Model Railway Forum

Good move, definitely cheaper for us. R-

RogerB wrote: ↑Thu Jan 23, 2020 12:11 pm Good move, definitely cheaper for us. R-

Great minds Roger! Do you have smart meters? We have an old one for electricity - which won't work with Octopus, but have requested new one's be fitted as and when. Gas meter is in the garage, and when fitted, original meter wouldn't read the short distance between house and garage. We're told the new one's will. Barry

Yes, but not belonging to a supplier, I bought one. I'm not sure they are very accurate - supplier supplied ones or like mine. I keep trying to work out how much it is "out". R-

We had smart meters fitted before Christmas. Seem to be working fine.

Rumour has it that certain energy providers will not accept a previous suppliers smart meter and insist upon another (their) meter being installed at cost to the consumer.
I cannot substantiate this as my meter is bog standard mechanical for gas but digital for electric and solar systems.

RAF96 wrote: ↑Thu Jan 23, 2020 8:52 pm Rumour has it that certain energy providers will not accept a previous suppliers smart meter and insist upon another (their) meter being installed at cost to the consumer.
I cannot substantiate this as my meter is bog standard mechanical for gas but digital for electric and solar systems.

I believe that regulatory changes now require smart meters to be compatible across different suppliers.
Had mine done just before Christmas.

There is now a Mk2 meter being installed and gradually replacing the Mk1. The one we have, which has been in place for a number of years will not be compatible with the new company. Our gas meter is in the garage which is detached but only one paving slab width from the house - the original smart meter wouldn't read through the walls and across the space between house and garage, but I'm told the new version will. I have to say, I (we) rarely look at the smart meter as far as usage is concerned, if something can be switched off - it is. Meters are made by a company called Secure, and they supply most if not all of the energy companies - the original smart meter was the SMETS1, the newer version is the SMETS2.

I wanted the meter fitted, but rarely look at it.
The memsahib didn't want it, but is always commenting how high it is.
But will she switch anything off?
Answers on a postcard please,

We've had a SMART meter for years - probably a Mk1. The smart part for me is the lack of need for them or me to read the meter every month/3 months. Now, they call in once per year to check it is still working.

I've also read about the fact that new meters will be cross-company compatible. The old ones weren't and even now some of the small companies can't read anyone else's meter or don't provide their own.

I'm not looking to change from British Gas. I am sceptical about the savings claimed by the various companies and as we don't use the same each year a simple comparison isn't likely to yield much information.

Ian, the savings are there to be had. Appreciate that your usage varies but take a look at the unit costs.
We’ve switch regularly for the last few years and I’m still paying less than when we were with BG.