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Smart Meters - Now a shortage (of display units)

AncientMariner
Back in November, we had smart meters fitted in an investment property owned by my wife.


The two meters went in, the Engineer kindly fitted an isolator which I had ready to hand and then advised that he was out of internal displays, but that one would follow in a few weeks.


Emails, phone calls and 6 months later have just been advised that rather like airline seats, the supplier had not ordered the same number of internal displays as Smart meters and now that they have changed to fitting SMETS2 meters they do not have any displays available!


Problem is that both meters are fairly inaccessible and whilst both communicate for billing purposes are not that easy to read due to the requirement to hold a torch in one hand, a pen and paper in the other and with the third, press the appropriate key button to obtain a reading.


So, after today's call from the supplier in response to a formal complaint, the house is on the list for a SMETS2


Progress........

Clive
  • 0
    With respect to fluid pricing. I am sure we have been told not to run dishwashers, washing machines and tumble dryers when we are not in attendance and we should not be running them overnight when we are asleep? If so it does rather limit the times when we can take advantage of off peak pricing.
  • 0
    I cannot imagine that having a dumb meter when fluid pricing with multiple tariffs is introduced will put the user in the position of having a financial advantage.


    It is more likely that they will pay peak rates 24/7.


    Andy
  • 0
    I very much doubt that the regulator would allow such profiteering.
  • 0
    Do those who pay by cheque or over the Post Office counter get the “discount” for paying by direct debit?


    Andy
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Once we all have smart meters fluid pricing will come next when prices increase when everyone is cooking dinner. Do you want that? It is already happening in Australia.


    Have you a link to further detail of Australia's system George?


    Meanwhile, it has been happening here for over 35 years to my knowledge. Larger industrial users have not only "times of day" tariffs but also extra costs in Nov/Feb and even more in Dec/Jan to reflect the "grid spot pricing" (I'm sure someone here will give it the correct expression!). 


    There was an article recently where the cost per kWh reached £2 or so for several minutes (or more) which is the only viable reason for the large "battery back up" systems being installed to solely cater for these peak rates..


    I did some figures using the manufacturer's own data for small packs aimed at domestic PV users and if I remember correctly, to use your own "free" electricity at night from out of one of these packs worked at around 40p per kWh. You'd have to be principled to pay this.


    If multiple rates are implemented for domestic users, I expect there will be protests that only the rich will be able to cook at "tea time" etc (you get the gist). No putting your electric car "on charge" for 12 hours but for lesser times that aren't consecutive, unless of course you are rich and don't mind paying for the convenience...............


    I'm not "soap boxing" but just being realistic.


    Regards


    BOD


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    Think like economy 7 with peak rate and cheap rate times, then because the meters permit it, the additional complexity of

    First 10.9589 kWh or less of Peak usage per day at one price per unit




    Next 10.9589 kWh of Peak usage per day may be the same rate per kWh, or 25% more, depending on scheme you sign up to.


    https://www.energyaustralia.com.au/home/electricity-and-gas/plans

    same sort of idea  for gas but generally cheaper for consuming more  rather than more expensive.
  • 0

    Sparkingchip:

    Do those who pay by cheque or over the Post Office counter get the “discount” for paying by direct debit?




    No. So has anybody argued that this discriminates against the elderly or disabled (two protected characteristics)?

  • 0
    Of course it discriminates, as does the higher tariffs on prepay meters.


    Wealthy prosumers get paid feed-in then claim renewal heat payments for the heat pumps that use the electricity there PV panels produce then leave the heating on 24/7 including when they are on holiday, whilst other people cannot afford to heat their homes.


    Andy
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    GeorgeCooke:

    You didn't HAVE to deal with estimated bills. You just had to give them a reading once a month. That is all you had to do.


    Now the rest of us have to pay for yours and all the other smart meters through higher bills.




    The major cost to any large concern is its labour force to action the thousands of received readings, a process of verification, policing, compliants procedures etc. That leaves little perceived profit for the investors and directors. So unless there's a radical seed change in peoples thinking, it is unlikely that this financial feudal system will change.

    So get rid of the workforce and automate the supply and collection. It doesn't matter how much it cost for the immediate future as it will generate a fortune for those who have bought into the investment  and hold the shares....


    Legh

  • 0
    Well we've had all the huff and puff from the tree huggers and eco activists, like AJ, but you can't get away from the fact that smart meters only benefit the suppliers. End of. And I don't need to go on a half day course to learn that.

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