying I don't need one and they have added a note to my account to this effect. 

A lot of Octopuss's frontline customer support is "AI" (with or without human filtering) and it tells fibs.

MantlePiece

Thanks I will have a look. I didn't think about AI!!

MantlePiece

As everyone is entitled to do as they see fit I choose not to have a Smart Electric meter. I am quite capable of reading the meter every month and have done for years. I do not have a Smartphone, SmartTV or anything else 'Smart'.