Can't get smart meter

Sailbad

I keep asking Octopus for a smart meter as I would like a better export rate for my solar panels but for months now they have been unable to even give me an approximate timescale.
Is there actually any entitlement to a smart meter? I keep hearing they are mandatory.

Lorian

If you are trying to book online try just after 6am on a Monday. They release slots on Mondays.

QrizB

Ok, so you've not been told that you can't have one, it's just that it's taking forever to get an appointment?

How old is your current meter, and what make and model?  If it's anywhere near end-of-life you could try a complaint.

Sailbad

Tried online, email and phone. 
One meter about 12 years old, other one (off peak) must be about 40 years old. Maybe a formal complaint is the way to go.

QrizB

Sailbad said:

Tried online, email and phone. 
One meter about 12 years old, other one (off peak) must be about 40 years old. Maybe a formal complaint is the way to go.

The date of manufacture and calibration should be marked on the meters. If you share photos we can decode them for you.

Yes, a complaint that your meters are old and reaching (or have passed) their certified life should put a rocket up their cephalopod.

Netexporter

You might have a longer wait if you live in a remote area. The installer would have to accumulate a day's worth of jobs in your locality to make the travel time worthwhile.

t0rt0ise

You have to keep looking via your account rather than wait for them to give you a date. I got one very quickly that way.

lohr500

My mum was struggling to get an appointment.
She kept checking on the Octopus website after previously registering her interest in getting smart meters fitted.

I suggested she phoned them to explain that she was elderly and struggling physically to go outside and read the existing meters herself each month

As soon as she did this, they were able to find an appointment for her within 3 weeks!!!

I'm not suggesting you should lie about your health, but if you do struggle and your existing meters are not easily accessible, then it might be worth mentioning this on your next call.

Scot_39

What's controlling power through the 2nd off peak meter.

If rts or electromechanical clock that might speed up process ?

Or are you beibg told in one of the national not spots for smart meter comms so not currently worth the upgrade ?

I had a "we have no appointments" from Octopus in spring- but the focus was likely on rts back then.

Vegastare

We have been with them several years never wanting smart meter however due to ev car and smart tariff applied for one - honestly waited two weeks - brilliant service from engineer on the day.  
Wonder if maybe we were in an area with smaller waiting list for installs.  It was mid Nov last year and 2 week wait.

Sailbad

Two very different experiences by Luci and Vegastare. Thanks.
I have emailed Octopus again with a complaint. Fingers crossed.