Meter certification date - dispute with Octopus

Scot_39

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82032560#Comment_82032560

If its smets - 1 or 2 - isnt it covered by new MID / in service testing ?

My smets1 isn't in the govt certification life tables for instance. And was pointed to OPSS MID in service testing for when will be pulled.

But as above Octopus can swap whenever, and the landlord is legally obliged to provide a suitable location for them to so so.

Perhaps the OP might have space for an off meter comms hub with Kaifa fl100 shoe / base extender to mount comms hub to side etc - but even long cable only c1m.

caravan_girl

Thanks all, it sounds like a situation where this isn't the battle to pick - I'll speak to the team whose care I'm under and try to get some support navigating having someone in my home and dealing with the LL.

luci

I may be wrong, but it reads to me as if it's an old style meter and not a smart meter.

caravan_girl

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82032624#Comment_82032624

Correct 🙂 it's a Landis + Gyr 5235A dumb meter with three years left on certification - I'm definitely not opposed to a smart meter but they are telling me my meter needs to be changed as it's out of certification, but it's not.

Due to my personal situation, I just wanted to make use of those years left, rather than feel pressured to have a new meter installed at a vulnerable time in my life where I could do without any stress.

It does sound like that's not possible though.

FreeBear

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82032604#Comment_82032604

Had Solarplicity install a smart meter (SMETS1) back in 2019. Switched to Outfox the Market a few months later. Had to give OFTM monthly readings because they couldn't access the meter directly. Two years later, moved to Eon who then installed a SMETS2 meter. Not having to give manual readings each month was a relief (grubbing around under the stairs to read a display at knee level is a pain).

Moved to Octopus, and had to get the meter replaced last year due to a fault (meter stopped recording usage). Again, a SMETS2 meter, so no grubbing around under the stairs to get to the meter. Octopus also supply a Home Mini so that I can access current usage via an app. App doesn't work for me, but I have other ways to access the data.

All three times the meter was changed, the process only took an hour or so (power had to be cut off during that time). All quite painless. The in house display has proved to be invaluable to monitor usage and catch the odd time when I've left a power hungry device turned on. The installers are used to dealing with vulnerable customers and will engage with you if you want, or quietly get on with the job while you sit down in another room.

caravan_girl

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82032660#Comment_82032660

This is really helpful - thanks very much.

QrizB

I think I've had four meter changes in the time I've been a homeowner.

In my previous house we started with a spinning disc meter, then it was switched to an electronic meter, then that was switched again to a different electronic meter.

In the current one we started with an electronic meter, which was switched to a different electronic meter, then switched to a SMETS2 smart meter.

None of the switches took more than an hour.

caravan_girl

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82032678#Comment_82032678

Could you tell me, did the smart meters take up any more room than the non smart meter? One of my concerns is that I was previously told there was no room for a smart meter in the current meter location, but that was when SMETS1 were still new.

Swipe

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82032704#Comment_82032704

In that case, there's a good chance there will be no room for your SMETS2 either and you can remain on your old meter. But you won't know for sure until the appointment takes place.

MattMattMattUK

Just a quick note to add, are you on the Priority Services Register as you mentioned you are disabled? It does not mean you can opt out of them installing a smart meter, but it does mean that they have to accommodate you as much as they can with timings, other issues etc.