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Smart meters

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
3 weeks ago

Tin town

How exactly do they save me money?

Do they charge me a different rate if I have one?

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By *929Man
3 weeks ago

bedlington

They save fuck all they just to stop people fiddling their meters

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By *lynJMan
3 weeks ago

Morden


"How exactly do they save me money?

Do they charge me a different rate if I have one? "

Some companies offer a lower rate during off peak periods but be aware of the rate at the rest of the time.

Aside from that, a smart meter on its own won't save you any money

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By *riar BelisseWoman
3 weeks ago

Delightful Bliss

By making us aware of what we are using/spending, so we become energy conscious and less frivolous with it

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By *lynJMan
3 weeks ago

Morden


"How exactly do they save me money?

Do they charge me a different rate if I have one?

Some companies offer a lower rate during off peak periods but be aware of the rate at the rest of the time.

Aside from that, a smart meter on its own won't save you any money "

Oh, and if you have a smart meter, they can change you to a pre-payment meter remotely if they choose to.

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By *ohn.Wick.Man
3 weeks ago

The Continental

2 versions of how this thread will go.

1 will suggest that they’re useful in showing you your own usage, and you find ways to reduce it to save you a few quid.

The other will suggest that it’s a big conspiracy to turn your supplies off by remote……….control you………track you…….blah blah blah.

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By *asterfulsoulMan
3 weeks ago

Manchester


"Oh, and if you have a smart meter, they can change you to a pre-payment meter remotely if they choose to."

Whereas before they would have to batter your door in with a police presence, if you didn't just let them do the job - and then good luck ever getting it switched back.

Smart meters make it easier to switch both ways.

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By *ittle Miss TinkerbellWoman
3 weeks ago

your head


"How exactly do they save me money?

Do they charge me a different rate if I have one?

Some companies offer a lower rate during off peak periods but be aware of the rate at the rest of the time.

Aside from that, a smart meter on its own won't save you any money

Oh, and if you have a smart meter, they can change you to a pre-payment meter remotely if they choose to."

They can switch it remotely, yes but not just because they feel like it. There's a bit more to it than that.

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By *ickshawedCouple
3 weeks ago

Wolverhampton

I don't use ours as I don't want to know how much running things cost. If I've spent hundreds of pounds buying a device I don't want to be put off using it because it costs me 20p each time.

My sister uses hers and you could tell how painful it was to her every time she boiled the kettle

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By *ittle Miss TinkerbellWoman
3 weeks ago

your head


"How exactly do they save me money?

Do they charge me a different rate if I have one? "

No they don't charge you a different rate, that depends on your tariff, nothing to do with your actual meter. They can make you a bit more conscious about what you're using via your in home device which is a small mobile screen that shows your usage.

I personally find it useful purely because I don't need to send my meter readings in every month but it is personal choice and some places still aren't smart ready so they aren't suitable for everyone.

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By *ohn.Wick.Man
3 weeks ago

The Continental


"How exactly do they save me money?

Do they charge me a different rate if I have one?

Some companies offer a lower rate during off peak periods but be aware of the rate at the rest of the time.

Aside from that, a smart meter on its own won't save you any money

Oh, and if you have a smart meter, they can change you to a pre-payment meter remotely if they choose to.

They can switch it remotely, yes but not just because they feel like it. There's a bit more to it than that. "

Oi!

Don’t start being sensible to the thread.

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By *ittle Miss TinkerbellWoman
3 weeks ago

your head


"How exactly do they save me money?

Do they charge me a different rate if I have one?

Some companies offer a lower rate during off peak periods but be aware of the rate at the rest of the time.

Aside from that, a smart meter on its own won't save you any money

Oh, and if you have a smart meter, they can change you to a pre-payment meter remotely if they choose to.

They can switch it remotely, yes but not just because they feel like it. There's a bit more to it than that.

Oi!

Don’t start being sensible to the thread. "

Shit, sorry 🙈 I'll go back to my corner 🤣

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By *oodmessMan
3 weeks ago

yumsville


"2 versions of how this thread will go.

1 will suggest that they’re useful in showing you your own usage, and you find ways to reduce it to save you a few quid.

The other will suggest that it’s a big conspiracy to turn your supplies off by remote……….control you………track you…….blah blah blah.

"

Gas MAAAAAAN!

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By *ohn.Wick.Man
3 weeks ago

The Continental


"2 versions of how this thread will go.

1 will suggest that they’re useful in showing you your own usage, and you find ways to reduce it to save you a few quid.

The other will suggest that it’s a big conspiracy to turn your supplies off by remote……….control you………track you…….blah blah blah.

Gas MAAAAAAN!"

“Good evening Mr Rottweiler….”

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By *ucks_cplCouple
3 weeks ago

Milton Keynes


"By making us aware of what we are using/spending, so we become energy conscious and less frivolous with it "

Spot on

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By *asterfulsoulMan
3 weeks ago

Manchester

The point about smart tariffs might be missed in the wash here. Some tariffs really are only available to smart meter users, and can save you quite significant amounts of money - e.g. if you're charging a car or you have electric heating (or, electric cooking and you can shift that cooking out of peak hours).

The fact that they've become the latest front in the culture war is absurd 😂 but sure, you have your "personal choice" not to get them.

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By *onyjoCouple
3 weeks ago

Peterborough

IMHO smart meters are a pre cursor to when the whole country is using electric vehicles I reckon that the smart meter will be programed to identify what the electricity usage is being used for and when it come to vehicle charging that portion of the usage will be taxed at a higher rate to recoupe the revenue lost on fossil fuels.

Just my opinion.

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By *oughmanMan
3 weeks ago

Sunderland


"How exactly do they save me money?

Do they charge me a different rate if I have one? "

More accurate billing apparently. All I know is that they have been a right pain in the arse for me at work.

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By *ad NannaWoman
3 weeks ago

East London

I can check mine to see if my son has left anything on in his bedroom when he leaves for work.

I haven't stopped doing laundry or putting the heating on in winter because of it.

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By *UGGYBEAR2015Man
3 weeks ago

BRIDPORT


"I don't use ours as I don't want to know how much running things cost. If I've spent hundreds of pounds buying a device I don't want to be put off using it because it costs me 20p each time.

My sister uses hers and you could tell how painful it was to her every time she boiled the kettle "

This is my take on them a bit, they say it makes you more aware so you don’t use as much but I already only use what I need too. If I need to use electricity then that’s how it is, I don’t use electricity that I don’t need to use.

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By (user no longer on site)
3 weeks ago

I found mine that exciting, I just went round the house, turning on and off everything I could think of to see what effect it had on the meter, then threw it in the drawer in the kitchen.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
3 weeks ago

North West


"IMHO smart meters are a pre cursor to when the whole country is using electric vehicles I reckon that the smart meter will be programed to identify what the electricity usage is being used for and when it come to vehicle charging that portion of the usage will be taxed at a higher rate to recoupe the revenue lost on fossil fuels.

Just my opinion. "

Yet, here we are paying 5p per kWh to charge our EV, on a smart meter tariff. A heck of a lot less than a standard unit price.

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple
3 weeks ago

in Lancashire

Everyone knows that inside the smart meter there are nano bots that were made redundant from the unused COVID vaccines ..

Yes?

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
3 weeks ago

North West

Ours was very useful to highlight to our son that we could see he'd whacked up the central heating whilst we were out, almost certainly while he was wandering about the house with no shirt or socks on.

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
3 weeks ago

Tin town


"Ours was very useful to highlight to our son that we could see he'd whacked up the central heating whilst we were out, almost certainly while he was wandering about the house with no shirt or socks on. "

Thing is, that's all well and good. But isn't the principle considerably easier than that? If you switch something on, it uses energy. The longer it's on the more energy it uses. If you want to use less energy. Switch stuff off? I just wonder why there is such a big push under the tagline of saving money, that paying someone to install a device that basically tells you what you already know is saving money. Unless it provides access to cheaper per unit charges that are not available if you don't have a smart meter?

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By *ad NannaWoman
3 weeks ago

East London


"Ours was very useful to highlight to our son that we could see he'd whacked up the central heating whilst we were out, almost certainly while he was wandering about the house with no shirt or socks on.

Thing is, that's all well and good. But isn't the principle considerably easier than that? If you switch something on, it uses energy. The longer it's on the more energy it uses. If you want to use less energy. Switch stuff off? I just wonder why there is such a big push under the tagline of saving money, that paying someone to install a device that basically tells you what you already know is saving money. Unless it provides access to cheaper per unit charges that are not available if you don't have a smart meter? "

Because some people need reminding that tumble-drying a pair of jeans costs more money than putting them on a clothes drier and letting them air dry.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
3 weeks ago

North West


"Ours was very useful to highlight to our son that we could see he'd whacked up the central heating whilst we were out, almost certainly while he was wandering about the house with no shirt or socks on.

Thing is, that's all well and good. But isn't the principle considerably easier than that? If you switch something on, it uses energy. The longer it's on the more energy it uses. If you want to use less energy. Switch stuff off? I just wonder why there is such a big push under the tagline of saving money, that paying someone to install a device that basically tells you what you already know is saving money. Unless it provides access to cheaper per unit charges that are not available if you don't have a smart meter?

Because some people need reminding that tumble-drying a pair of jeans costs more money than putting them on a clothes drier and letting them air dry."

Like 21yo people who aren't paying the bloody bills!

The smart meter data, which can be analysed by hour, was a pictorial guide to the extent things were more expensive when he was home alone.

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By *bi HaiveMan
Forum Mod

3 weeks ago

Cheeseville, Somerset


"I don't use ours as I don't want to know how much running things cost. If I've spent hundreds of pounds buying a device I don't want to be put off using it because it costs me 20p each time.

My sister uses hers and you could tell how painful it was to her every time she boiled the kettle "

Do you mean you don't use the display thingy, as that's not the meter. It's just a screen.

I love mine. Well, one of them. As the gas meter doesn't talk to the leccy one as it's round the corner (or they've had some kind of falling out 🤷‍♂️).

But it means I can see what my bill is instantly and also means I don't overpay at all. Or underpay either.

There's a lot of total paranoia about smart meters.

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By *929Man
3 weeks ago

bedlington


"Ours was very useful to highlight to our son that we could see he'd whacked up the central heating whilst we were out, almost certainly while he was wandering about the house with no shirt or socks on. "

Haha similarly mine was usefull to show my son how much money in gas his 30 minute showers we’re using during that winter the prices went sky high.

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
3 weeks ago

Central

Remember to take a reading of your meters, if you don't have a smart meter, just before energy prices increase! It goes up on 1st January, I think, so take some pics tomorrow and submit your readings

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By *oughmanMan
3 weeks ago

Sunderland


"Remember to take a reading of your meters, if you don't have a smart meter, just before energy prices increase! It goes up on 1st January, I think, so take some pics tomorrow and submit your readings"

Yeah, thanks for the heads up. Means I'm going to have a shit load of readings to do tomorrow most likely.

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By *onnydavMan
3 weeks ago

swansea

I have a traditional gas and electric meter. How do i know if they are accurate? Should they be calibrated from time to time?

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By *oughmanMan
3 weeks ago

Sunderland


"I have a traditional gas and electric meter. How do i know if they are accurate? Should they be calibrated from time to time? "

Traditional as in one of the dial ones?

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By *lynJMan
3 weeks ago

Morden


"How exactly do they save me money?

Do they charge me a different rate if I have one?

Some companies offer a lower rate during off peak periods but be aware of the rate at the rest of the time.

Aside from that, a smart meter on its own won't save you any money

Oh, and if you have a smart meter, they can change you to a pre-payment meter remotely if they choose to.

They can switch it remotely, yes but not just because they feel like it. There's a bit more to it than that. "

Except that's exactly what they did to me when I was taking over the account when my partner died.

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By *edagainMan
3 weeks ago

Newcastle

Find my annoying that when I get up for work at 6am I’ve used so much and nothings been on. Daily fixed rate

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By *onnydavMan
3 weeks ago

swansea


"I have a traditional gas and electric meter. How do i know if they are accurate? Should they be calibrated from time to time?

Traditional as in one of the dial ones?"

Electric meter has that spinning silver disc with digits (5+2) underneath, gas meter just has digits (5+2)

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By *lynJMan
3 weeks ago

Morden


"I have a traditional gas and electric meter. How do i know if they are accurate? Should they be calibrated from time to time?

Traditional as in one of the dial ones?

Electric meter has that spinning silver disc with digits (5+2) underneath, gas meter just has digits (5+2)"

They are calibrated before installation and have a fixed lifespan. They have to be replaced when that time is up. It will be replaced with a smart meter whether you like it or not.

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
3 weeks ago

Tin town


"I don't use ours as I don't want to know how much running things cost. If I've spent hundreds of pounds buying a device I don't want to be put off using it because it costs me 20p each time.

My sister uses hers and you could tell how painful it was to her every time she boiled the kettle

Do you mean you don't use the display thingy, as that's not the meter. It's just a screen.

I love mine. Well, one of them. As the gas meter doesn't talk to the leccy one as it's round the corner (or they've had some kind of falling out 🤷‍♂️).

But it means I can see what my bill is instantly and also means I don't overpay at all. Or underpay either.

There's a lot of total paranoia about smart meters. "

But doesn't meter reading manually also ensure you don't overpay?

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By *ermite12ukMan
3 weeks ago

Solihull and Brentwood

Anyone know of a supplier that could fit a smart meter to a 2nd. Floor flat with the two meters in a separate ground floor area in the flats?

(British Gas (Current supplier.) I'm fairly certain doesn't currently. As, their meters max range - from the meters to where the meter is to be installed- is 25 metres.)

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By *ittle Miss TinkerbellWoman
3 weeks ago

your head


"I have a traditional gas and electric meter. How do i know if they are accurate? Should they be calibrated from time to time?

Traditional as in one of the dial ones?

Electric meter has that spinning silver disc with digits (5+2) underneath, gas meter just has digits (5+2)

They are calibrated before installation and have a fixed lifespan. They have to be replaced when that time is up. It will be replaced with a smart meter whether you like it or not."

Not necessarily, some places still aren't smart ready so it could get replaced with another dumb meter just a more modern version.

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By *lynJMan
3 weeks ago

Morden


"I don't use ours as I don't want to know how much running things cost. If I've spent hundreds of pounds buying a device I don't want to be put off using it because it costs me 20p each time.

My sister uses hers and you could tell how painful it was to her every time she boiled the kettle

Do you mean you don't use the display thingy, as that's not the meter. It's just a screen.

I love mine. Well, one of them. As the gas meter doesn't talk to the leccy one as it's round the corner (or they've had some kind of falling out 🤷‍♂️).

But it means I can see what my bill is instantly and also means I don't overpay at all. Or underpay either.

There's a lot of total paranoia about smart meters.

But doesn't meter reading manually also ensure you don't overpay? "

And if you're on a monthly direct debit you're probably overpaying during the summer to try to even out the payments over the year.

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By *bi HaiveMan
Forum Mod

3 weeks ago

Cheeseville, Somerset


"I don't use ours as I don't want to know how much running things cost. If I've spent hundreds of pounds buying a device I don't want to be put off using it because it costs me 20p each time.

My sister uses hers and you could tell how painful it was to her every time she boiled the kettle

Do you mean you don't use the display thingy, as that's not the meter. It's just a screen.

I love mine. Well, one of them. As the gas meter doesn't talk to the leccy one as it's round the corner (or they've had some kind of falling out 🤷‍♂️).

But it means I can see what my bill is instantly and also means I don't overpay at all. Or underpay either.

There's a lot of total paranoia about smart meters.

But doesn't meter reading manually also ensure you don't overpay? "

Yep.

But many people forget. Having it done automatically doesn't change the amount of energy you've used or the reading. Same number if you do it yourself as if you let the smart meter submit it for you.

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By *asterfulsoulMan
3 weeks ago

Manchester


"Except that's exactly what they did to me when I was taking over the account when my partner died."

The process is tightly regulated so if you were moved over on a smart meter they would have forced you over on a dumb meter too (with a warrant, if you tried to stop them). The smart meter mostly removes the possibility of violence in that scenario, and also the cost of the warrant (which would have been put on your bill as debt).

The process is on the ofgem website, and if you think they've breached it you should contact ofgem. There has been a bunch of compensation the energy companies have had to pay recently to people where they have breached the process.

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By *asterfulsoulMan
3 weeks ago

Manchester


"But doesn't meter reading manually also ensure you don't overpay?"

People don't do it, or don't do it properly. Some people's energy bills are perpetual estimates based on the size of their property.

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By *orny PTMan
3 weeks ago

Peterborough

Do you have to change meters when you switch suppliers?

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By *ittle Miss TinkerbellWoman
3 weeks ago

your head


"Do you have to change meters when you switch suppliers?

"

No

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By *lynJMan
3 weeks ago

Morden

[Removed by poster at 31/12/24 00:26:16]

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By *lynJMan
3 weeks ago

Morden


"Except that's exactly what they did to me when I was taking over the account when my partner died.

The process is tightly regulated so if you were moved over on a smart meter they would have forced you over on a dumb meter too (with a warrant, if you tried to stop them). The smart meter mostly removes the possibility of violence in that scenario, and also the cost of the warrant (which would have been put on your bill as debt).

The process is on the ofgem website, and if you think they've breached it you should contact ofgem. There has been a bunch of compensation the energy companies have had to pay recently to people where they have breached the process."

The smart meter was already installed. The energy company screwed up, issuing letters to "Mr Occupier Occupier" with a deadline they didn't stick to. I responded immediately on receipt (by phoning them) in plenty of time but they'd already changed the gas tariff remotely to pre-payment (from credit). It took months to get it almost sorted out.

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By *icolerobbieCouple
3 weeks ago

walsall


"I have a traditional gas and electric meter. How do i know if they are accurate? Should they be calibrated from time to time?

Traditional as in one of the dial ones?

Electric meter has that spinning silver disc with digits (5+2) underneath, gas meter just has digits (5+2)

They are calibrated before installation and have a fixed lifespan. They have to be replaced when that time is up. It will be replaced with a smart meter whether you like it or not.

Not necessarily, some places still aren't smart ready so it could get replaced with another dumb meter just a more modern version. "

Also you can have a smart meter and insist it’s set to dumb mode if you prefer.

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
3 weeks ago

Tin town


"I have a traditional gas and electric meter. How do i know if they are accurate? Should they be calibrated from time to time?

Traditional as in one of the dial ones?

Electric meter has that spinning silver disc with digits (5+2) underneath, gas meter just has digits (5+2)

They are calibrated before installation and have a fixed lifespan. They have to be replaced when that time is up. It will be replaced with a smart meter whether you like it or not.

Not necessarily, some places still aren't smart ready so it could get replaced with another dumb meter just a more modern version.

Also you can have a smart meter and insist it’s set to dumb mode if you prefer."

A dumb smart meter? Wtf!

Seems like some technology trying to find a purpose.

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By *ld4YCouple
3 weeks ago

mid Suffolk

Smart meters are for the benefit of of the generators.

No not in a bad way.

They help accurately with peak time figures, adjusting generation to suit.

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By *arvey67Man
3 weeks ago

Grimsby


"IMHO smart meters are a pre cursor to when the whole country is using electric vehicles I reckon that the smart meter will be programed to identify what the electricity usage is being used for and when it come to vehicle charging that portion of the usage will be taxed at a higher rate to recoupe the revenue lost on fossil fuels.

Just my opinion. "

Currently the opposite is available. You can sign up for an EV tariff which is far lower than normal rates

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By *arvey67Man
3 weeks ago

Grimsby

There will come a point, quite soon when the real point of "smart meters" comes into use. They can (and will) turn off supplies at peak times, will be on a rolling basis so will not impact individuals regularly but it will happen

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By *airybobMan
3 weeks ago

Telford

Had one a few years now and unless you watch it carefully and adjust your usage habits it won’t save any money,the only time I look at ours is when it’s over in the red and think “wow that’s using a lot of power to heat the oven”

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By *ohn.Wick.Man
3 weeks ago

The Continental


"There will come a point, quite soon when the real point of "smart meters" comes into use. They can (and will) turn off supplies at peak times, will be on a rolling basis so will not impact individuals regularly but it will happen"

Do explain why? I’m dying to know.

Why would someone turn off a supply of something that people PAY for?

Goes against every business model I’ve ever heard off.

Boardroom to shareholders…..”I’ve got a great idea, we’re gonna remotely turn people’s supplies off, thereby reducing our income, and in turn your dividends! As thanks for my genius I will accept a new bonus of a Gajillion pounds.”

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
3 weeks ago

Tin town


"Smart meters are for the benefit of of the generators.

No not in a bad way.

They help accurately with peak time figures, adjusting generation to suit."

But that makes no sense either. The meter measures the power as it's used. By definition it's already used. It's too late to adjust anything. The power companies already know when peak times are

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By *ohn.Wick.Man
3 weeks ago

The Continental


"Smart meters are for the benefit of of the generators.

No not in a bad way.

They help accurately with peak time figures, adjusting generation to suit.

But that makes no sense either. The meter measures the power as it's used. By definition it's already used. It's too late to adjust anything. The power companies already know when peak times are"

So why don’t you just tell us what you think is happening.

Given that you’re rejecting everyone else’s ideas, you clearly have your own idea.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod

3 weeks ago

East Sussex

We have one. The meter itself is in the garage, the display is in the hall. It wouldn't matter if you never looked at the display, the meter would still send the readings to the supplier. They ask you to read your meter physically now and again anyway.

My dad's supplier asks him to have one installed every time I call on his behalf. He's at an age where he doesn't want any strangers in his home but they insist quite aggressively. Fortunately I insist quite aggressively back

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
3 weeks ago

Tin town


"Smart meters are for the benefit of of the generators.

No not in a bad way.

They help accurately with peak time figures, adjusting generation to suit.

But that makes no sense either. The meter measures the power as it's used. By definition it's already used. It's too late to adjust anything. The power companies already know when peak times are

So why don’t you just tell us what you think is happening.

Given that you’re rejecting everyone else’s ideas, you clearly have your own idea. "

No I really have no idea why they are being forced upon us and I have no idea how they save us money, hence the question. Unless having one grants access to cheaper tariffs or somehow miraculously changes the laws of physics and makes my 3kw hair dryer into a 2kw hair dryer that still performs the same?

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod

3 weeks ago

East Sussex

^^ my opinion is that the supplier benefits in the long run because they can read meters remotely. The individual it benefits if they keep tabs on their usage and either use certain things less, at different times or not at all. We know how much our power costs daily but we haven't changed how we use it, it doesn't matter what Angela Rippon or Einstein say.

They're promoted as being for our benefit because very few people would have one otherwise.

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By *inaTitzTV/TS
3 weeks ago

Titz Towers, North Notts

I like mine. It shows what I'm using and makes me more conscious of turning things off

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By *effnwbiguyMan
3 weeks ago

bolton

They are total shite DONT get one

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
3 weeks ago

Tin town


"I like mine. It shows what I'm using and makes me more conscious of turning things off "

See if that's how they work, as a reminder you've left the oven on... OK. I'm just surprised that people don't have the abilities and skills to know when things in their house/flat are consuming energy without having to be told.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod

3 weeks ago

East Sussex


"I like mine. It shows what I'm using and makes me more conscious of turning things off

See if that's how they work, as a reminder you've left the oven on... OK. I'm just surprised that people don't have the abilities and skills to know when things in their house/flat are consuming energy without having to be told. "

You can infer how much energy something is using. It doesn't flash up 'hairdryer 50p and hour'.

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
3 weeks ago

Tin town


"There will come a point, quite soon when the real point of "smart meters" comes into use. They can (and will) turn off supplies at peak times, will be on a rolling basis so will not impact individuals regularly but it will happen

Do explain why? I’m dying to know.

Why would someone turn off a supply of something that people PAY for?

Goes against every business model I’ve ever heard off.

Boardroom to shareholders…..”I’ve got a great idea, we’re gonna remotely turn people’s supplies off, thereby reducing our income, and in turn your dividends! As thanks for my genius I will accept a new bonus of a Gajillion pounds.”

"

But isn't the same principle that, we are a company selling energy and we will give you a meter that makes you consume less of our product and create less revenue applying.?

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By *lym4realCouple
3 weeks ago

plymouth

They don't as a cooomons select commitee found ages ago roughly around £2 a year they reckoned maybe more bit jusrt easier for the companies to hike our bills up ( cut suff numbers aswell so more profit) plus switch people over to pre payment and even IF we used less electrickery or gas they'd bang the perices up or the standing charge like they did where we are ? x

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By *arvey67Man
3 weeks ago

Grimsby


"There will come a point, quite soon when the real point of "smart meters" comes into use. They can (and will) turn off supplies at peak times, will be on a rolling basis so will not impact individuals regularly but it will happen

Do explain why? I’m dying to know.

Why would someone turn off a supply of something that people PAY for?

Goes against every business model I’ve ever heard off.

Boardroom to shareholders…..”I’ve got a great idea, we’re gonna remotely turn people’s supplies off, thereby reducing our income, and in turn your dividends! As thanks for my genius I will accept a new bonus of a Gajillion pounds.”

"

Why was it turned off in the 70s? Short supply. The drive for green energy will definitely bring about shortages if the government sticks to its timetable.

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By *oandstephCouple
3 weeks ago

Bradford

Octopus have been pestering us for years now as ours is "expired" at only 8 years old but as ive explained numerous times im self employed and they would need to reimburse me the days pay i would lose to take the time off work 🤷it would make no difference to our bills and i send a reading once a month and have done for 5 year, im smart enough to take a reading for them so i dont need a smart meter

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By *aulaxd2020TV/TS
3 weeks ago

Dudley

I have pre payment meter and I’m being pestered on a weekly basis by letter/phone/email to have a smart meter ever offering me money/free credit to change over, every time there is a price increase I try and load up with credit (I’ve heard you continue to pay old rate until you top up after the price increase) it suits me just fine the way things are, my neighbor did the same until they told him his meter was life expired and a smart meter was the only alternative….. my opinion is these meters are a massive con when they are trying to offer me money to have one

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By *ig1gaz1Man
3 weeks ago

bradford

there not to save you money but to save them money

no meter reader needed so thats one expense they loose

theres 4 tariffs coming in and something you arnt aware of

high rate morning and tea time rates

during the day charge

evening charge

night charge also known as main 7

the one charge there not telling you is the data collection charge they have planned to implement

business already have it the consumer will be soon getting it that adds another 200.00-500.00 to your normal bill

Metering Charges cover both the Data Aggregator (DA), Data Collector (DC) and Meter Operator (MOP)

ive found the document that states consumers will be getting charged for there data that the power company to collect

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By *ig1gaz1Man
3 weeks ago

bradford


"Octopus have been pestering us for years now as ours is "expired" at only 8 years old but as ive explained numerous times im self employed and they would need to reimburse me the days pay i would lose to take the time off work 🤷it would make no difference to our bills and i send a reading once a month and have done for 5 year, im smart enough to take a reading for them so i dont need a smart meter "

you cannot stop an expired meter new install

however for a newish meter you can as it wont be expired yet

as dates can be checked they have a good life on them before they expire

as goes for end of life forced meter install you can request for the meter to be put into dumb mode

and if you dont like the data collection just lead around it as nothing gets through lead

but note if your topping up it will still send the signal out as soon as you open the door

however it only sends data at night but certainly holds data for a long time

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
3 weeks ago

North West


"There will come a point, quite soon when the real point of "smart meters" comes into use. They can (and will) turn off supplies at peak times, will be on a rolling basis so will not impact individuals regularly but it will happen

Do explain why? I’m dying to know.

Why would someone turn off a supply of something that people PAY for?

Goes against every business model I’ve ever heard off.

Boardroom to shareholders…..”I’ve got a great idea, we’re gonna remotely turn people’s supplies off, thereby reducing our income, and in turn your dividends! As thanks for my genius I will accept a new bonus of a Gajillion pounds.”

Why was it turned off in the 70s? Short supply. The drive for green energy will definitely bring about shortages if the government sticks to its timetable."

In the 70s it was state run, it wasn't serving the myriad private shareholders and CEOs it is now! Totally different circumstances and situations.

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By *aryportmeatMan
3 weeks ago

Whitehaven

Apparently MP’s Cant have them because the wireless software and ability to be hacked, so I’ve heard.

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By *BWmetalcouple666Couple
3 weeks ago

houghton

I work in the industry and yeah theoretically they can limit your supply if they want to, interestingly we have to be DBS checked when working with smart meters as you can get a lot of info from the data apparently

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By *ohn.Wick.Man
3 weeks ago

The Continental

Most people here are typing out replies in devices that could be easily hacked and collects a fuck load of data.

And you’re worried about a meter doing the same?

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By *ubesloverMan
3 weeks ago

notts

They don't save money, only let's you know how much energy you use

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
3 weeks ago

North West


"Most people here are typing out replies in devices that could be easily hacked and collects a fuck load of data.

And you’re worried about a meter doing the same? "

But, but. Doesn't Mr Putin want to know the intricacies of my gas usage? Might he not plunge me into a freezing winter (not nuclear, at least, not in this conspiracy)? Putin must definitely want to micro analyse the fact that we use more gas in the morning than during the middle of the day and almost CERTAINLY President Xi wants to know all about the time of day we put on the dishwasher and our leccy usage spikes!

Spikes

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
3 weeks ago

Tin town


"Most people here are typing out replies in devices that could be easily hacked and collects a fuck load of data.

And you’re worried about a meter doing the same?

But, but. Doesn't Mr Putin want to know the intricacies of my gas usage? Might he not plunge me into a freezing winter (not nuclear, at least, not in this conspiracy)? Putin must definitely want to micro analyse the fact that we use more gas in the morning than during the middle of the day and almost CERTAINLY President Xi wants to know all about the time of day we put on the dishwasher and our leccy usage spikes!

Spikes "

So personal data and security are laughing matters now?

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
3 weeks ago

North West


"Most people here are typing out replies in devices that could be easily hacked and collects a fuck load of data.

And you’re worried about a meter doing the same?

But, but. Doesn't Mr Putin want to know the intricacies of my gas usage? Might he not plunge me into a freezing winter (not nuclear, at least, not in this conspiracy)? Putin must definitely want to micro analyse the fact that we use more gas in the morning than during the middle of the day and almost CERTAINLY President Xi wants to know all about the time of day we put on the dishwasher and our leccy usage spikes!

Spikes

So personal data and security are laughing matters now? "

On NYE when I've nothing better to joke about? Yep.

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By *asterfulsoulMan
3 weeks ago

Manchester


"So personal data and security are laughing matters now? "

I think people are mocking the selective outrage and virtue signalling.

It reminds me of the anti-metrification people who turned out to be all various shades of "traditionalists". The point was never about metric, it was about expelling foreigners and taking away women's rights.

I'm confident that some people simply have reasonable concerns but isn't it strange how only the reasonable concerns that align with the powerful, and against progress, are the ones that are amplified.

Keep us fighting about a meter that makes things easier for all involved, keep us fighting over vaccines that save lives and were mostly optional anyway - oh, what's that about our pay evaporating over decades? Nah, smart meters mate. NHS being ran into the ground? But what about the SMART METERS!

If people took a stand against the things that mattered the way they take a stand against nonsense conspiracies like this imagine where we'd be, huh.

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By *endalshaggersCouple
3 weeks ago

Kendal

I'm really not sure - having recently been forced to have one fitted (gas meter only just passed its yearly inspection and landlord decided to install all new meters for the four flats in our block) I'm yet to understand the benefits.

Mainly because Octopus couldn't get it fully set up to be "smart" - the gas one is but the electric one isn't - so I'm yet to get the little screen or dongle thing that goes into your WiFi box, and they're not coming back till 27 January (after fitting it mid October!). And you can't get a meter reading off it either without having a PhD in electric meters.

I can say my neighbour upstairs who was first to be "switched over" - and it all works - raves about it but he's a techy guy anyway and loves geeking out over these things so I'm not sure if that counts 🤣

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By *ornucopiaMan
3 weeks ago

Bexley


"By making us aware of what we are using/spending, so we become energy conscious and less frivolous with it "

What's in it for them if people do that?

Ah,wait. I've got it. They won't have to produce so much current but will whop the bills up anyway..

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By *ornucopiaMan
3 weeks ago

Bexley

[Removed by poster at 01/01/25 00:10:35]

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By *ornucopiaMan
3 weeks ago

Bexley


"

Yet, here we are paying 5p per kWh to charge our EV, on a smart meter tariff. A heck of a lot less than a standard unit price."

That rate is an obscene insukt to all the other ordinary consumers paying around 25p per unit.

You should be ashamed to crow about your elitism.

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By *asterfulsoulMan
3 weeks ago

Manchester


"

Yet, here we are paying 5p per kWh to charge our EV, on a smart meter tariff. A heck of a lot less than a standard unit price.

That rate is an obscene insukt to all the other ordinary consumers paying around 25p per unit.

You should be ashamed to crow about your elitism."

You can get the exact same price. It's not restricted to EVs, they're just charging them at the right time.

Think night storage heaters and economy 7 - it's that, but much more responsive and flexible.

So unless applied intelligence is elitist now, I suspect that's not what's going on here.

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By *urreyfun2008Man
3 weeks ago

East Grinstead

Smart meters can still be read the old fashioned wsy with a few presses of their buttons so for the they are making figures up crowd its easier to track usage. Plus if IHD works no need to even touch meter.

Pay off for public access to better tariffs beyond standard and eco 7

pay off for firms 30 minute usage data to better judge how different areas vary their usage

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
3 weeks ago

North West


"

Yet, here we are paying 5p per kWh to charge our EV, on a smart meter tariff. A heck of a lot less than a standard unit price.

That rate is an obscene insukt to all the other ordinary consumers paying around 25p per unit.

You should be ashamed to crow about your elitism."

*Shrug*

Switch to a smart tariff with a massive off peak discount, and you too shall reap the rewards. We pay whatever the average Octopus rate is outside of the off peak hours, which I think are 23:00-05:00 ish. Hardly times where we're caning the leccy

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By *ornucopiaMan
3 weeks ago

Bexley


"Smart meters are for the benefit of of the generators.

No not in a bad way.

They help accurately with peak time figures, adjusting generation to suit."

Are you seriously suggesting they don't know when the peak and slack demand times are already?

They always used to have engineers at a desk with copies of the Radio and TV Times in front of them as wel as having AVO meters clipped to the national grid to check the drop!

Things have likely progressed.. Ah of course smart meters are now telling them that the 'Sundy woce dinnah' is cooking..

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
3 weeks ago

Tin town


"So personal data and security are laughing matters now?

I think people are mocking the selective outrage and virtue signalling.

It reminds me of the anti-metrification people who turned out to be all various shades of "traditionalists". The point was never about metric, it was about expelling foreigners and taking away women's rights.

I'm confident that some people simply have reasonable concerns but isn't it strange how only the reasonable concerns that align with the powerful, and against progress, are the ones that are amplified.

Keep us fighting about a meter that makes things easier for all involved, keep us fighting over vaccines that save lives and were mostly optional anyway - oh, what's that about our pay evaporating over decades? Nah, smart meters mate. NHS being ran into the ground? But what about the SMART METERS!

If people took a stand against the things that mattered the way they take a stand against nonsense conspiracies like this imagine where we'd be, huh."

So is your argument that you shouldn't be concerned about the security of your personal data. Banking. Health, etc because something else is more important to you? Are people allowed to be concerned about more than one thing or is everything else OK because the NHS is fucked.?

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
3 weeks ago

North West


"So personal data and security are laughing matters now?

I think people are mocking the selective outrage and virtue signalling.

It reminds me of the anti-metrification people who turned out to be all various shades of "traditionalists". The point was never about metric, it was about expelling foreigners and taking away women's rights.

I'm confident that some people simply have reasonable concerns but isn't it strange how only the reasonable concerns that align with the powerful, and against progress, are the ones that are amplified.

Keep us fighting about a meter that makes things easier for all involved, keep us fighting over vaccines that save lives and were mostly optional anyway - oh, what's that about our pay evaporating over decades? Nah, smart meters mate. NHS being ran into the ground? But what about the SMART METERS!

If people took a stand against the things that mattered the way they take a stand against nonsense conspiracies like this imagine where we'd be, huh.

So is your argument that you shouldn't be concerned about the security of your personal data. Banking. Health, etc because something else is more important to you? Are people allowed to be concerned about more than one thing or is everything else OK because the NHS is fucked.? "

Nope. Only 1 problem at once is permitted. I think Labour recently changed that law.

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By *asterfulsoulMan
3 weeks ago

Manchester


"So is your argument that you shouldn't be concerned about the security of your personal data. Banking. Health, etc because something else is more important to you? Are people allowed to be concerned about more than one thing or is everything else OK because the NHS is fucked.? "

Ah, no, that wasn't my argument. You've completely ignored my point so that you could drive your own.

My argument now is that you have an agenda, which you feel people wouldn't be welcoming of, so instead you're "just asking questions".

I think that's cowardly. Just my opinion.

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By *ifewantstoplayCouple
3 weeks ago

somewhere

Try and be smarter than the meter 😜

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
3 weeks ago

Tin town


"So is your argument that you shouldn't be concerned about the security of your personal data. Banking. Health, etc because something else is more important to you? Are people allowed to be concerned about more than one thing or is everything else OK because the NHS is fucked.?

Ah, no, that wasn't my argument. You've completely ignored my point so that you could drive your own.

My argument now is that you have an agenda, which you feel people wouldn't be welcoming of, so instead you're "just asking questions".

I think that's cowardly. Just my opinion."

No agenda. Just trying to understand. Particularly as this morning when submitting the meter readings the energy company website is trying to force a smart meter on me. Would be useful to understand what's in it for me. It tells me my old meter is due to be replaced and could be inaccurate as old things can be inaccurate

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By *ornucopiaMan
3 weeks ago

Bexley


"

No agenda. Just trying to understand. Particularly as this morning when submitting the meter readings the energy company website is trying to force a smart meter on me. Would be useful to understand what's in it for me. It tells me my old meter is due to be replaced and could be inaccurate as old things can be inaccurate "

Something to bear in mind is that older meters read different types of loads with varying degrees of accuracy.

Broadly, loads would be resistive,inductive or capacitive. When domestic lighting moved away from using filament lamps which loaded the meters normally, and started being replaced by loads which fooled the meter into not measuring their usage enough, meter design had to move forward to remain in the favour of the company and not the customer.

That's just an example. Think how device power supplies have almost universally become switched mode rather than transformers. All these things behave differently and affect the way in which they present themselves to the meter circuitry. The meters and the utility companies need to be smart in order not to lose revenue as devices evolve to behave less traditionally.

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By *ohn.Wick.Man
3 weeks ago

The Continental

There’s nothing in it for you.

Is that what you wanna hear?

Job done, end of thread.

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By *ig1gaz1Man
3 weeks ago

bradford


"Something to bear in mind is that older meters read different types of loads with varying degrees of accuracy.

Broadly, loads would be resistive,inductive or capacitive. When domestic lighting moved away from using filament lamps which loaded the meters normally, and started being replaced by loads which fooled the meter into not measuring their usage enough, meter design had to move forward to remain in the favour of the company and not the customer.

That's just an example. Think how device power supplies have almost universally become switched mode rather than transformers. All these things behave differently and affect the way in which they present themselves to the meter circuitry. The meters and the utility companies need to be smart in order not to lose revenue as devices evolve to behave less traditionally. "

thats incorrect the old meters still record whats been used in electricity it dosnt matter what you change too to make it cheaper.

as goes for the new meter it was brought in so they could progress on different payment charges and to bring in different tariffs at different times of the day.

this is for them to make more profit

there is 4 tariffs that can be charged for a full 24hrs and this is the desired rating system that they want.

the added reference is to remove the meter reader and then charge you the customer a collection charge for the data they want so they can charge you different tariffs at different times

do you think its fair to be charged for the standing meter which also included the meter reader charge.

replaced with a standing meter charge and then a data collection charge on top.


"No agenda. Just trying to understand. Particularly as this morning when submitting the meter readings the energy company website is trying to force a smart meter on me. Would be useful to understand what's in it for me. It tells me my old meter is due to be replaced and could be inaccurate as old things can be inaccurate "

if its refusing online ignore it and go back to the spoken method

old meters can still be working perfect since the day they was fitted some even work 30-50 years on

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By *ig1gaz1Man
3 weeks ago

bradford


"

Yet, here we are paying 5p per kWh to charge our EV, on a smart meter tariff. A heck of a lot less than a standard unit price.

That rate is an obscene insukt to all the other ordinary consumers paying around 25p per unit.

You should be ashamed to crow about your elitism."

might be obscene but look at it a different way.

charge an ev battery at night at 5p a unit use it during the day by having your own generator from the ev battery and recharge that ev battery back up at night.

nyone can do that its just the cost in getting everything bought and up and running.

it wont take long before the energy companies get wise to that method hiking the night price up to match

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
3 weeks ago

Tin town


"There’s nothing in it for you.

Is that what you wanna hear?

Job done, end of thread. "

It seems to be troubling you? Maybe don't contribute if it's too stressful. Plenty of other thread here where you can be friendly.

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
3 weeks ago

Tin town


"

No agenda. Just trying to understand. Particularly as this morning when submitting the meter readings the energy company website is trying to force a smart meter on me. Would be useful to understand what's in it for me. It tells me my old meter is due to be replaced and could be inaccurate as old things can be inaccurate

Something to bear in mind is that older meters read different types of loads with varying degrees of accuracy.

Broadly, loads would be resistive,inductive or capacitive. When domestic lighting moved away from using filament lamps which loaded the meters normally, and started being replaced by loads which fooled the meter into not measuring their usage enough, meter design had to move forward to remain in the favour of the company and not the customer.

That's just an example. Think how device power supplies have almost universally become switched mode rather than transformers. All these things behave differently and affect the way in which they present themselves to the meter circuitry. The meters and the utility companies need to be smart in order not to lose revenue as devices evolve to behave less traditionally. "

That's very interesting. So depending how accurate the new meters are it could be worth it.?

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By *erfHerder74Man
3 weeks ago

Inverclyde

They charge you more as they have a monitor that needs plugged in constantly then you get addicted watching each time you see something using energy. Just unplug switches and turn off unused appliances.

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By *ornucopiaMan
3 weeks ago

Bexley


"

Yet, here we are paying 5p per kWh to charge our EV, on a smart meter tariff. A heck of a lot less than a standard unit price.

That rate is an obscene insukt to all the other ordinary consumers paying around 25p per unit.

You should be ashamed to crow about your elitism.

might be obscene but look at it a different way.

charge an ev battery at night at 5p a unit use it during the day by having your own generator from the ev battery and recharge that ev battery back up at night.

nyone can do that its just the cost in getting everything bought and up and running.

it wont take long before the energy companies get wise to that method hiking the night price up to match "

I feel that I should make clear that my use of the term 'obscene' refers specifically to the way in which the utility companies treat certain users totally differently.

Clearly, poorer people who are struggling to pay their bills are forced to go on prepayment tariffs which are not only the highest rates in existence but also involve giving the suppliers money for something which they haven't even yet supplied at the point of sale.

Conversely, others who are paying lower charges in arrears, and frequently in retard as well, are also being sold heavily discounted electricity in order to charge electric vehicles at night time.

Whilst some might say 'Bravo' to the fortunate discountees for advising others that the low tariffs are available, I do feel that there is an element of rubbing the noses (in it) of those precluded from such discounts on account of simply being poor and thus getting treated totally differently by the utility companies.

That is why I feel that it is insensitive of the discount recipients to crow about their fortune. It is not their behaviour which is particularly obscene but the obscenity lies in the way that poorer prepayment clients have financial injury added to the insult already dealt to them.

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By *asterfulsoulMan
3 weeks ago

Manchester


"Clearly, poorer people who are struggling to pay their bills are forced to go on prepayment tariffs which are not only the highest rates in existence but also involve giving the suppliers money for something which they haven't even yet supplied at the point of sale."

This is mostly out-of-date information - there is no longer a premium for using a pre-payment meter vs a standard variable tariff.

"Load shifting" deals are also available for prepay customers, e.g. "PeakSave" in British Gas will do half-price electricity on Sundays, and OctoPlus from Octopus Energy does regular free electricity sessions.

In fact, unlike with the "dumb" pre-payment meters we had before, there's no technical reason you couldn't offer all the same tariffs any other smart meter customer gets - and from what I can see, that's pretty much what's happening.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
3 weeks ago

North West


"

Yet, here we are paying 5p per kWh to charge our EV, on a smart meter tariff. A heck of a lot less than a standard unit price.

That rate is an obscene insukt to all the other ordinary consumers paying around 25p per unit.

You should be ashamed to crow about your elitism.

might be obscene but look at it a different way.

charge an ev battery at night at 5p a unit use it during the day by having your own generator from the ev battery and recharge that ev battery back up at night.

nyone can do that its just the cost in getting everything bought and up and running.

it wont take long before the energy companies get wise to that method hiking the night price up to match

I feel that I should make clear that my use of the term 'obscene' refers specifically to the way in which the utility companies treat certain users totally differently.

Clearly, poorer people who are struggling to pay their bills are forced to go on prepayment tariffs which are not only the highest rates in existence but also involve giving the suppliers money for something which they haven't even yet supplied at the point of sale.

Conversely, others who are paying lower charges in arrears, and frequently in retard as well, are also being sold heavily discounted electricity in order to charge electric vehicles at night time.

Whilst some might say 'Bravo' to the fortunate discountees for advising others that the low tariffs are available, I do feel that there is an element of rubbing the noses (in it) of those precluded from such discounts on account of simply being poor and thus getting treated totally differently by the utility companies.

That is why I feel that it is insensitive of the discount recipients to crow about their fortune. It is not their behaviour which is particularly obscene but the obscenity lies in the way that poorer prepayment clients have financial injury added to the insult already dealt to them."

1) What do you know of our finances? Whether we are rich, poor or otherwise?

2) What do you know about our energy usage? About why we might use more than expected due to the disabilities I have?

3) Please review your use of the word "retard". a) it's completely unnecessary and b) makes zippo sense in the sentence in any case.

Ta.

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By *enrythe8thMan
3 weeks ago

worthing

Smart meters are just psychological warfare...

They have brain washed people into believing and bullied them into having them fitted that the meter saves money..

But it doesn't do anything to save you money..

It just makes people constantly keep checking the meter to see how much things like the washing machine/ kettle etc uses when in use...

Drives you nuts trying to work out what's costing you money when you think everything is off

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By *effnwbiguyMan
3 weeks ago

bolton

They dont save you anything as they work for a few weeks then pack up

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
3 weeks ago

North West


"Smart meters are just psychological warfare...

They have brain washed people into believing and bullied them into having them fitted that the meter saves money..

But it doesn't do anything to save you money..

It just makes people constantly keep checking the meter to see how much things like the washing machine/ kettle etc uses when in use...

Drives you nuts trying to work out what's costing you money when you think everything is off"

No, it doesn't. I can't remember the last time we checked the meter display and frankly, I'm not even sure where it even is.

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By *enrythe8thMan
3 weeks ago

worthing

These threads do make me laugh...

The OP just reached out to ask a basic question about the meters...

And within 10 replays from different people the subject got changed and start having a go at each other..

Hahaha

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By *enrythe8thMan
3 weeks ago

worthing

Not for everyone but most have gone through the process of thinking they will save money until the penny drops and they realise the only way to save money is through there own actions..

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By *ackformore100 OP   Man
3 weeks ago

Tin town

Someone touched on it above, (but in a rather sarcastic way) but conceptually I really struggle with trying to think there isn't a catch, because how many companies who sell stuff, have a strategy that is to get you to buy less of their products? It doesn't make any sense why they'd be doing it. It's like the confusion marketing on tariffs. Why make people jump through hoops to get a better rate? Why not just put everyone on the best rate automatically?

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By *inky_couple2020Couple
3 weeks ago

North West


"Someone touched on it above, (but in a rather sarcastic way) but conceptually I really struggle with trying to think there isn't a catch, because how many companies who sell stuff, have a strategy that is to get you to buy less of their products? It doesn't make any sense why they'd be doing it. It's like the confusion marketing on tariffs. Why make people jump through hoops to get a better rate? Why not just put everyone on the best rate automatically? "

Utility companies are private companies. They're designed to make profits for shareholders etc. If you are unhappy about that, you should push for renationalisation of utilities.

The smart meter roll out was mandated by Government (the Conservative one) and is way behind what the Govt expected it to be. The idea behind it from the Govt perspective was that understanding people's energy usage in more granular detail would allow better planning for the Grid and would enable consumers to identify the items using the most energy and maybe reduce their use or replace inefficient items with more efficient ones etc.

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By *orny PTMan
3 weeks ago

Peterborough


"I don't use ours as I don't want to know how much running things cost. If I've spent hundreds of pounds buying a device I don't want to be put off using it because it costs me 20p each time.

My sister uses hers and you could tell how painful it was to her every time she boiled the kettle

This is my take on them a bit, they say it makes you more aware so you don’t use as much but I already only use what I need too. If I need to use electricity then that’s how it is, I don’t use electricity that I don’t need to use. "

Yeah. I don't cook at night and don't use washing machines in the wee hours. I do use the radiators when I am in.

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By *asterfulsoulMan
3 weeks ago

Manchester


"The smart meter roll out was mandated by Government (the Conservative one) and is way behind what the Govt expected it to be. The idea behind it from the Govt perspective was that understanding people's energy usage in more granular detail would allow better planning for the Grid and would enable consumers to identify the items using the most energy and maybe reduce their use or replace inefficient items with more efficient ones etc."

To add to this: the goal is to enable dynamic pricing. The government wants people (individuals and businesses) to pay for the cost of electricity at the point they're using it, not the average of the cost of electricity between meter readings.

If the government can achieve this then they can let the market change behaviours (e.g. using/storing energy when it's cheap, holding back when it's expensive) instead of having to ration electricity during peak times (or spam out a bunch of nuclear power stations).

The energy companies don't care, they're happy to just bill you an average. In fact, it's better for them because the customer is so divorced from the real price of energy that they'll just be paid what they're told.

Currently we're in a sort-of weird in-between place where the gaps are being filled by expensive (but agile) gas turbines, because consumers pay the same whether the energy is "basically free" or "really fucking expensive".

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By *etWetWet453Couple
3 weeks ago

CAMBERLEY


"I have a traditional gas and electric meter. How do i know if they are accurate? Should they be calibrated from time to time? "

Keep hold of them.

Information from someone in the trade - with those meters, if you turn a light on for just a second and turn it off again, which we quite often do for various reasons, the meter is not able to register the amount of electricity used. With the smart meter, it registers immediately. So just consider the number of times that you switch the wrong light on. I`m sure it won`t be a fortune, but better the money in your bank account than theirs.

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By *ony MannMan
3 weeks ago

Las Gaviotos, Fuerteventura

They cost you money if you have the display on. I told the sales staff that, he said put it in a drawer....after telling me it would save me money

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