AIBU to hesitate about getting a smart meter?

[pinkyyellow]

When we were switching energy tariff in October there were some discounted deals which depended on installing a smart meter. I researched it and selected a First Utility tariff, mostly because they were saying they expected to start installing 2nd Generation Meters early in 2018. I don't particularly want a 1st Generation meter, because if we switch supplier again my understanding (which might be wrong) is that it will revert to being a dumb meter.

The T&Cs on our current tariff say we have 6 months to arrange the smart meter installation or we lose the discount. We're now coming up to the 6 month deadline, but we haven't done it yet because they still only have 1G meters, and now aren't expecting to install any 2G meters until the end of the year.

So, if we don't want to lose the discount, we need to install the 1G meter. It's a free installation, so perhaps we have nothing to lose - but if we install it that might stop us getting a free 2G installation later (our current T&Cs say the free installation only applies if you haven't had one before).

Has anyone else been round this loop? Am I being unnecessarily hesitant?

Don't install one. It's all a conspiracy to let the government spy on you

I've had mine for about 3 years, it makes you realise how much boiling a kettle costs 😢

I have one. No idea why, they still read the meter anyway.

They just put our bill up 35% despite being £500 in credit and they say its because they anticipate us using more energy soon which actually goes against every graph and chart shown on our account

The inside meter thats supposed to show me my usage actually shows my neighbours because its plugged in closer to my neighbours meter than ours so reads theirs. Completely useless to us.

Theyre not free either, they cost electricity to actually run so you are paying for it that way. Just in tiny amounts over a very long time.

Ours doesn’t work, has never worked and we have switched energy companies at least three times since it was installed, so no use anyway.

I’ve got a 2nd generation one fitted and for us personally it’s been a success. Despite knowing all the stuff on being energy efficient, actually seeing it in real time has been an eye opener.
We don’t switch our energy suppliers however but if you do then wait for the second generation one.

Your only downside for getting a meter is it might stop you getting a Gen2 when they come out.

Your upside is you keep your discount.

It's a no brainer, surely?

Realistically if you want a Gen2 meter when (if?!) they finally become available you will be able to change supplier and get one from the new supplier. I have 2 smart meters (gen1) and neither work because we've changed supplier... but it hasn't cost me anything.

Just get the meter and keep your discount.

@SluttyButty which supplier are you with, and are they fitting 2G meters for free or did you have to pay extra for it?

Purple we're with British Gas and no we didn’t have to pay.

I don't like the power the meters have over you. Surely the supply can be switched off remotely? Also, it must give off radiation?

We can't have the meter fitted in our house anyway as the granite walls are too thick and block the signal.

Aurea - Also, it must give off radiation?

Definitely - they are powered by plutonium, very dangerous.

Also, it must give off radiation?
So do mobile phones and wireless broadband home networks!

Yes but mobiles/Wi-fi etc add quality to our life. I really don't think a smart meter adds very much and exposes us to more unnecessary risks.....

Aurea it does add to my life, it’s made my dc accept how much they waste therefore we have an, albeit fairly moderate, greater disposable income.

They give off a lot of radiation! Not worth it.

“Yes but mobiles/Wi-fi etc add quality to our life. I really don't think a smart meter adds very much and exposes us to more unnecessary risks..”

Funny how we are willing to except the dangers of radiation in exchange for phones. The addiction is strong

Oh dear, not the radiashun thing again...

Is it still worth it? Have you done a recent comparison?

@Aurea if you're worried about radiation, why do you live in a granite house?

I'm not much of a conspiracy theorist but I do have strong links to the energy industry. I will not have smart meters in my home. It is generally accepted in the industry that power is likely to become moderately rationed in the next few years and the rollout of smart meters allows energy suppliers the ability to remotely ration power as and when necessary.

Government spying on you? Check.
Radiation? Check.

Just need Russia/ISIS and I'll have a line on me smart meter bingo card.

Yep, decades of massive population increase, lack of investment, wrong turns with power ( partly but not wholly due to the EU) does indeed mean we are on the edge.

Insulation would be better but that's science and you don't get many science literate politicians.

Our house has been tested for radon and passed. The Victorians built them with underfloor vents to mitigate the risks. They certainly were clued up.

Can you check readings etc remotely, ie over an app?

I’ve pondered a smart meter but have decided to wait for now.

What I don’t like is the slightly hysterical literature from my supplierntelling me that I need to have a smart meter, and that it has to be done soon.

Um.

Nope.

Our house has been tested for radon and passed. The Victorians built them with underfloor vents to mitigate the risks.

Radon was not discovered until 1900 and its association with increased risk of lung cancer was not established until the mid 20th century.