Rollout of free smart meters
- Thread starter DB_SamX
- Start date
It's not tin foil hattage at all. Bulk data collection is now both legal and required by some providers (ISPs). It's only a matter of time before someone with a vested interest starts to commercialise it.
Caporegime
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How would they know unless it records everything then sends the data?
You could easily block the signal from the meter then get it to send when it's cheaper.
Unless it's recorded hourly then each hour uploaded. I thought it was basically sending a meter reading every week/month but allowed you to tap into the meter locally to see usage in real time.
I thought I heard somewhere that some communication companies are installing mobile masts for use by smart metering. I'm sure I saw something like that when I was looking up the current planning applications on my council's website once.
I could be wrong however.
I could be wrong however.
Soldato
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I got chatting to someone involved in the SmartMeter roll out for one of the Big Six. He told me that the company handling the data via the GSM network is a single monopoly to provide equal and fair access to all market participants. This is mandated by legislation as far as I'm aware.
Just needs to record the time and data usage live then send it when able.
Caporegime
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You have to sign up on their site to be notified when they are in your area and then they automatically schedule a day and time where you have to be at home. You can re-arrange but it's usually during normal working hours.
They are currently rolling out in Glasgow as my install was scheduled for 2 weeks time but I cancelled it. I'll wait until there is a standard
Had one fitted by EON about 15 months ago and liked the fact that my bills were automatic and accurate. Switched to British Gas a couple of months ago and was told (only when I rang up to find out what was going on) that EON smart meters aren't compatible and that I'd have to get a new one. The thought of doing that every year (never mind the environmental damage) put me off. Like others, I'll wait until they've standardised them. It's a stupid state of affairs, IMO.
Smart meter stopped working? It’s probably because you switched.http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/te...778455&utm_campaign=nt-teamblog&utm_content=2
I've done the registration but haven't heard anything yet. Will have to wait!
Seems like it might not be an issue long term - it also sounds as if there is a standard agreed, then it will be rolled out to all meters anyway. If that's the case, surely there's no point in holding off?
I would have one fitted but they won't come at a time that is convenient for me. Until then I'm not having a day off work for them.
Soldato
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They installed smart meters at our place back in July. We didn't register for it, we just got an email at the end of June saying they'd be fitting smart meters on a certain date in July and asking us to contact them if the date wasn't convenient.
Caporegime
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Well the point would clearly be to save money on the cheaper tariff with the new supplier, in which case it's just a choice about smart meter functionality vs. more money in the pocket.
But my comment was in response to those saying that suppliers can refuse the business if someone has a smart meter. That appears to be incorrect; what they meant to say was that the new supplier refuses to supply power in conjunction with a smart meter, which is totally different to refusing to supply.
So in summary LOAM, Psycho Sonny, etc. are confused.
Caporegime
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I said they don't work across every supplier. Nothing to do with refusing supply.
I'm waiting until they work across all suppliers as standard. No point until then. I will also likely get a newer / better version by waiting too.
The first few generations will likely have niggles like the one being discussed about compatibility.
I'm waiting until they work across all suppliers as standard. No point until then. I will also likely get a newer / better version by waiting too.
The first few generations will likely have niggles like the one being discussed about compatibility.
BG meters use multiple networks. No need to change any SIM card. It's all built into the communications hub. The system needs at least 21% 'signal strength' on any one network to work. We won't fit them otherwise. (We carry signal monitors.) We can install an external antennae, but it's location is limited by the wire connecting it to the hub and really only works in limited scenarios, e.g. no signal inside a cupboard, but slightly better outside. But then most customers wouldn't want an external antennae (with wire) on their wall above the meter cupboard. I don't think I've ever fitted one. If the signal's crap, the signal's crap.
The gas meter also needs to be within range of the hub, which is connected to the electric meter. So depending on where your meters are (often they're together and thus not an issue), a gas meter may not be install-able (if it's too far away). The IHD (In Home Display, or energy monitor) also has to be within range to show the data, but this isn't normally an issue. You can have the electric and no gas, but not gas and no electric.
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Interesting, thanks for taking the time to reply 
Do you know how sensitive their antennas are? For example an iPhone would say no service in my house on any of the networks, but an old built in Mercedes car phone can just get a signal outside with its amplified built in aerial....
Do you know how sensitive their antennas are? For example an iPhone would say no service in my house on any of the networks, but an old built in Mercedes car phone can just get a signal outside with its amplified built in aerial....
If a phone doesn't get a signal when placed in a meter cupboard, then I wouldn't expect a comms hub to either.
It's often the first thing I do when approaching a property - see if I've got a signal on my work mobile. I'll sometimes ask the customer if they have any issues. If both are ok, then it's usually fine. If not, then out comes the signal monitor.
It can be hit and miss though. I know from experience that there are areas where one side of the street has a signal and the other doesn't. But if a customer says the only place they can get a signal is at the back of the house, under the kitchen window and the meter is at the front of the house in the porch, then it ain't gonna happen I'm afraid.
It's often the first thing I do when approaching a property - see if I've got a signal on my work mobile. I'll sometimes ask the customer if they have any issues. If both are ok, then it's usually fine. If not, then out comes the signal monitor.
It can be hit and miss though. I know from experience that there are areas where one side of the street has a signal and the other doesn't. But if a customer says the only place they can get a signal is at the back of the house, under the kitchen window and the meter is at the front of the house in the porch, then it ain't gonna happen I'm afraid.
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You wouldn't get a signal full stop on a mobile device here really, maybe one bar hanging out of an attic window but certainly not on the ground floor especially inside.
I'm not actually bothered as to be honest it answers a question I've never once asked, but it's interesting to know it wouldn't likely work anyway
I'm not actually bothered as to be honest it answers a question I've never once asked, but it's interesting to know it wouldn't likely work anyway
A meter is not like a pc where it will go out of date very fast, how old is the one in your house now without changing anything about 40 years.
I am already getting good info about my daily usage since having mine installed since i run a very expensive Marine Reef with lots of things running at different times of the day.