A Threat Or Not?

[woodelf]

Today, I've had what reads like a "threatening" letter from my electric provider SSE/OVO, ostensibly for me to change to a Smart meter...or else! Anyone had similar letters and with how much credence did you view them? Ta Muchly and Keep Well All.

[MrsCheese]

I get those letters regularly from SSE and I file them in the bin x

[burlyshirley]

I haven't had a 'threatening' letter yet, but if and when I do, it will go straight into the bin with the last one they sent me ! Ignore it woodelf. On reflection though, I might just write to them with a large piece of my mind, but that's just me !

[Buenchico]

Hi Woodelf.

Firstly, please accept my apologies for not replying to your email some time ago. It was on my 'to do' list for a while but then dropped off my radar.

It's Government policy that everyone should have a smart meter installed in their home. See here, on the Gov.uk website:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/smart-meters-how-they-work
So one can hardly blame energy suppliers for trying to get everyone to have them.

Personally, I've got absolutely no objection to them in principle but I know that, after they've installed any type of new gas meter, the fitters have to test the gas appliances in the home. I also know that my 30-year-old gas cooker wouldn't pass the safety test because two of the rings emit too march carbon monoxide. (I simply don't use those rings anyway, and keep my carbon monoxide detector in good order, so I'm not actually in any danger). However the fitters would be forced to disconnect my cooker, leaving me with a hefty bill for a new one. So I simply ignore the countless emails I get telling me that British Gas urgently need to replace my gas and electricity meters.

Unless, unusually, you've got any similar problems though, I can't think of any reason why you shouldn't allow SSE/OVO to go ahead with installing a smart meter in your flat.

[woodelf]

Many Thanks MrsCheese (which flavour?), think I should follow suit?

[Lie-in King]

EDF constantly send emails & letters saying I can book the installation at a time to suit me. It'll never suit me, so I ignore them all.

Hope you're well, woodelf smile

[davebro]

What is the exact wording that leads you to think it's "or else"?

[woodelf]

Apologies accepted Buenchico, but totally unnecessary-and as far as meters go, I've not only me to consider! I agree with you Shirl (if I may?), go ahead and tell 'em what you think!...I think I'll do the same, as they insist on sending me print letters, even though they know I'm totally blind, but only in the eyes (har har!...it's okay, I laff at myself constantly - "who are you calling Constantly? - er, no-one, they're always out!...and if Lie-in King can get emails from his or her supplier, then I will have to find out if I can too...not from his or hers of course, but...Many Thanks anyway.

[burlyshirley]

Lol I like being called shirl woodelf ...

[youngmafbog]

It may well be Government Policy but since when is the Government a dictatorship, even if Johnson thinks it should be?

Just ignore them, or phone and have a rant. Ovo asked me a couple of years back, we had a good conversation on why I didnt want one and they said they would mark me as a no. I haven't had any follow-ups so I guess they did.

The problem with Smart meters is that it is yet more tracking of your data. This has the usual downside of a disgruntled employee selling it especially when you are using little and not likely to be in to a nefarious individual, but in addition in the future they are very likely to charge you more during peak times when you have no choice. No doubt it will be able to recognise car charging too and put a road fund levy on it for the Government. OK, bit in-hattish but anyone think they wont do it once the tech is in place?

[davebro]

There's a bit in the paper (Sunday Express) about Electrolux wanting to put internet connectivity into all their appliances so not only will "they" know how much power you are using but also what you are using it for!

[davebro]

and a camera in the oven will show them what you're making for dinner.

[woodelf]

Careful Shirl...I might be tempted to write thee a "poem" too!...based on what, I aint figured, yet!

[-SharonA-]

I succumbed to a threat last year & the said meter is currently languishing in the jumble in the cupboard under the stairs.

[bobbinwales]

Tracking your data government dictatorship. .LOL.
Do you also object to your phone provider tracking your call use or your bank tracking debit or credit card spending.

[Spicerack]

They are necessary to create/pay bills, bobbin.
A Smart Meter isn't.
When tptb tell you something is free
It isn't
When they tell you it's for your benefit
It isn't

[Spicerack]

You'll Lol on the other side of your face
when your Smart Meter reports you for using incorrect pronouns
or whatever made up crime happens to be trending.