Advantages of having a smart meter for electricity?

[Sandrine1982]

I have always been refusing to have a smart meter installed as I don't really see any advantages over the analog meter that we currently have. I don't really mind giving a meter reading every month and it gives me a sense of control over my spending.

Can people tell me what the advantages are of a smart meter? I keep getting emails from our supplier - they are very keen to have one installed !!

The only advantage I can see - but not sure if a smart meter allows this - is to be able to switch to a dual tarriff to benefit from cheaper electricty at night. Do smart meters always give this possibility?

Still missing the point. Not really sure how many ways I can say the obvious. Maybe it's too obvious.

Nothing pushed so agressively is to benefit us. Giving us shit tariffs because we won't get a smart meter? Doesn't really install confidence that it's to benefit the customer really.

You're not deliberately getting shit tariffs because you don't have a smart meter, it is just the use responsive tariffs that give people money back if they reduce their demand can only be supported by a smart meter. Want the tariff you need the tech to support it.

Smart meters are being pushed because energy providers have government set targets to hit.

Smart meters will benefit us all as a smart system makes the energy distribution system more responsive to demand. It is a key factor in low carbon transition.

It really isn't all about you. But you know. Luddites gonna luddite.

I’m a bit disappointed actually since I know gamerchick from the preppers board where I thought we were mainly sensible girl guide types rather than conspiracy theorists. Hey ho.

we switched and it’s been great - turns out our old meters were not working properly and we’d been massively over paying! We got significant credit back from our supplier and our bills have come down £100 per month

It’s really useful to know what is/is not costing most electricity so most families are probably likely to spend less with one.

and you don’t have the faff of doing your electricity meter readings.

I’m not quite sure why anyone wouldn’t want one tbh. I’m not sure “blissful ignorance” is atttactive when it probably amounts to spending even more money.

and surely you’re far more likely to be able to keep control of your spending?!

We live rurally and our smart meter does not connect to the energy company, so we still have to submit meter readings manually and we would not be able to benefit from variable tariffs.

The Luddites were right.

The Luddites were the skilled, middle-class workers of their time. After centuries on more-or-less good terms with merchants who sold their goods, their lives were upended by machines replacing them with low-skilled, low-wage laborers in dismal factories.

The machine weren't brought in to help ordinary people.

Bless you. It's not a conspiracy to not want private companies to install technology that could control your energy remotely. Whether they're allowed to or not.

If I ever bug out, the last thing I'll be thinking about is my energy meters anyway😉

For anyone doubtful whether time of use tarriffs are worth it.

Saved £100 on agile in December

I agree with gamer chick. They have pushed this so aggressively with me to the point of harassment..and blackmail...get money off your bills if youre struggling (small print...must have smart meter etc)..angers me no end. Sneaky worms. I have in 9 occasions emailed, written, etc that not to contact me again over it .and they say ok we will take you off contact list, nope, then they contact me again grrr.
I live rurally and know id have issues with it..but predominantly i just dont agree with it all ..i wont explain why, that's my views