RTS Meter replacement

We have a normal mains distribution unit and a separate off peak distribution unit controlled by an RTS switch unit each having a dumb meter. On the 16th September some one (from Calison) is being sent by our electricity supply company to enable our off-peak system to work after the RTS switch-off on the 17th September. Does anyone know how the independence from the RTS system is acheived?

Parents
  • By fitting a smart meter.  That's the only option suppliers give these days.

    It should be a "5 port" E7-compatible one - i.e. 5 terminals unrerneath rather the usual 4.

  • Thank you for your reply Simon. Is the smart meter pre-programmed or does it obtain its timing information when first installed? I ask this because we are not in a very good reception spot and wonder what will happen if it goes dumb.

  • I ask this because we are not in a very good reception spot and wonder what will happen if it goes dumb.

    Where abouts in the country are you? The meters only use the mobile network 'down south' - here up north they use a separate long range radio system. Mobile coverage is a bit flaky inside our house, but the smart meter, which is actually in the basement/cellar works fine.

       - Andy. 

Reply
  • I ask this because we are not in a very good reception spot and wonder what will happen if it goes dumb.

    Where abouts in the country are you? The meters only use the mobile network 'down south' - here up north they use a separate long range radio system. Mobile coverage is a bit flaky inside our house, but the smart meter, which is actually in the basement/cellar works fine.

       - Andy. 

Children
  • Hi Andy, We're down south and mobile is a bit patchy where we live although we use EE and I think the mobile network for the smart meters is O2.. It seems impossible to speak to any one who knows the technical ins and outs of any replacement system and reading between the lines I get the impression that the suppliers have have problems trying to use smart meter replacements.

  • There have indeed been some problems - some technical (and can usually be solved one way or another once you get someone who knows what they're about), but from my experience the majority of problems seems to be caused, or at least compounded, by the call centres/admin side of things - sending out the wrong people or with the wrong instructions, installers failing to pair displays or gas meters properly with the electric meter, or (as in my case) the central back office systems getting the data fine, but not forwarding it on to my particular supplier correctly (hardly the meter's fault at all). Generally such things can be sorted out as well - it just sometimes takes an unreasonable amount of time and frustration. No doubt the whole rollout has been rushed somewhat and things could have been better organised, but such is life.

        - Andy.

  • Yes, you are right Andy, they seem to be in a bit of a mess. I have a date for the replacement whatever that is and that should be driven by my supplier but they are telling citizens advice that they have yet to instruct the meter installation people. I hope they get it sorted out in the next couple of days.