Energy Suppliers...smart Meters

[janzman]

...Our energy supplier Npower has informed us they will be installing a 'smart meter' in a couple of weeks. They haven't asked us if we want one or given much info about it. Only their possitive spin but no answers such as what if we don't want one, what if it is faulty,lots more.
Has anyone had any experience of smart meters for gas and electricity, We're really quite confused.

[Buenchico]

>>> They haven't asked us if we want one . ..

They've no real choice. The Government requires all energy suppliers to install smart meters to all homes by 2020.


>>> . . . or given much info about it

As it's a Government requirement, that's really the job of the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. See here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/smart-meters-how-they-work

[Mamyalynne]

I can't really answer your question, but some interesting points here...

Worth a read

http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/do-i-have-to-accept-a-smart-meter

[Tuvok]

Take your own meter reading at point of change over - or take a photo.

When ours was changed the wrong reading was entered (2 numbers were transposed.)

[lankeela]

I am on a prepayment meter- will I get a smart meter?

[Buenchico]

Lankeela:
Yes. Please see my link above.

[waterboatman]

My gas and electric meters are too far apart, so they. Can't fit smart meters, they won't be able to talk to each other. Fine by me!

[EDDIE51]

There is only ONE reason smart meters are being forced on us.
Every smart meter has a 'remote disconnect' facility. This means the power company can disconnect you from their computer system without needing to come out to your house. Disconnection of ordinary domestic users can be ordered if there is a 'power supply emergency'. This is to ensure that essential users such as vital industry , hospitals, government offices, military bases etc can be supplied even if there is not enough power to supply everyone.

[EDDIE51]

Yes that is true, but the main reason for remote disconnecting domestic users is called 'Emergency Load Control' which is exactly what it says it is !
In an emergency the 'power load' can be controlled by switching off non essential users ( the ordinary public). Of course they are VERY reluctant to tell you this but it is the ONLY reason smart meters exist !!

[EDDIE51]

However there is a FAR worse scenario than an 'Emergency Load Control' and that is that as the remote disconnect is just a piece of computer code it can be hacked. This is a far cheaper and more effective weapon for a terrorist organisation to use tham making a bomb!
Read this and be VERY afraid !
http://www.nickhunn.com/when-smart-meters-get-hacked/

[Old_Geezer]

They do have a choice. I am having to get a meter replaced and stipulated I didn;t want a so called smart one. It took a little longer for them to go get one but I have a date to replace with a normal meter.

[EDDIE51]

divebuddy I am not saying it is a bad thing, unfortunately it is inevitable. Good or bad. The electricity supply situation is going to get much worse before the first of the new nuclear stations come online in 20 years or so.
The maximum load is never supposed to be more than 75% of the generating capacity, but only a few weeks back in the hot weather, demand mainly due to air conditioning, peaked at 98% of the maximum generation capacity.
This was on a summer lunch time NOT in mid winter when such peaks normally happen! If there then had been just a minor breakdown in the UK generating capacity we would have had a 'cascade' of power cuts all over the UK. A cold winter will produce the same situation!

[Hopkirk]

If they can't get in the house, they can't change the meter.

[EDDIE51]

I have posted on the government's total failure to plan for future power generation several times. We were world leaders in nuclear engineering, but back in the 1970s we abandoned all of our nuclear power programs. Now not only do we not have the capacity to build and operate a nuclear plant we do not have any trained nuclear engineers or even a program to train more. We are now totally reliant on the French and Chinese to build and operate nuclear plants for us. The only other option is the USSR and their plants are not considered safe! let alone the political implication!

[EDDIE51]

Hopkirk our meter is outside the house as are all meters installed in the last 15 years. If necessary they can get a court order to gain entry.

[EDDIE51]

Sorry 5 years not 15 !

[Togo]

I wont join the debate, I had my say many moons ago regarding "smarm" meters, needless to say I wouldn't touch one with a bargepole. Not until plod is outside saying he has an enforcement notice will anyone come near us with one. I can see it now, a couple of years down the line, the "Bank" lit up with people posting that they been cut off whilst others were powered up.... All smart meter hostages.

[Togo]

A link from my original post.

http://stopsmartmeters.org.uk/resources/what-are-smart-meters/