Smart meter... to install or not...

[EnterFunnyNameHere]

Hi,

We're with bulb and they are currently offering smart meter installation. I've never been keen as I think the original type were non-transferable between suppliers etc, but what does the collective think these days? It feels like it won't be any worse than it is now, and might even be better.... But I'm not sure if it is worth it! TIA

I had an old smart meter replaced in feb. Can’t tell the difference but I don’t have to give readings anymore 🤷🏻‍♀️.

The supplier pays for them anyway, so even if you were to move to a different one and it wasn't compatiable no real issue. I don't leave the handheld bit on to be honest, but it is handy having the readings sent straight to them.

there are a lot of experiences on the martin lewis website, moneysavingexpert

If nothing else it stops the constant “would you like a smart meter” letters, emails and texts.

The issue is that when you sell your house, it’s hard for new residents to get rid of apparently. My parents ask this question when they view properties, as they don’t want one.

I am not having one until or unless it is mandatory. I am perfectly able to read a meter myself and work out what my usage is. Having a smart meter will make no difference to my electricity usage whatsoever.

@sergeilavrov & @thegcatsmother - do you kind explaining why your parents/you are so against them though?

Thanks for opinions!

*mind (typos!)

The issue is that when you sell your house, it’s hard for new residents to get rid of apparently. My parents ask this question when they view properties, as they don’t want one.

If asked suppliers have to disable the functionality which allows the info to be sent to them directly, so it is basically just a normal meter then if someone doesn't want one.

There arent any non smart meters being made and havent been for about 18 months now, so sooner or later all properties will have them regardless., they can be disabled so dont send readings automatically, the newer smart 2 meters can be transfered between suppliers now

Have heard about boilers breaking down after installation of smart meters and not old boilers necessarily - really puts me off, particularly as I live along and send monthly readings so I already know the energy I am using. It takes me maybe 90 seconds to read the meters and send the readings online.

I don't use the display bit, but not having to move loads of stuff to have my meters read is fab.

We have one, as pp said we no longer have to let them know our readings and we don't get estimated bills anymore. We were getting over charged at one point.
Just sits and does it's thing on the kitchen side.

No chance. Search the thread on here about them, about a year ago maybe. Lots of posters who worked in the energy industry explaining why they would never have a smart meter.

As with any smart technology, it allows the company more immediate access to control, limit or stop your supply. Even if they trusted utility companies (which they don’t), my parents are quite security aware due to my job and so know that anything the energy company can access - hackers can too. It puts your entire utility supply at risk. The data they collect will end up being sold, and my parents aren’t keen on that either. It just feels like an invasion that happens when they’re not looking.

In terms of water, my parents want to pay a flat fee and not worry about consumption too much as my dad’s income is difficult to predict. They want to know what their expenses are as clearly as possible.

In addition, my dad would instantly become pedantic about what uses what amount of energy and ruin my mum’s life. They’re sensible anyway, so unlikely they’d save anything without severely compromising their standard of living.

Ultimately, smart meters are about demand management which shouldn’t be necessary if we would invest in nuclear power and renewables.

My DH won’t have one because he believes it is a back door into ‘dynamic pricing’ as in when demand is high then the unit price is higher. Many people have no choice but it boil their kettle between 06:30 and 08:30 because they have DC and they work. Not really fair to charge them more because of this.

As Sergeilavrov says, I'd prefer that the utility company can't choose to use surge pricing if I want to boil the kettle at certain times. For all those who say they'll have to be used, what about those who hagiography mobile signals or live in old houses with thick walls. The meter won't work then. There will always be a need for a dumb meter.

We don’t use the display bit I was very reluctant and told my supplier if my bills went stupid I’d be fighting them but to be honest it’s a godsend peace of mind I’ve never had higher bills either.

Interestingly the bulb FAQ state you can control what data they receive from the meter and that they cannot use them to turn off the supply... But I guess that's assuming you stay with them!

Definitely not.

Yeah I have 1 but it was one of the terms of the new tariff and they kept asking .
I don't even look at it tbh but it saves them asking for readings .
I suppose the only negative was that when we agreed they came out about 3 times miscommunication between supplier and third party who are responsible for the meter and they had to fit a part so the smart meter could be fitted .
One that was sorted that's it .

@thegcatsmother

I am not having one until or unless it is mandatory. I am perfectly able to read a meter myself and work out what my usage is. Having a smart meter will make no difference to my electricity usage whatsoever.

This. We have no reason to need / want one.

The DDC network doesn't rely on mobile coverage, I believe it covers over 99% of homes as appose to 80 something percent that are covered by phone signal. You don't need to connect a smart meter to your WiFi or anything, the only reason they will cut you off is if you don't pay (but they'd just come to your home otherwise), and as it's transmitted through the network hackers wouldn't be able to access any of your personal machines etc through it. They could, perhaps, at a push see when you are out of the house etc by when your electric use is low; but not sure since the roll out whether that has actually happened. Smart pricing is more of an issue, but realistically if they want to take that on a big scale everyone will just be forced onto smart meters and it will be made mandatory anyway.

I've just booked a smart meter installation with bulb. They mentioned that the meters are 2nd generation which means you can switch them to a new supplier.

We've got one, it was useful to monitor our usage as we have just bought an electric car. It was a real faff at first, not picking up and the company were rubbish but we did eventually get it sorted.