FabSwingers.com forum: Smart Meters

By *melie LAL OP Woman
over a year ago

Peterborough

Your views- glad you have one, why? Regret it, why?

Still undecided like me?

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By *ingo00Man
over a year ago

Cowley

I have one and like it, I like seeing my usage and not having to remember to give the readings

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I don't have one and don't particularly want one either

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Smart.. Haha they are not.

Pay as you..

Still free is much better

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By *ools and the brainCouple
over a year ago

couple, us we him her.

Analogue all the way baby, until they are kicking our front door down gonna fight to retain the one we've had for years.

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By *r GLTMan
over a year ago

Richmond Upon Thames

I've had one for a few years now did not realise i was getting one when i switched contracts. I have no problem with it i can see what i'm using etc.

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By *entle_lover_xMan
over a year ago

Great Dunmow

Yep got one and like it. Good to see usage in real time and saves messing around with meter readings and potentially substantially under or over paying. Maybe there are some good reasons against but nothing obvious and I struggle to understand the really strong objections some people have.

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By *obilebottomMan
over a year ago

All over

I have them pestering me to have one and in one message they implied I had to. I called them and told them on what basis and they backed down. I will not have one unless I have to. I provide my readings electrinically monthly. I don't want to keep looking at how much I spent everytime I put my kettle on

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By *arkus1812Man
over a year ago

Lifes departure lounge NN9 Northamptonshire East not West MidlandsMidlands

"I don't have one and don't particularly want one either "

Likewise for me.

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By *apxxxWoman
over a year ago

North Shropshire not Wales!!!ffs & Manchester

Its not compulsory to have one so I'm not..although the electricity companies try and force you to get one!!..when they ring up and try to persuade you to swap over tell them you will when its compulsory, they want you to have one because every meter they install they are subsidised by the government

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By *UGGYBEAR2015Man
over a year ago

BRIDPORT

"Its not compulsory to have one so I'm not..although the electricity companies try and force you to get one!!..when they ring up and try to persuade you to swap over tell them you will when its compulsory, they want you to have one because every meter they install they are subsidised by the government "

I came on to write something but it’s gone completely out of my head, I got so distracted by your cleavage.

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By *apxxxWoman
over a year ago

North Shropshire not Wales!!!ffs & Manchester

I came on to write something but it’s gone completely out of my head, I got so distracted by your cleavage. "

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've got one, sits in the kitchen and I take no real notice of it. Don't see the fuss really

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

They’re alright. Stops the possibility of over or under paying because you and they both know exactly how much you’ve used.

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

I came on to write something but it’s gone completely out of my head, I got so distracted by your cleavage. "

What he meant to say was .... elect ooooooo boobies ... boobs.. tits, mammaries ...... norks....mummyyyyy mmmm yum ...... tricity is very expensive these days.

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By *entle_lover_xMan
over a year ago

Great Dunmow

Should say as well if anybody is on Pay as You Go or rents out property and has a PAYG meter then smart meters are a game changer. Instead of trips to the shops to top up you can do it all online 24 hours a day.

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By *UGGYBEAR2015Man
over a year ago

BRIDPORT

I came on to write something but it’s gone completely out of my head, I got so distracted by your cleavage.

What he meant to say was .... elect ooooooo boobies ... boobs.. tits, mammaries ...... norks....mummyyyyy mmmm yum ...... tricity is very expensive these days."

Ah, you know me so well Granny

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By *luebell888Woman
over a year ago

Glasgowish

Mine has been unplugged and in a drawer for years.

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By *tephTV67TV/TS
over a year ago

Cheshire

Due to get one next week as where I lived we had a power cut on Saturday night. Everyone around my areas lights came back on but my electricity was still off. Contacted my supplier who told me I have a prepayment meter and it was out of money. You can guess what came next ….I pay by DD !

Anyway when the engineer finally arrived late Sunday morning he said he’d get my meter changed over to a smart meter. He has one likes them as he can see what he’s using. I have a temporary meter in and currently not being charged for my leccy

so I’m feeling very warm today with the heating on

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By *otsossieMan
over a year ago

Chesterfield

I reckon they read a lot higher than the old meters!

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By *entle_lover_xMan
over a year ago

Great Dunmow

"I reckon they read a lot higher than the old meters!"

Why do you think that? Sure you haven't confused that with rising electricity prices?

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By *entle_lover_xMan
over a year ago

Great Dunmow

"Due to get one next week as where I lived we had a power cut on Saturday night. Everyone around my areas lights came back on but my electricity was still off. Contacted my supplier who told me I have a prepayment meter and it was out of money. You can guess what came next ….I pay by DD !

so I’m feeling very warm today with the heating on

That's bizarre but good chance to charge up any sex toy for free

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By *otsossieMan
over a year ago

Chesterfield

"I reckon they read a lot higher than the old meters!

Why do you think that? Sure you haven't confused that with rising electricity prices?

No, doing a ready reckoner in the head with daily costs against bills, they seem to read high.

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By *heVonMatterhornsCouple
over a year ago

Lincoln

"I reckon they read a lot higher than the old meters!

Why do you think that? Sure you haven't confused that with rising electricity prices?

No, doing a ready reckoner in the head with daily costs against bills, they seem to read high. "

If you've got a genuine worry it's overreading, you can have it independently checked for free. But if it's found to be accurate you *may* have to pay the cost of the check to your provider.

LvM

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By *hristopherd999Man
over a year ago

Brentwood

Waste of time for the consumer, I want to know what appliances are costing me not just a running total, they're geared up for the companies not the customer, also why does it show higher amount on some days when I'm not even at home

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By *adMerWoman
over a year ago

Sandwich

"I reckon they read a lot higher than the old meters!

Why do you think that? Sure you haven't confused that with rising electricity prices?

No, doing a ready reckoner in the head with daily costs against bills, they seem to read high. "

I noticed an increase in cost after I had my smart meter fitted yet the kw/h price hadn’t increased at the time.

My gas smart meter doesn’t work and I prefer just reading the meter monthly.

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By *tephTV67TV/TS
over a year ago

Cheshire

so I’m feeling very warm today with the heating on

That's bizarre but good chance to charge up any sex toy for free

There is an open house policy for any lady on here.

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

I got mine years ago.

I got it because I took their offer of free electric or gas on a Saturday or Sunday for 18 months.

I chose Saturday free electric. Fuck me for 18 months that house had never been so hot. Fan heaters blowing morning , nooon n night. Everything washed n tumbled on a Saturday. Curtains , rugs, carpets never so clean .... those were the days

Exciting!

Benefits of a smart meter are VERY limited and are really for the benefit of the company. I like it because I don't have to be in for the meter man. I like it because I can put a device on and work out how much it costs to run and I can shout fucking thieving bastards every know n then , especially when I see how much the standing charges are even if you don't touch on kw of fuel.

Other than that they don't save you a penny. I'd rather have it than not have it though

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As soon as I seen it is a "government backed scheme" out of badness I will not get one

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By *rooMan
over a year ago

Nottinghamshire

Had one at old house,was OK, constantly badgered by my energy company to have one, not this time, I do my readings monthly, so my bills should be right, they put the price up when they like, bloody leeches, I'll never have one with them

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

"As soon as I seen it is a "government backed scheme" out of badness I will not get one "

You are pure evil ..

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By *orny-DJMan
over a year ago

Leigh-on-Sea

"I don't have one and don't particularly want one either "

Same here

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By *otsossieMan
over a year ago

Chesterfield

You can easily see what appliances are costing you by turning all the other ones off.

Mine goes batshit (as expected) with anything which gives out heat.

4p/hr baseline jumps to 60p/hr if you put the kettle on.

It thinks I’ve spent £1.30 already today and I’ve done nowt!

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By *lynJMan
over a year ago

Morden

If you have a smart meter, just watch out for the leccy company putting you on to a pre-pay contract without telling you.

When my partner died and I was trying to take over the contract, the leccy company did that to me. It took months to almost get it sorted. It's back to a credit meter but separate accounts for gas and electricity rather than one for both, which is what it had been.

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By *hastityPleasureGiverMan
over a year ago

Rotherham

I don't have one and don't want one.

I don't actually the point of a smart gas meter as you know when you are using gas as the house is warm.

It is semi useful for electric and phantom drain but I use smart plugs for that data.

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By *iss DevilWoman
over a year ago

Bedford

"I have them pestering me to have one and in one message they implied I had to. I called them and told them on what basis and they backed down. I will not have one unless I have to. I provide my readings electrinically monthly. I don't want to keep looking at how much I spent everytime I put my kettle on "

This! I've had Scottish Power pestering me, implying I have to have one. Not until my old one needs replacing, thank you.

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By *trideMan
over a year ago

Plymouth

There are some very good reasons why the electric companies are so desperate to make us all use smart meters:

They allow the companies to make their human meter readers redundant

They can see exactly where their electricity is going in real time, which helps with supply scheduling, repairs and maintenance periods, etc.

And most important of all, a call centre operator in the black hole of Calcutta can turn off your power supply instantly, at any time at all, without your prior knowledge or consent

Click!

All gone!

Because the computer screen told him to.

The companies have to get court orders to disconnect customers who still have “stupid” meters.

If you want to save electricity, don’t switch on appliances which use a lot of it. Look at the information plate on the appliance. It will show the power usage as a number of watts or kilowatts (= 1,000 watts).

An old fashion light bulb may have been rated at 100 watts.

An electric heater may be rated at 1 kilowatt = 1,000 watts.

The heater will use electricity 10 times faster then the bulb did.

A LED light may be rated at 10 watts

The old fashion 100 watt bulb used electricity 10 times faster then the LED bulb does.

No need to watch any sort of meter to discover how to save electricity.

WARNING: If you have a smart meter, always be nice to call centre operators in the black hole of Calcutta on the phone. OR ELSE!!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

o actually install elec and gas smart meters. they are great when they work but if signal drops/no signal they won't send reads. not great if your a top up customer

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By *hastityPleasureGiverMan
over a year ago

Rotherham

Our opinion on smart meters are irrelevant as everyone will be on them within 10 years , as existing devices break you will be forced over. There is also a lifespan on the meters so even working ones will be replaced after certification of validity date has expired

The worrying this is the change of rules , where the regulator has allowed energy companies to charge companies for replacement of broken smart meters ( not all companies do this), the smart meters technically don't belong to us it's owned by energy companies so how they ruled this is beyond me.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"There are some very good reasons why the electric companies are so desperate to make us all use smart meters:

They allow the companies to make their human meter readers redundant

They can see exactly where their electricity is going in real time, which helps with supply scheduling, repairs and maintenance periods, etc.

And most important of all, a call centre operator in the black hole of Calcutta can turn off your power supply instantly, at any time at all, without your prior knowledge or consent

Click!

All gone!

Because the computer screen told him to.

The companies have to get court orders to disconnect customers who still have “stupid” meters.

An old fashion light bulb may have been rated at 100 watts.

An electric heater may be rated at 1 kilowatt = 1,000 watts.

The heater will use electricity 10 times faster then the bulb did.

A LED light may be rated at 10 watts

The old fashion 100 watt bulb used electricity 10 times faster then the LED bulb does.

No need to watch any sort of meter to discover how to save electricity.

WARNING: If you have a smart meter, always be nice to call centre operators in the black hole of Calcutta on the phone. OR ELSE!!!

*Kolkata

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

Not got 1 nor interested. A massive leak of public funds to their wealthy chums

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By *estinyIsAllCouple
over a year ago

Staffordshire

We loved ours until it died. Have asked Ovo three times in the last year to replace it and got the "an engineer will be in touch about a visit" that never comes. Given up now so just use the app. Great to see what we use and when it's the most expensive.

D x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"As soon as I seen it is a "government backed scheme" out of badness I will not get one

You are pure evil ..

I'd much rather crawl under the stairs every 6 month and submit a reading, I usually do it the day before the meter man comes out so the company has to pay him too, robbing twats that they are

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Honestly it was a novelty that wore off quick. I don't even look at it now. I forget it exists.

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By *ad NannaWoman
over a year ago

East London

I can look down at my little hub thingy, see it's showing 75p per hour and shout upstairs to my son to turn his heater/fan off.

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By *usie pTV/TS
over a year ago

taunton

I don't think the screen thing you have inside your house is the actual smart meter, that is only for you to monitor consumption etc you can turn that off, it is useful to remind you to switch things off, it is making me think how much a fridge and freezer are using as each morning when I get up it is reading around a £ of use and they are the only two things running during the night.

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By *heikyerboutiMan
over a year ago

Hinckley

Got one a couple of weeks ago as the old one was no longer covered.

Hasn't made a blind bit of difference to my life

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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago

Dubai & Nottingham

Good to know how much you are using at different times of the year or when putting on the hot tub

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By *ldgeezermeMan
over a year ago

Newcastle

"I reckon they read a lot higher than the old meters!"

Quite possible that your old meter was under measuring due to its age

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Whats the negative in having one I didnt even realise this was a thing people worried about?

I know the positives, you can see in real time what you are using and the grid better understands when people use it and they can allow for trends

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

"I don't think the screen thing you have inside your house is the actual smart meter, that is only for you to monitor consumption etc you can turn that off, it is useful to remind you to switch things off, it is making me think how much a fridge and freezer are using as each morning when I get up it is reading around a £ of use and they are the only two things running during the night."

I agree with you susie. We say we read the smart meter when we mean we read the monitor that is connected to the meter.

Mine fell down the back of the music system some time ago.

It's still there

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

my meter is where it's always been. In a dank, dark cupboard, where spiders live

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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago

Dubai & Nottingham

"my meter is where it's always been. In a dank, dark cupboard, where spiders live"

I had a house once assume was used for something dodgy. When we finally found a meter in the cellar, it was mains tapped off before the meter running all the way to up into the loft!!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Your views- glad you have one, why? Regret it, why?

Still undecided like me?"

Came with the house and I plan it so I'm in credit am in credit all year round.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I've got one, sits in the kitchen and I take no real notice of it. Don't see the fuss really"

Same here ... i ignore it mostly. It's no different to how it was before

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By *melie LAL OP Woman
over a year ago

Peterborough

I've ignored all the tempting and coercing emails I've received.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Absolutely terrible. Had loads of trouble, day/ night numbers keep getting mixed up, times messed up, no bills for months on end.

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By *melie LAL OP Woman
over a year ago

Peterborough

If it serves no benefit, I'll keep the status quo.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Your views- glad you have one, why? Regret it, why?

Still undecided like me?"

Very happy with mine. I do pay as you go on direct debit monthly and keeps the huge bills away

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By *hatBeardedChapMan
over a year ago

Birmingham

the electric part of it hasn't worked since a month after its install and we've had 2 engineers out neither managed to get working so it's a pretty dumb meter for me

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By *hastityPleasureGiverMan
over a year ago

Rotherham

"If it serves no benefit, I'll keep the status quo."

That is exactly right unless you have solar, an EV, house batteries or a heat pump and can make use of time of day tariffs properly

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By *ynecplCouple
over a year ago

Newcastle upon Tyne

For energy very happy with ours. We were an early adopter many many years ago and it is so much easier. Not having to provide reading is a big bonus as our meters are tucked away at the back of the cupboard under the stairs and were a pain to get to. The there is the ability to see usage and control our direct debit accordingly.

We don't have a water meter and are unsure if we want one. Our daughter has one and has had nothing but trouble with the water company over charging her and not being prepared to look at it even though they seem to be using the same amount of water as a housing estate. They have only started investigating when she threatened to go to offwat and already her bill has drop by two thirds. They are now just arguing over previous months bills.

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By *ehindHerEyesCouple
over a year ago

SomewhereOnlyWeKnow

I have one, dont pay anymore than I did on the old style meter. Don't have the display panel plugged in so don't see what is being used, just check my meter the day they do the remote reading to make sure it matches

Tinder

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By *ll4givingMan
over a year ago

WsM

Currently not convinced but it's annoying that they try to pressure you to have one. Does seem more benefit to the energy company than the user

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By *ig1gaz1Man
over a year ago

bradford

Id rather stick with the normal meter

It dosnt save anything other than make you watch for so long and reduce where you can.

What I dont like is the bias there implying that you cant have the decent tarrifs unless you have the meter installed and thats coercion.

Ico should be stamping this out and there doing nothing about it.

What the new meter stands for is new tarrifs at peak times, The abilty to turn you off without a court order.

Turn offs will also happen if the grid is stretched too thin and the poorer working class will be shut off so the richer ends will stay on.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

defo no negatives just a meter that sends reads instead of you doing it

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By *ermite12ukMan
over a year ago

Solihull and Brentwood

British Gas are asholes:

My meter is in an outside part of the block of flats I live in and has around 40 meters in there.

They never gave me a reduction for making their meter readers redundant. As such, it will be a cold day in hell before I provide them with a meter reading.

They've also fucked up my online details. So can't even if I wanted to, register my meter readings on line.

If I was offered a smart meter. I would take it though.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The actual reason for smart meters was to make consumers aware of what they are using to save energy as we consume more than the infrastructure can deal with, there’s no way they could renew it so they thought to make people aware how much money they waste leaving electric good on stby etc

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By *SCouple81Couple
over a year ago

Between Edinburgh and Scottish Borders

Have one but it's just bloody annoying. I don't think it changes anything.

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By *ootnootboopCouple
over a year ago

Cheshire

We have one and are on a smart time of use tarrif, so get off peak (00:30-4:30) at 9p/kwh and our daytime rate is only .03p/kwh higher...

Only available for smart meters and EV drivers so there's an advantage!

The car, washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher all go on at that time to maximise the cost savings

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By *teveanddebsCouple
over a year ago

Norwich

I don't need a little box to tell me that if I turn things off I'll use less electricity

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By *ustamanMan
over a year ago

weymouth

I've a colleague who's smart meter has stopped communicating, gas supplier asked him to take a meter reading but he couldn't due to the display not working. They are quoting 3month lead time to replace and they'll estimate his usage. I told him to send a strongly worded email stating that since no functioning calibrated meter is installed you can't charge me for gas until it's replaced.

I suspect an argument will ensue but he needs to stand firm

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By *ig1gaz1Man
over a year ago

bradford

"We have one and are on a smart time of use tarrif, so get off peak (00:30-4:30) at 9p/kwh and our daytime rate is only .03p/kwh higher...

The car, washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher all go on at that time to maximise the cost savings

Ive seen enough burnt plugs under worktops to know its dangerous, as much as the items being used at night is a high risk of fire with faults theres no way id be using them at that time of night whilst in bed asleep.

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By *ookie46Woman
over a year ago

Deepest darkest Peru

I have one and don’t mind it. My youngest son who has autism is obsessed with it and he’s now the gas and electric police, making sure we don’t spend too much and he watches the change in our habits

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By *ose-tinted GlassesMan
over a year ago

Glasgow / London

"I have one and don’t mind it. My youngest son who has autism is obsessed with it and he’s now the gas and electric police, making sure we don’t spend too much and he watches the change in our habits "

I love this. What a perfect unexpected side effect.

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By *rozac_fairyCouple
over a year ago

Tamworth

Have one, think it's great tbh, much more convenient. Also no standing charge, ours was only 50p a day anyway but when we had a huge leak and all the electrics were knocked out for 2 weeks, 50p a day for electric we xouldnt use and was switched off by the suppliers, just because we have a meter seemed unreasonable

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By *ig1gaz1Man
over a year ago

bradford

"The actual reason for smart meters was to make consumers aware of what they are using to save energy as we consume more than the infrastructure can deal with, there’s no way they could renew it so they thought to make people aware how much money they waste leaving electric good on stby etc "

Thats what your lead to believe, the meter dosnt save a penny its all down to you

the real truth its for there new tariffs and theres 4 of them.

high peak 7-9am and tea time high peak 4-6pm

standared daytime peak charge

an evening tariff and then theres your night tariff

the infastructure is poor due to payouts to shareholders not being put back into the system and of coarse they will have there hands out for the grants that they will get to upgrade the system.

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By *ullyMan
over a year ago

Near Clacton

That one of yours hanging upside down with the magnets on it??

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Thats what your lead to believe, the meter dosnt save a penny its all down to you

the real truth its for there new tariffs and theres 4 of them.

high peak 7-9am and tea time high peak 4-6pm

standared daytime peak charge

an evening tariff and then theres your night tariff

the infastructure is poor due to payouts to shareholders not being put back into the system and of coarse they will have there hands out for the grants that they will get to upgrade the system."

It’s not what I’m lead to believe it’s the reason for smart meters, yet they do exactly the same as the old style meters but give people a better understanding of their personal energy usage…

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By *elvet RopeMan
over a year ago

by the big field

Thats what your lead to believe, the meter dosnt save a penny its all down to you

the real truth its for there new tariffs and theres 4 of them.

high peak 7-9am and tea time high peak 4-6pm

standared daytime peak charge

an evening tariff and then theres your night tariff

the infastructure is poor due to payouts to shareholders not being put back into the system and of coarse they will have there hands out for the grants that they will get to upgrade the system."

I plan on being one of the last to change- even then i'll be fitting my own meter as a backup to monitor what i'm actually using. Its also going to be interesting seeing how they read it as theres bugger all phone signal where i live.

Going by the old internet adage that if something is free, you're the product, so right thinking company would give you something for free that was also going to cost them money. I'm also currently looking at fitting enough solar panels and storage to pretty much cut them out of the loop if i can.

At that point, i'm also off grid with no gas and no drainage, will be more than happy to fuck off the power lot if i can

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By *crumdiddlyumptiousMan
over a year ago

As soon as they reach a tipping point and x amount of the country have them they will make it compulsory for every home to have them fitted, No facts just my opinion

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By *9 kisses.Man
over a year ago

clacton on sea

I don't have one nor will ever get one,

There is a reason why America and Canada have banned them,

Google it,

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By *trideMan
over a year ago

Plymouth

""... the black hole of Calcutta ..."

*Kolkata"

The Black Hole of Calcutta was a dungeon in Fort William, Calcutta, measuring 14 by 18 feet (4.3 m × 5.5 m), in which troops of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, held British prisoners of war on the night of 20 June 1756.? John Zephaniah Holwell, one of the British prisoners and an employee of the East India Company, said that 146 surviving British soldiers, Indian sepoys, and Indian civilians were imprisoned overnight in conditions so cramped that 123 people died from suffocation and heat exhaustion.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I don't have one nor will ever get one,

There is a reason why America and Canada have banned them,

Google it, "

I've googled and I dont see anything other than people afraid of them having knowledge of power usage ? Ik not sure what nefarious power they would use with knowledge of when your use power

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

An oxymoron if ever there was one.

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By *9 kisses.Man
over a year ago

clacton on sea

"I don't have one nor will ever get one,

There is a reason why America and Canada have banned them,

Google it,

I've googled and I dont see anything other than people afraid of them having knowledge of power usage ? Ik not sure what nefarious power they would use with knowledge of when your use power "

Smart meters give off more radiation than a microwave,

Hence why america wanted it banned,

And no doubt your smart meter I'd sitting in your kitchen near your microwave

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By *icolerobbieCouple
over a year ago

walsall

Thats what your lead to believe, the meter dosnt save a penny its all down to you

the real truth its for there new tariffs and theres 4 of them.

high peak 7-9am and tea time high peak 4-6pm

standared daytime peak charge

an evening tariff and then theres your night tariff

the infastructure is poor due to payouts to shareholders not being put back into the system and of coarse they will have there hands out for the grants that they will get to upgrade the system.

It’s not what I’m lead to believe it’s the reason for smart meters, yet they do exactly the same as the old style meters but give people a better understanding of their personal energy usage…"

The main difference is your supply can be cut off remotely.

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By *trideMan
over a year ago

Plymouth

I've googled and I dont see anything other than people afraid of them having knowledge of power usage ? Ik not sure what nefarious power they would use with knowledge of when your use power "

To turn off your supply of electricity if you have a “dumb” meter inside your home, the supply company has to get a court order to gain access to it.

To turn off your supply of electricity if you have a “smart” meter inside your home, the supply company has to tap a computer key.

Once the company has cut off your supply for any reason, including by mistake, it will dictate what payment arrangements you will have to agree to before it is switched on again.

You will be forced to pay them for electricity BEFORE you use it.

Does your employer pay your wages before you do any work?

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By *j202293Man
over a year ago

South Wales

Don’t get one if you already have a good deal, just sent regular meter readings

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By *trideMan
over a year ago

Plymouth

BBC Online News:

“Energy firms held a combined £8.1bn of customers' bill overpayments at the start of 2023, new Ofgem figures show.”

The money-grabbers are hanging on to £8,100,000,000 of our money, interest-free. Surely this £8 billion should be earning interest for us in our bank accounts?

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By *ermite12ukMan
over a year ago

Solihull and Brentwood

Just paid £32 for the privilege, of using no gas whatsoever.

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By *TG3Man
over a year ago

Dorchester

"Your views- glad you have one, why? Regret it, why?

Still undecided like me?"
don't do it, trust me youll spend your whole life watching it

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By *lderflower_AppleWoman
over a year ago

Basingstoke

I have one. Never look at it! But it does mean I never have to submit a meter reading.

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By *oni-massage-guyMan
over a year ago

Fareham

All about control. Like everything happening out there at the moment. Once all on meters watch!! They'll start off offering cheap tarrifs at certain times ie.when they know you don't use much and then gradually hike your peak usage tarrif through the roof so you're cooking dinner and doing laundry at 3am!!

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By *ase4122Man
over a year ago

Lancashire

"Your views- glad you have one, why? Regret it, why?

Still undecided like me?"

Got one, it faces a wall in my utility as I can't handle watching the number click up and up

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By *rMonkeyMan
over a year ago

Somewhere

"BBC Online News:

“Energy firms held a combined £8.1bn of customers' bill overpayments at the start of 2023, new Ofgem figures show.”

The money-grabbers are hanging on to £8,100,000,000 of our money, interest-free. Surely this £8 billion should be earning interest for us in our bank accounts?

You do know you can call them and ask for it back, they're not allowed to refuse if you're upto date on your account.

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By *obilebottomMan
over a year ago

All over

"I don't have one nor will ever get one,

There is a reason why America and Canada have banned them,

Google it, "

Sadly of your current onr comes to 'end of life' or certification,almost no company will replace it with an old type again and they will install a smart meter. In many cases you can ask to put it on 'dumb' mode so in essence still functions like the old ones and you have to send meter readings. I am still resisting getting one but not sure what will happen as have been told that is coming to the end of its certification. Also, just to say that one or two companies do pay some interest on accumulated credit and as others said, they have to refund it if you request it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Meters have allowed energy companies to reduce their costs.

As a general rule anything listed as "smart" I avoid

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By *ig1gaz1Man
over a year ago

bradford

Then theres the data collection charge that you will be charged for per hr.

So whilst the energy companies no longer pay meter readers, instead you will be charged for the collection of this data.

As it already happens to businesses they have to pay another company to collect this data so the energy company can charge you.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West

"Just paid £32 for the privilege, of using no gas whatsoever.

Not even any hot water? Or cooking (if you cook on gas?)

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By *melie LAL OP Woman
over a year ago

Peterborough

"We have one and are on a smart time of use tarrif, so get off peak (00:30-4:30) at 9p/kwh and our daytime rate is only .03p/kwh higher...

Only available for smart meters and EV drivers so there's an advantage!

The car, washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher all go on at that time to maximise the cost savings

I have the old economy seven

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By *melie LAL OP Woman
over a year ago

Peterborough

"BBC Online News:

“Energy firms held a combined £8.1bn of customers' bill overpayments at the start of 2023, new Ofgem figures show.”

The money-grabbers are hanging on to £8,100,000,000 of our money, interest-free. Surely this £8 billion should be earning interest for us in our bank accounts?

I've just reduced my direct debit. It can go back up to my monthly usage amount, when my credit reduces. My credit is enough to cover my winter increase.

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By *melie LAL OP Woman
over a year ago

Peterborough

"Your views- glad you have one, why? Regret it, why?

Still undecided like me?don't do it, trust me youll spend your whole life watching it

I prefer the TV

, has more channels.

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By *melie LAL OP Woman
over a year ago

Peterborough

"I don't have one nor will ever get one,

There is a reason why America and Canada have banned them,

Google it,

I've had that threat too. How long does the certification last?

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By *melie LAL OP Woman
over a year ago

Peterborough

"Meters have allowed energy companies to reduce their costs.

As a general rule anything listed as "smart" I avoid

When replacing boiler I had option of free upgrade to smart doodah. Refused.

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By *melie LAL OP Woman
over a year ago

Peterborough

"Just paid £32 for the privilege, of using no gas whatsoever.

Not even any hot water? Or cooking (if you cook on gas?)"

Standing charge is my guess.

About time they did away with that.

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By *TG3Man
over a year ago

Dorchester

"Your views- glad you have one, why? Regret it, why?

Still undecided like me?don't do it, trust me youll spend your whole life watching it

I prefer the TV

, has more channels."
yes it may have but a smart meter has no adverts

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By *melie LAL OP Woman
over a year ago

Peterborough

"Your views- glad you have one, why? Regret it, why?

Still undecided like me?don't do it, trust me youll spend your whole life watching it

I prefer the TV

, has more channels.yes it may have but a smart meter has no adverts

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West

"Just paid £32 for the privilege, of using no gas whatsoever.

Not even any hot water? Or cooking (if you cook on gas?)

Standing charge is my guess.

About time they did away with that."

Yes, I'm sure it's partly standing charge, but surely that commentator has used hot water over the summer?! If he has gas CH, the hot water almost certainly is via the gas boiler too. Hence the gas being used, at least a little bit of it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've had that threat too. How long does the certification last?"

Usually 10-30 years, depends what the manufacturer says and the local network can have its own rules too

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By *ozapperMan
over a year ago

Lancashire

We loved ours until April when we changed tariff as we monitored usage on a week by week basis.

Since then it hasn't worked and we are still waiting for a replacement....

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By *9alMan
over a year ago

Bridgend

I had some soler panels installed so had to have a smart meter installed to get paid for exported power, its ok but difficult to read , I have kept my old gas meter for now

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By *trideMan
over a year ago

Plymouth

You can prevent your money-grabbing electricity supplier from communicating with your smart meter by enclosing it in a shield, guard or cage.

These are available from the USA in the form of wire mesh Faraday cages which slot over the meters.

Alternatively, you could enclose your meter in any material which conducts electricity, e.g. metal duct tape (not the plastic substitute), real tinfoil (not the plastic substitute), a copper or aluminium box, etc. Make sure that the cable entry and exit holes are as small as possible.

Test your blocker by trying to phone your mobile when it’s inside.

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By *icolerobbieCouple
over a year ago

walsall

"You can prevent your money-grabbing electricity supplier from communicating with your smart meter by enclosing it in a shield, guard or cage.

These are available from the USA in the form of wire mesh Faraday cages which slot over the meters.

Test your blocker by trying to phone your mobile when it’s inside.

You min a tin foil hat for your meter? I like it.

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By *heikyerboutiMan
over a year ago

Hinckley

"I don't have one nor will ever get one,

There is a reason why America and Canada have banned them,

Google it,

I've had that threat too. How long does the certification last?"

Mine was 30 years, I just gave in eventually. As I said, it's not affected my life at all. Other than the fact I can reduce my monthly bills on the app now, rather than arguing over the phone with them

Over £500 in credit, so I've dropped the monthly D/D by £30/month.

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By *trideMan
over a year ago

Plymouth

Some questions for any electricians reading this:

Can you certify that my old analogue meter is still recording consumption correctly so that the supply company can’t fit a new smart meter?

Can you install and certify a new “dumb” meter that I buy on Ebay so that the supply company can’t fit a new smart meter?

Can we force the supply companies to re-certify our correctly functioning non-smart meters?

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By *eah BabyCouple
over a year ago

Cheshire, Windermere ,Cumbria

[Removed by poster at 08/10/23 20:06:20]

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By *eah BabyCouple
over a year ago

Cheshire, Windermere ,Cumbria

"We loved ours until April when we changed tariff as we monitored usage on a week by week basis.

Since then it hasn't worked and we are still waiting for a replacement.... "

Same here, the last few months ours always got an alert on it (told us it’s poor WiFi area) the tariff is incorrect but said they will change it, we can’t have a new one as they say they are not in our area although heard of people having them pushed on them locally who don’t want them so makes no sense

not that we would use more or less energy if it was working properly just like to know

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By *obilebottomMan
over a year ago

All over

"Some questions for any electricians reading this:

Can you certify that my old analogue meter is still recording consumption correctly so that the supply company can’t fit a new smart meter?

Can you install and certify a new “dumb” meter that I buy on Ebay so that the supply company can’t fit a new smart meter?

Can we force the supply companies to re-certify our correctly functioning non-smart meters?

Good questions. I was wondering wether any qualied electician and gas engineer could do that as Ibam pretty sure the provider will start pestering soon again.

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By *annessaTV/TS
over a year ago

Denham

The whole point of Smart meters is that in a few years time power companies would like to bring in variable tariffs. At peak hours electricity & gas will be more expensive, also if you have an EV and a special charge point they can introduce another Tariff for that, yes they can cut you off without visiting you, it’s pretty unlikely. Variable Tariffs are the main reason.

BTW the new cheeky way they force you to change is tell you Yu our existing meter has run out of its certification ! ! ! And the only supply Smart Meters now.

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By *i1971Man
over a year ago

Cornwall

Being on Economy 7, the signal that switches tariff is being switched off in March 2024.

Continually being bombarded with the electricity company saying they need to replace the meter but fed up of the scaremongering bullshit that my heating/water heater won't work (it will), and the smart meter will save me money (guarantee it won't & the display will stay in the box)

Will have to change meters eventually sadly ??

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By *ootyfruityCouple
over a year ago

andover

It works well with our electric vehicle charging, our tarrif is great through octopus

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By *ustamanMan
over a year ago

weymouth

"Some questions for any electricians reading this:

Can you certify that my old analogue meter is still recording consumption correctly so that the supply company can’t fit a new smart meter?

Can you install and certify a new “dumb” meter that I buy on Ebay so that the supply company can’t fit a new smart meter?

Can we force the supply companies to re-certify our correctly functioning non-smart meters?

Good questions. I was wondering wether any qualied electician and gas engineer could do that as Ibam pretty sure the provider will start pestering soon again. "

Can't speak for electric meter but the gas one is owned by your supplier and only engineers authorised by them can change it. However provided the correct accreditation is held a secondary meter after the primary can be installed

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By *obilebottomMan
over a year ago

All over

"Some questions for any electricians reading this:

Can you certify that my old analogue meter is still recording consumption correctly so that the supply company can’t fit a new smart meter?

Can you install and certify a new “dumb” meter that I buy on Ebay so that the supply company can’t fit a new smart meter?

Can we force the supply companies to re-certify our correctly functioning non-smart meters?

Good questions. I was wondering wether any qualied electician and gas engineer could do that as Ibam pretty sure the provider will start pestering soon again.

Not sure I understand as my current supplier is not the same as one that installed it those many years ago. I am with same company for both electricity and gas.

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By *ustamanMan
over a year ago

weymouth

"Some questions for any electricians reading this:

Can you certify that my old analogue meter is still recording consumption correctly so that the supply company can’t fit a new smart meter?

Can you install and certify a new “dumb” meter that I buy on Ebay so that the supply company can’t fit a new smart meter?

Can we force the supply companies to re-certify our correctly functioning non-smart meters?

Good questions. I was wondering wether any qualied electician and gas engineer could do that as Ibam pretty sure the provider will start pestering soon again.

Not sure I understand as my current supplier is not the same as one that installed it those many years ago. I am with same company for both electricity and gas. "

Ownership of that meter transfers when you change supplier

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By *obilebottomMan
over a year ago

All over

"Some questions for any electricians reading this:

Can you certify that my old analogue meter is still recording consumption correctly so that the supply company can’t fit a new smart meter?

Can you install and certify a new “dumb” meter that I buy on Ebay so that the supply company can’t fit a new smart meter?

Can we force the supply companies to re-certify our correctly functioning non-smart meters?

Good questions. I was wondering wether any qualied electician and gas engineer could do that as Ibam pretty sure the provider will start pestering soon again.

Not sure I understand as my current supplier is not the same as one that installed it those many years ago. I am with same company for both electricity and gas.

Ownership of that meter transfers when you change supplier "

So in essence what you are saying is that as they only replace meters with smart ones only, if I want to replace with another old style one, I would have to transfer first to a supplier that still does that. If not mistaken,I think I read somewhere that only BG still does.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Some questions for any electricians reading this:

Can you certify that my old analogue meter is still recording consumption correctly so that the supply company can’t fit a new smart meter?

Can you install and certify a new “dumb” meter that I buy on Ebay so that the supply company can’t fit a new smart meter?

Can we force the supply companies to re-certify our correctly functioning non-smart meters?

1. I can prove it is still reading correctly but that won’t recertify it. The supplier can check it in situ or send it off for recalibration.

2. Another meter can be fitted by an electrician after the one the energy company have fitted. You will not be able to use your one for billing or remove the one the electricity company have in place.

3. Not exactly, the only circumstance they are likely to recalibrate it is if it is clearly over or under reading. Even so they will remove it and send it to a lab to try to work out the actual bill and a new one will be fitted in its place.

Basically, other than in certain circumstances, any new meter fitted is highly likely to be a smart meter.

Certain circumstances would be something like a block of flats with a shared Neutral conductor. Smart meters can’t be fitted to those yet.

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By *ig1gaz1Man
over a year ago

bradford

"Some questions for any electricians reading this:

Can you certify that my old analogue meter is still recording consumption correctly so that the supply company can’t fit a new smart meter?

Can you install and certify a new “dumb” meter that I buy on Ebay so that the supply company can’t fit a new smart meter?

Can we force the supply companies to re-certify our correctly functioning non-smart meters?

you can fit your own meter after there meter if you want to track if the old ones spot on with its recordings

same with gas and water

that happens with flats and shared supplys more so with private units as they have a main meter and every unit has its own meter then the land lord sorts out who owes what

what you cant do is fit your own meter in place of there meter.

as some think they can do away with there service charge this includes both your meter and also the piping/wiring from the street to your building.

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