Affinity Smart Meter not So Smart

TimeLord1

Ok, I'm unsure if it's an error or something else. Last August I was switched to a (SMART meter,) as they no longer wanted to send out someone to read the six meters under a manhole cover, so they assured me that switching it over, nobody would need to open the heavy cover and someone would just need to be within the area to get the readings, 🤔 so since it was fitted, every bill has arrived as estimated. What was the point in fitting the easier option if nothing improved? Does anybody else have a similar situation? To remove the cover you needs to pull hooks; it's also a fairly busy area. I'm messaging the social media contact trying to explain the issue of submitting actual readings. What really was the point of fitting a smart meter that clearly isn't working unless someone comes to visit the area.

MattMattMattUK

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6658132/affinity-smart-meter-not-so-smart

They normally only read them every six months, but that is on a cycle, it was only fitted in August which was 6-7 months ago depending exactly on when it was fitted. The monthly bill will be estimated, they will correct it once a year based on an actual reading, then after that they may amend each reading (roughly every six months, but can sometimes be longer, sometimes shorter.

The point of the smart meter (not SMART as it is not an acronym), is that they do not need to lift metal covers, just drive past the meter.

TimeLord1

So you're saying that they'll only check it possibly once a year. I will find out the reason for two bills was estimated before they changed it and meant to be accurate on the check again. Nobody did that because of this cover that didn't budge because of cars and trucks going over it. I don't know if they do something that they can give us to check the readings. Going to find out because no way am I attempting to open this cover; it's bad really 6 meters under that and doesn't budge.

MattMattMattUK

Yes, they may only check the meter once a year. It would be normal to be estimated and then an actual read at the point it was replaced, earlier estimated reads are on no way unusual, the reason will be because that is standard.

If you wanted to check their future reported readings you would need to lift the cover. It is very unlikely you will have issues with inaccurate reads from the smart meter, the way that system works that is highly improbable, but you will still get estimated reeds in between, although unless your usage fluctuates a lot then they are usually fairly accurate.

TimeLord1

I think when it was replaced, they just posted a card with new meter numbers, and the reading was all reset to zeros and there was no cutoff reading. Apparently they're coming to repair it again now and put a different access lid as that one the depth is wrong. I find the social media contact more helpful when you can submit images.