Being harassed about Smart Meter

[NewGirlInTown]

Does anyone know if utility companies can force homeowners to have a Smart Meter?
I don’t want one but am getting frequent calls and texts hassling me.
I told them on the telephone that I am not interested.
My meter is very accurate; estimated usages are incredibly close to actual, so no alarm bells there.
I should add that I have recently withdrawn some of the substantial credit balance on my account, leaving 2/3 months worth of direct debit. I did it all through their online service, but since then, I am being hassled.
Many thanks to anyone who can provide advice.

Same here. I already use the minimum amount of power I can (environmental reasons) so a smart meter won’t make any difference.

I’d also like to know. What did you change by having a smart meter? I already only turn in lights in rooms I am in, only wash full loads, don’t have a dryer, save energy by using a dishwasher…what were you doing before the meter?

I’ve started doing this in the last week and already seven numbers blocked. It’s fucking ridiculous.

When you know how much stuff individually cost then cut back
things like look at weather forecast for washing hang it out when possible where as normally if it was rain I would of done washing and tumble dried it now if it’s fine tomorrow I’d wash it tomorrow and hang it out
it has green and amber Light to indicate power draw have a quick look and see what we’ve left on and switch but off
used to fill kettle to top for a couple big brews now don’t over fill
even had some of the old 100 watt lightbulbs now 5 watt led
granted we could of done this anyway irrespective of metre but it just makes it easier to see what’s eating you electric and which appliances are dear to run
just help you keep on top
all this a side it doesn’t rule out life
no more having to submit readings
not use but my sister used to get free electric on Sunday morning with her supplier

I can’t see a downside smart meters and old meters can and dowrong
but it’s normally someone won’t have one because their auntie next door neighbour dog sitter hairdresser got a wrong Bill
The big fear about going prepaid that people to be honest, I soon be switched on to prepaid then allowed to plunge into massive amount of uncontrolled debt

I don’t really understand what’s wrong with having your meter upgraded/updated. Mine was put on a few years ago, it has made zero difference to my life. It’s just exists in the wall cupboard outside like the previous one did. I don’t see it, I don’t think about and I don’t have anything to do with it.

I told them we have no mobile signal here, which is true. No hassle since.

Why are people so reluctant to have smart meters ?

I had an email from Octopus a while ago saying my meter was near the end of its life so I had to have a new one. But when I went to book a slot they didn't have any. I didn't bother again and they haven't bothered me again.

My mum's meter is in a really awkward place for her to read it, so she always waits for me to visit and I do it. So when she was offered a smart meter she was happy to get one. But then she forgot about the appointment and went out - but she never heard anything from them, so didn't know if they'd turned up or not! That was a few months ago now. She now has another appointment booked so we'll see how she finds it once it's been installed.

I had an email from Octopus recently saying how much more electricity I was using, so a smart meter might be helpful to work out why.

Why are you so keen to have one.

Cheaper tariffs, maybe? Am I keen on saving money? You bet!

Which provider are you with?

Octopus.

What a nuisance for you @NewGirlInTown but people are absolutely correct that you cannot be forced.

I am SICK of the energy companies hounding, harassing, and bullying people -trying to force them into having a chuffing smart meter! What is the fecking obsession with SMART METERS?! So many of them don't work! I know LOADS of people who have had one and they have been shit. Malfunctioning, giving incorrect readings, and leaving them in debt as the readings were so low...

I do not want one. Never have. I have an electric meter and a gas meter, (both credit meters,) and have always had credit meters. I think 'if it ain't broke don't fix it!' Anyway, last year the electric meter broke, and they said they would not replace it unless I agreed to a smart meter. I said 'I DO NOT WANT A SMART METER.' They said 'why? What reason?' I said 'not wanting a smart meter is a good enough reason to not have one!' They were really shirty, and said well we won't be able to fit a credit meter as we only have smart meters in stock.'

I said 'come and fit a smart meter then, but I will be changing suppliers as soon as you've done it.' And I meant it.

I live rurally, and the signal is sketchy at best, and I would end up with the smart meter sending incorrect readings, so I do not want one!!!

tl;dr, they came and fitted a credit meter. Didn't want the risk of losing a customer. This was British Gas obviously... 🙄

Because they're shit.

Not this again. They are not inaccurate. They use the same technology to measure electricity and gas flow as traditional meters. They do not send the wrong readings. They either send the correct readings, or nothing at all, in which case they can be read manually, like a traditional meter. If you’re in an area with poor signal, and send a text message on your mobile, is it delivered with spelling errors or different words? Of course not. Smart meters are no different.

in what way?

I am also worried about this. I keep being contacted by Octopus telling me my meter is out of date and I need a smart meter. When I log into my app ( I have a lot of credit so no issues with my standing order balance ) it tells me as I don’t have a smart meter they can’t show me details of my account! I did ‘apply’ for one a few years ago through another provider but when they arrived to look at my existing meter they told me I didn’t have the space - meter fuse box is situated high up in a corner of my narrow hall and there is nowhere else to site it. I can see myself going elsewhere because of this which is a shame as Octopus have been good… but there letters are relentless and now I can’t view my account.

No point getting one to chuck it in the bin 😆

Cheaper tariffs and it submits readings

Well I do have one. I can glance at it at anytime and see how much I've spent at any time. I get bills and pay them. I can decide if I'm spending too much on any one day and what has caused it .Perhaps the people who won't have one should be charged 50 pounds each time a person has to come out and read their meter?

Perhaps the people who won't have one should be charged 50 pounds each time a person has to come out and read their meter?

Why would someone need to come out? No-one comes to read mine, that ended a long time ago. I just read it monthly and submit the readings online.

I just take my own meter readings and submit them online 🤷🏼‍♀️. Takes all of 5 minutes.

Same - it isn’t a problem and I am happy to leave it at that

No they're not.

Do they do this endlessly for years without checking ?