Any reason not to get a smart meter?

NotAGolf

NotAGolf

NotAGolf

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I've been offered smart meters on my gas/electricity before but have turned them down for a couple of reasons:
  1. Them becoming 'dumb' when switching
  2. The faff of having someone coming around and cut off supply when installing
I've found out that some supplier's deals are dependent on having them installed, so am thinking about getting them installed, especially as 1) seems to have improved with the smet2 meters.

Are there any reasonable reasons to not go for smart meters these days?
 
I think @Rilot posted a recent thread about some major hassles with his smart meter when changing supplier.

I'm sure most people can switch without issue, but the odd person then runs into difficulties.
 
As mentioned above, there are potential issues when changing suppliers, even though in theory they say it shouldnot be a problem.
 
Flip the question... what are the reasons you should get a smart meter?
- does your current meter work? yes
- do you need the installation hassle? no
- will it actually save you energy/money? doubt it

just make a cup of tea and forget about it?
 
Another question to add to that list is:

Can I get access to all deals& tariffs if I refuse to get one?

Quite an important question.
 
True, especially important if you want an EV and don't have an E7 meter.
There's also a different slant on that question, which is "how is the provider going to make my life harder for not doing what they want?", for example in my case they ask for meter readings more often so that's getting a bit irritating.
 
The main reason for me wanting to switch to a smart meter is twofold:
  1. So I can see how much energy I'm using. I'm relatively sensible with my usage (I think), but it would be nice to be able to see exactly how much different leaving that light on vs that one etc. I'm aware you can buy plugs that measure, but I'd have to wander around the house unplugging things, and they won't cover gas usage or mains powered lights.
  2. Get access to the best deals
 
Had no issues when moved from Pure Planet to Shell Energy with the smart meter. Handy not having to go out and put readings in each month and is a useful reminder on how much you're using and to not leave things switched on unnecessarily.
 
Any reason not to have a smart meter?

No.

Most of the comments above are directed at SMETS1 (gen 1) meters, most of these issues are now moot with the latest generation SMETS2 meters. I have worked in the industry for the best part of 22 years, smart metering has existed for over 30 years specifically for heavy use customers (industry, shops and so on). The only difference now is the meters, communications gear and data are all owned and operated by the Government.
 
I can't see a reason to not get one, i really like the energy usage display with ours. Reminds you if you've left anything on in the house etc.

Also not having to submit readings is really handy.
 
Assuming no issues arise which is always possible with any kit swap the SMETS2 meter would give you more choice. Worst case it reverts back to a dumb meter like my original SMETS1 meter.

I still like to enter a meter fairly regularly as a check more than anything plus the data collection via the separate network isn't always reliable and can miss a few days. The data has always got through but the auto generated bills can look a bit intermittent online with Octopus for example. Direct debit doesn't change.

Already mentioned but a positive is the usage display which at a glance in the morning tells me the consumption is normal. Easy to spot if I forgot to plug the car in or maybe set the central heating to a different setting and forgot to put it back.
 
As others have said, why not get one. Most of the issues encountered are from the earlier generation.

I view energy companies roughly how I view Tony Soprano and his extended family. Therefore I will always want to submit meter readings and ensure I am paying for my usage, not overpaying into their CEO's coffers and then having to struggle to get my own money back. Energy companies are bandits, I'll pay for what I use thank you very much, and having a smart meter to take the work out of manually submitting a meter reading is well worth it.
 
I was holding off getting a 'smart' meter in the hope that a vendor would release an app where you coul download your accurate/live'ish usage data with better than 5 minute resolution;
bulb had had such a (samsung) smart things app, but they've obviously gone under and seemed to have ceased development anyway,
with such an app I could easily nail down hob/washing machine/coffee-machine.
 
jpaul said:
I was holding off getting a 'smart' meter in the hope that a vendor would release an app where you coul download your accurate/live'ish usage data with better than 5 minute resolution;
bulb had had such a (samsung) smart things app, but they've obviously gone under and seemed to have ceased development anyway,
with such an app I could easily nail down hob/washing machine/coffee-machine.
Click to expand...
I don’t really care about real time usage but the British Gas certainly bounces up when I turn the kettle on. If I were to link it with the iOS app it asks me if I’m happy to send data every 10secs or so :confused:
 
Scam said:
I don’t really care about real time usage but the British Gas certainly bounces up when I turn the kettle on. If I were to link it with the iOS app it asks me if I’m happy to send data every 10secs or so
Click to expand...
if you were to link it with IOS you would experience all the problems the users have V
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bgmobilenga&hl=en_GB&gl=US

with all those problems, although app has no apparent documentation the idea that app will give you data to download and review, to understand what white appliances cost is laughable.
 
@jpaul to be fair I’ve used the app for a while now (previously on android too) and it’s fine. I just have little interest in seeing real-time usage, because we’re prudent with usage and it’s not going to tell me anything I don’t already know.
 
an example of the kind of information/graphic that would be useful from a smart meter & app ,
that was, say, in addition to total metered energy, also able to pull data from a energy plug, you could transfer from appliance to appliance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekz_F2ojX5I

Monitor Your Smart Homes Energy Usage with Home Assistant!
e: forgot link
51925846153_1925ddae16_b.jpg
 
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