Threatening letter from Yorkshire water saying I must have a smart meter fitted.

OldBugger

Hi all. Last week I had a phone call from Yorkshire water wanting to book an appointment to exchange my meter for a smart meter. I said I wasn't interested and hung up.

Today I've received the attached threatening letter through the post. They are saying I have no option and have to have a smart meter fitted. My existing meter is only 4 years old and has only metered 109 cubic metres since being installed, so hardly worn out. Also my water meter in inside my property.

I do not want a smart meter as I believe they are detrimental to health. There is nothing wrong with my existing meter and I will not be letting them into my house (which is private rental) to fit a new one. I'm 68 and vulnerable with poor health. What are my options please.

born_again

I believe they are detrimental to health

In what way?

YW send vans round to read the meters, all they do is simply drive past & it picks up the reading from your meter.

OldBugger

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82054254#Comment_82054254

Have a read of this. EMF radiation

KittenChops

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82054254#Comment_82054254

If it's a "proper" smart meter, I think it should work like a smart electricity/gas meter, collecting & sending regular readings - rather than that van driving past every 6 months - as there's a part of the letter that references reducing water leaks
Either way, I'd also be interested to know in what way the OP thinks it could be detrimental to health?

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82054288#Comment_82054288

Which is there whether you have one or not. You do realise that they are Americian?

OldBugger

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82054301#Comment_82054301

See the link in the post above and it will explain.

KittenChops

According to AI on a google search - all plugged in appliances produce EMF even when turned off - so that's your kettle, toaster, washing machine, hair dryer, electric blanket, oven, TV, radio etc etc…

Reed_Richards

If it's a "proper" smart meter, I think it should work like a smart electricity/gas meter, collecting & sending regular readings

If you use your mobile phone on trains, you have probably experienced getting cut-off when the train passes through a tunnel. For the same reason a smart meter down a shaft underground will struggle to transmit a signal in any other direction that straight up that shaft.

This also means that you will be shielded from any radiation you think could be harmful unless you are standing directly above the meter.

OldBugger

You all seem to be missing the point of my thread.

There are no leaks at my property. The water meter is inside my property under the kitchen sink and there is nothing wrong with it. My bills are accurate as I send meter readings.

What gives this private company the right to make threats to a pensioner who, for whatever reason, does not want a smart meter fitted.

There are thousands of customers out there who don't have any meter fitted. They are not being forced to have a meter fitted of any kind.

KittenChops

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82054323#Comment_82054323

Respectfully, I don't think we are missing the point. You said a meter would be detrimental to health - so we addressed that.

Now you say it's about leaks. Perhaps you absolutely don't have any leaks at present. Perhaps you might have in future.

Ofwat, the water regulator, has tasked the water companies with reducing water leaks / reducing wastage.

Also, the meter belongs to the supplier, and they get to choose.

Edited to add - re your own health - are you on their priority service register?

daveyjp

A useful device, as unlike gas and electricity, they can identify any leaks after the meter quickly based on your typical consumption. My parents had a call from YW about a spike in their water use. A toilet was leaking and they were unaware.