Turn it off

[ladymuck]

I've never understood the claim that smart meters help you save money. Your meter ready shows you what you're using so other than a pretty graphic (I assume) what else does it offer?

[HoofHearted]

I've never understood the claim that smart meters help you save money. Your meter ready shows you what you're using so other than a pretty graphic (I assume) what else does it offer?

I guess it's the nudge factor. As you can readily see how much you're using you're more inclined not to use it. I don't think they have any other special qualities - and as we know, there are several reasons to avoid them

[dsc]

I've never understood the claim that smart meters help you save money. Your meter ready shows you what you're using so other than a pretty graphic (I assume) what else does it offer?

Can they not read them remotely? I always assumed that was the whole idea - data gather re usage, patterns etc.

[dsc]

I guess it's the nudge factor. As you can readily see how much you're using you're more inclined not to use it. I don't think they have any other special qualities - and as we know, there are several reasons to avoid them

What are the reasons to avoid them?

[HoofHearted]

What are the reasons to avoid them?

You've not read this thread then...

[Paralytic]

The obvious end-game here is that those without smart meters will end up paying more - if/when we ever get a more competitive market again, the cheaper tariffs will only be available to those on smart meters. The next step for those with smart meters is what they are effectively trialling now, but under the guise of saving you money - variable pricing when you pay more at peak times each day.

[vetran]

Can they not read them remotely? I always assumed that was the whole idea - data gather re usage, patterns etc.

You can get apps to read them remotely a decent-ish one is Hugo.

[Paralytic]

It's not going ahead now.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63782026

[dsc]

You've not read this thread then...

I have and still can't see it, most of Europe has peak / off-peak tariffs and it makes sense. So again, what's wrong with smart meters?

As for reading data off of them, I'm fairly sure you can take readings off of them from outside the house or even send them remotely to HQ, so overall they are just very easy to use.

[_V_]

I have and still can't see it, most of Europe has peak / off-peak tariffs and it makes sense. So again, what's wrong with smart meters?

As for reading data off of them, I'm fairly sure you can take readings off of them from outside the house or even send them remotely to HQ, so overall they are just very easy to use.

Issues with smart meters include.

1. Remote disconnection. There is a risk that if there isn't enough generating capacity, those with smart meters might be temporarily cut off from the grid. They can't do this with dumb meters.
2. Incompatibility. You switch energy provider and they don't support the type of smart meter you have. In this case it becomes dumb and you have to request a new smart meter install.