Smart Meter

[nailit]

Had a letter from npower stating that they would be coming to fit a smart meter in my flat on the 1st of Feb and would I ring them to confirm that date would be ok.
Rang them (and after a few questions) was told that because I live in a high rise, that I am not yet currently eligible for a smart meter as the techno is not available.

1) Why arrange a date to fix a smart meter when the address is not 'eligible?
2) Just WHY is the techno not yet eligible for high rise flats?

Was told that it would be at least another 6 months b4 I could have one fitted.
Thanks.

[Mamyalynne]

Lots of difficulties have been reported.

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-4291166/Not-smart-New-energy-meters-won-t-work-1-3-homes.html

[nailit]

Thanks for the link Mamya,
Surely my energy supplier would know that I live in a high rise though? A simple google map search would show that.

[nailit]

Are there any downsides to having a smart meter?
Wanted one for ages myself.

[Mamyalynne]

I'm sure someone will know, I don't have one yet.

[Old_Geezer]

Just blanket strong arm tactics trying to force them in everywhere. Unsophisticated enough system than can't stop itself sending out where they can't install anyway. Should've insisted they install on the promised date or you'd sue.

[Old_Geezer]

Just search previous "smart meter" threads here to read about how bad an idea they are.

[gingejbee]

I've refused to have one fitted...I don't see any plus-points at all. I think I'm smart enough to know that switching an item on uses power and the higher the rating, the more power it uses....and I've successfully managed without a smart meter all these years.

[Jackdaw33]

I live on the first floor of a three-storey building but they fitted mine no bother; not that I asked for one in the first place.

[nailit]

I don't get why they are a bad idea. Bills have to be paid regardless, surely if you know how much energy that you are using, then you can see how much you are using and cut down?
I had a water meter at my previous address (unfortunately cant have one at my present address) and I saved loads.

[yogi-bear]

Hi nailit

In answer to your first question, I would imagine that they didn't either know or do their homework on where exactly your flat was...and if, say for instance, on three or four levels, it might be possible to fit them. High rise properties obviously are a techno problem, which brings us to your second question and I don't have a Scooby, mate.....it must be, annoyingly, a work in progress.

On Smart Meters, I refuse to have one until they sort out the many faults reported pretty much in most medias and feedback through family and friends, who have had countless problems with them.

I was only talking to my supplier just before Christmas, getting a fixed rate tariff up to 2020, and asked for them to check out my normal meter which has been there for 15 years, to see if I need an upgrade and change it like for like, as I informed them I do not want a smart meter fitted....they said no problem, they sent someone to have a look...all running fine and dandy, so no need to replace.

Hope you're well, nailit....(I'm watching Chelsea vs Norwich City in the FA Cup whilst multi-tasking) :-)

[gingejbee]

"see how much you are using and cut down"...I have a problem with that argument. We don't have things "on" that aren't needed...and we are not going to switch things "off" that ARE needed.
Smart, eh?

[nailit]

Thanks,
My sister has a smart meter but was still getting estimated readings for the past few years (WHY?)
On the other hand a neighbour and friend swears by them and has considerably cut down on her energy use (eg, by only one cup of water to make a cup of tea when using her kettle)

[yogi-bear]

P.s Highly unlikely I will ever get one as the meter we have seems to work very well, as it is....and as an outright home-owner, I have that right to tell them to go forth and multiply, if asked. It's not compulsory.

[nailit]

That's interesting Yogi, I was under the impression that it would become compulsory within the next few years.

[gingejbee]

well....you don't need a smart meter to boil only the amount of water that you actually need, rather than fill the kettle every time....we've done that forever!

[nailit]

ginge, yes, I know what you mean but sometimes a meter can bring it home to you just how wasteful we can be at times.

[gingejbee]

nailit...I know what you mean, too....I know people who have all the lights on, the TV on (not being watched), other equipment on "standby" all the time...it all adds up. Fortunately, we're just not like that...!

[yogi-bear]

Not for outright home owners, nailit.....knowone is going to tell me what friggin meter I have on my house, without me agreeing to it first.

If they improve in years to come and fix all the kinks and complaints drop down substantially, I will look at it again.

[albaqwerty]

I don't like the thought of smart meters.
Can't explain why, I just find the thought uncomfy.

We're pre-pay gas and leccy and are quite happy with that arrangement.

[nailit]

ginge and yogi,
thanks for imput, agreed with both of you....