Smart gas meter will never work. Has technology changed?

QrizB

That's very clean and tidy. I've got the same model of meter but mine's in a box outside my house that's popular with spiders!

Syno2001

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82082726#Comment_82082726

My house is built on a steep slope, so the garage is underground, under my house, so it's huge.

squirrelpie

Note that a meter not sending data to the supplier is excluded from the repair and compensation timetable."

Are you sure about that? That appears contradictory to what the MSE article states.

Well I based my comment on what the March MSE article says! It goes on to say:

You currently won't yet be compensated if your smart meter isn't sending
readings to your supplier and isn't fixed within 90 days; a rule Ofgem
has previously promised to implement. It says it is "currently working
on the details of this rule" with a view to "implementing it later this
year".

So now I'm pretty confused about what the actual situation is!

I'm pretty confused by this editor as well :( My text is in bold.

Ildhund

You currently won't yet be compensated if your smart meter isn't sending
readings to your supplier and isn't fixed within 90 days; a rule Ofgem
has previously promised to implement. 

The suppliers cried foul at this suggestion, because most of the problems with meters not communicating with suppliers arise from shortcomings in the smart meter radio network (SMWAN), which it's DCC's job to provide. The 'details' will presumably involve suppliers being reimbursed by DCC for any compensation they're required to pay, and an argument about who pays in the end. I expect it will be you and me via the standing charge.

squirrelpie

But as I understand it, the article in Feb was part 1 of the total
announcement (i.e. without meter communication element) and the Mar 2026
article then added the communication element, as was promised was still
to come in the earlier Feb article.

Sorry, I'm very confused now. The March article contains the text I quoted, which says communication problems are EXCLUDED! But it sounds like you're claiming the opposite.

Scot_39

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6677709/smart-gas-meter-will-never-work-has-technology-changed

yes

There is the initial basic single band han reports vary but say only good for 15m uninterrupted, realistically a few m with walls floors doors etc in the way.

https://www.smartme.co.uk/home-area-network

Then dual band han that extends range - would need both meters upgraded - it might have the range for your home as that site implies has range for mid rises / tenneements

Then there are various combinations of extenders that use combinations of devices - including a battery powered "bridge" device pairing that will sit on or near the gas meter then communicate to another to bridge the distance using lrr (radio) - see tge b1, b3 and b4 piccies here ot above link

https://forum.ovoenergy.com/smart-meters-136/alt-han-resumed-you-can-order-it-20036

(Although its in theory also possible that a supplier could fit a cradled comms hub just for the gas meter which would need a local power feed. I am not sure any have done do at scale)

Scot_39

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82082434#Comment_82082434

yes tge range has been jncreased in two steps

dual band han

alt han wired comms via mains b1+b2 type devices) and a long range bridge option for powerless meter locatiins b1 b3 battery powered b4)

https://www.smartme.co.uk/home-area-network

of course zigbee han isnt only used for meters - and their are third party extenders available for other applications - sone of which mention meters too.

Scot_39

And Octopus have told me that they do not currently supply Alt-HAN devices so that would seem to be a poor choice of tariff for the OP to choose/

Why - they are on the alt han co site as partners and their faqs include

https://octopus.energy/help-and-faqs/articles/smart-meter-booster/

although it says were installing -it links to a wait list request (edit - you need to sign in to see if that actually works and registers you on a queue).

Alt han is not that new anymore - it became open not trial release c July 2023 according to the smartme site linked above.

Chrysalis

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82082925#Comment_82082925

Their cry is weak, as an example in telecoms, Ofcom has agreement from broadband suppliers to compensate customers even when its the wholesale provider's fault, and guess what, the waiting time is nowhere near 90 days, its not even 30 days.
Ultimately if standards were raised, the market would improve itself, the suppliers instead of just washing their hands of every DCC issue with a "not me mate, cant fix", they would be forced to lobby harass, whatever is needed to get issues resolved as it would then be to protect their bottom line.
They even capitalising on Ofgem's weakness by pretending internal issues are the blame of the DCC network, when I moved to EON, the issue was entirely their side. I was informed by DCC., EON hadnt even requested anything from my meter. I am guessing DCC respond to consumers now as they getting sick of blamed for everything by the suppliers.

As things are when a meter hits problems, they very quick to move a customer to a SVR tariff as if its a nothing thing to do, and can even over bill customers on estimated readings when a meter dies. Its wild they can actually profit from a meter failure.

Sadly Ofgem is a captured regulator, it acts as if it needs suppliers permission to make rules, and relies on them to enforce rules. Wonder how many employees are ex industry.

squirrelpie

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82083152#Comment_82083152

I think we'll just have to agree to disagree. Your interpretation is very optimistic, mine is equally pessimistic. That article doesn't say one thing or the other, and I personally trust Ildhund's view.