Should I upgrade my BG smart meter?

Conrad3000

Hi all.

Received an email from British Gas saying:

"We’re currently in your area carrying out smart meter upgrades for our customers. As your smart meters are first-generation models, we’re getting in touch as we’d like to book you in for a free upgrade to newer, more efficient versions."

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I've not really had any issues with the current meter for a few years now. Should I upgrade or leave things as they for the time being?

I'm a bit sceptical about the new meters maybe giving a higher reading than my current one. Sounds daft but you can't trust the new tech being in your favour all the time.

Thanks.

QrizB

Take the upgrade.

The old SMETS1 meters have some issues; you might not have experienced them yet, but that doesn't mean you won't.

Also they only have a ten-year certified life, so (depending on when yours was fitted) you're going to be due a replacement on the next couple of years anyway.

Conrad3000

It was fitted in 2013.

QrizB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81939910#Comment_81939910

It's overdue, then!

What make and model is it?

Lorian

Get them swapped before the gas meter battery fails.

Conrad3000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81939913#Comment_81939913

Gas meter is a Landis+Gyr G370 and the electric one a Landis+Gyr E470.

Conrad3000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81939946#Comment_81939946

Apparently when the battery is failing, it begins to make a beeping sound. Haven't heard anything so far.

If it does, then obviously I'll get in touch with BG to replace the meter.

bob2302

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81939946#Comment_81939946

Assuming there is a gas meter. The OP wrote meter, meters came from BG's email, which may be a generic text. If it's just an electric meter supporting a TOU tariff, I'd want to know about what network is being used and its signal strength.

QrizB

Assuming there is a gas meter.

OP quite literally says they have a gas meter, two posts above yours.

Conrad3000

To.add; if the meters do get replaced, will the exact same readings from the old (meters) just get transferred to the new ones?

Or will they somehow be resetted, thereby messing up my bill?

Lorian

They typically start at zero, the meter person will leave you with a card showing old and new readings. They will submit the meter readings and you'll get billed up to date on the old meter readings. All being well :-)

All went without a hitch when I had mine replaced. You should get a new 5G compatible Comms hub I think too, assuming you are in the south.