So last Sept we got switched to Octopus energy as our old supplier went bust. The previous supplier (Avro) tried to sell us the idea of smart meters but we refused - had heard about not being able to switch suppliers and were concerned about potential for hacking of the devices and some horror stories. So a few days ago I submitted a meter reading due to prices about to rise, and today I got an email saying we need our meters replacing, as 'they are approaching the end of their operational life' and 'Gas and electricity meters should be replaced periodically, generally every 15 - 20 years, to ensure absolute accuracy and safety.' That's the first I've heard of it!
After reading around on another forum I discoverd one's meter will show when it was last 'certified' (i.e. seems to mean was declared fit to give accurate readings). Ours don't have sticky labels, in fact they are so old they have attached paper tags - so I blew off the dust (!) and discovered the electric meter's was dated 1989! Couldn't read the gas one as the label was partly destroyed but the date began with 19--. So clearly these are pretty old. Yet no-one has mentioned having them 're-certified' or replaced till just after the price rise?
I visited Octopus's smart meter FAQ: 'Do you have to replace my meter?' 'Yes, we’re required to do so under governmental regulation. It is our duty to ensure customers have continuity of safe energy supply that is accurately recorded.'
Honestly I feel this is being pushed very hard at us. It's very hard to argue with 'we have to do so under govt regulation' and 'Just so you know, we can't replace your meters like for like as traditional meters are becoming increasingly difficult to get hold of.' However I fully intend to hold out for the time being. I expect to be forced into it eventually, however.
What have others done? Anyone else had this 'your meters aren't certified' email?