Switched energy can I refuse a smart meter?

[QueenOfIce]

We've switched to SSE, whilst a smart meter would save me the bother of meter readings and working out what we've used and keeping on top of costs I still have some concerns and I'm not sure I want someone having full control remotely.

Can anyone give me a broader more informed perspective on smart meters.

I believe I still have the right to refuse a meter nothing on my contract to say I have to agree.

[Billballbaggins]

Just say ‘I rent the house, the landlord won’t agree to a smart meter.’ Doesn’t matter if it’s true or not but it’ll stop them asking you.

[QueenOfIce]

I don't have a problem refusing, I just want to know more about them from a non biased viewpoint.

[PCohle]

Yes, you are absolutely allowed to refuse a smart meter (and you can still have one installed for free later if you change your mind). There is some controversy over suppliers reserving their cheapest rates for customers with smart meters to try and push people into having them fitted though.

There are some privacy concerns about the data collected by smart meters and who has access to that data. There are also issues about first gen smart meters needing to be upgraded in the future anyway, especially if you change supplier.

[outofnothing]

I'm with Bulb and decided to have a smart meter as they seem to ask for a reading every month. Took a day off work to have it installed and it didn't work. Sent me some instructions to reset it and it still doesn't work. It's now been dumped in the garage. Bloody useless

[QueenOfIce]

Thanks PCohle that was the sort of info I was looking for.

[whirlwinds]

Got one installed with a different company after a nightmare session with Eon who I had DD with, the meter has been absolutely brilliant. I can check usage for hour, day, month and compare the months. Top-up means I can sit at home and do it over the internet, phone, app or if need be the shop. Have no daily charge so if I don't use any gas I am not paying any extra. It is slightly dearer the first few days of the month, the rest is at the lowest rate.

[JTrevelyan]

What does your contract with them, say ?

I have read (possibly on MN) of people who signed up for a cheap tariff only to learn that you needs a smart meter fitted to get it.

Bulb only have one tariff and don't require a smart meter, which was one reason I chose them.

If anyone fancies switching, feel free to use my referral code Although if you do, you'll get a shed load of emails suggesting you fit a smart meter (which I ignore).

//www.bulb.me/jasonl2330