Smart Meters

[Badly Ironed Shirt]

Has anyone here had a smart meter installed? Has it had any impact on your bills/usage?

My Electric/gas suppliers have contacted me about installing them, I know we'll all have them eventually, just considering whether it makes sense to go with it early as opposed to later.

[Igovernor]

Well you can see what usage all electrical equipment is costing and at what times the usage is higher or lower, for me it's a yes:thumbup:

[RichardM]

We had them installed earlier this week so it's a bit early to assess their worth. However, when the dishwasher, toaster, kettle, washing machine and tumble drier are all on the monitor zooms all the way in to the red and tells you how many pence per minute it is costing.
British Gas have recently introduced a tariff with free energy on either Saturday or Sunday (you choose which) for people with smart meters.

[The Alien]

I signed up with Ovo a few months back and had a smart metre installed in May. It's great that you can have the app on your phone and check your daily, weekly and monthly usage for both gas and electric.
I just checked on my phone and my usage for June was £82.00. Electric £59.54. Gas £8.66 and standing charge £13.80.
By my reckoning I am saving around £25.00 per month from my previous supplier Swalec.

[Mrs Steve R]

Has anyone here had a smart meter installed? Has it had any impact on your bills/usage?

My Electric/gas suppliers have contacted me about installing them, I know we'll all have them eventually, just considering whether it makes sense to go with it early as opposed to later.
You have been busy haven't you :hehe:

[Llanedeyrnblue]

We've had smart meters for about 18 months,you do save money because it makes you think more about what you are using.

[Colonel Cærdiffi]

We've had smart meters for about 18 months,you do save money because it makes you think more about what you are using.

It's the opposite for me. I've begun treating the meter as a games console and now I have all the appliances in the house running full blast as I try to beat my high score every day.

[Llanedeyrnblue]

It's the opposite for me. I've begun treating the meter as a games console and now I have all the appliances in the house running full blast as I try to beat my high score every day.

:hehe:

[lardy]

It's the opposite for me. I've begun treating the meter as a games console and now I have all the appliances in the house running full blast as I try to beat my high score every day.

Pro tip: invite the elderly neighbours round and give them an electric heater each.

[Wales-Bales]

"Smart meteres for dumb people", how's that for marketing pizzazz.

[Badly Ironed Shirt]

Well you can see what usage all electrical equipment is costing and at what times the usage is higher or lower, for me it's a yes:thumbup:

That's what is attracting me to it - although I often get scowls of disapproval when I ask why do we need lights switched on in every room when everyone is sat in one room.


We had them installed earlier this week so it's a bit early to assess their worth. However, when the dishwasher, toaster, kettle, washing machine and tumble drier are all on the monitor zooms all the way in to the red and tells you how many pence per minute it is costing.
British Gas have recently introduced a tariff with free energy on either Saturday or Sunday (you choose which) for people with smart meters.

I think we could see more tariffs added - maybe free electricity from midnight to 6am. I'd like us to be in a position to make use of "free" energy, so that's why I am veering towards it now.


I signed up with Ovo a few months back and had a smart metre installed in May. It's great that you can have the app on your phone and check your daily, weekly and monthly usage for both gas and electric.
I just checked on my phone and my usage for June was £82.00. Electric £59.54. Gas £8.66 and standing charge £13.80.
By my reckoning I am saving around £25.00 per month from my previous supplier Swalec.

One of the big savings we made was to get rid of the electric shower and use a direct to mains shower. We were easily burning 2-3 units a day on electric showers. It is barely registering on the gas.


You have been busy haven't you :hehe:

Not really, they e-mailed me. I didn't have to do anything!


We've had smart meters for about 18 months,you do save money because it makes you think more about what you are using.

We're burning about 6 kWh a day, I doubt we could burn less. But, it would save me logging on to submit meter readings every month.


It's the opposite for me. I've begun treating the meter as a games console and now I have all the appliances in the house running full blast as I try to beat my high score every day.

:hehe:

[gabbsthenewt]

We had them installed earlier this week so it's a bit early to assess their worth. However, when the dishwasher, toaster, kettle, washing machine and tumble drier are all on the monitor zooms all the way in to the red and tells you how many pence per minute it is costing.
British Gas have recently introduced a tariff with free energy on either Saturday or Sunday (you choose which) for people with smart meters.

Free electricity (not gas) between 9am and 5pm on either Saturday or Sunday only for dual fuel standard tariff customers.

The standing charge for each fuel is 26.01 pence per day and the unit rate is 12.77 pence per kWh for electricity and 3.79 pence per kWh for gas.

A typical user on British Gas dual fuel tariff pays £1,044 a year, compared to £734 to the cheapest deal on the market - over 40% more expensive.

[BLUETIT]

We've had smart meters for about 18 months,you do save money because it makes you think more about what you are using.

So you need another gadget to tell you to switch other gadgets off !

F***ing unbelievable :hehe:

[RichardM]

Free electricity (not gas) between 9am and 5pm on either Saturday or Sunday only for dual fuel standard tariff customers.

The standing charge for each fuel is 26.01 pence per day and the unit rate is 12.77 pence per kWh for electricity and 3.79 pence per kWh for gas.

A typical user on British Gas dual fuel tariff pays £1,044 a year, compared to £734 to the cheapest deal on the market - over 40% more expensive.

I did a comparison on their website yesterday. It would cost me £50 a month more than I am paying now to get 'free' electricity on a Saturday or Sunday.

[Mrs Steve R]

For various reasons I wont be having one. :wave:
http://www.dontsmartmeter.me/ (http://www.dontsmartmeter.me/)
http://stopsmartmeters.org.uk/

[Barry Dragon]

For various reasons I wont be having one. :wave:
http://www.dontsmartmeter.me/ (http://www.dontsmartmeter.me/)
http://stopsmartmeters.org.uk/

I dont get why they claim to save money, all it is is a mobile signal that sends the meter reading to the supplier.

All these gadgets that come with it are only gadgets to make you think about what you are using. The smart meter is simply a mini phone to send meter readings, nothing else. Some will send other gadgets but thats not the smart meter.

[BLUETIT]

I dont get why they claim to save money, all it is is a mobile signal that sends the meter reading to the supplier.

All these gadgets that come with it are only gadgets to make you think about what you are using. The smart meter is simply a mini phone to send meter readings, nothing else. Some will send other gadgets but thats not the smart meter.


Me & the Mrs got the new type, it's called "COMMON SENSE" :hehe:

[dandywarhol]

I dont get why they claim to save money, all it is is a mobile signal that sends the meter reading to the supplier.

All these gadgets that come with it are only gadgets to make you think about what you are using. The smart meter is simply a mini phone to send meter readings, nothing else. Some will send other gadgets but thats not the smart meter.
all it is is a mobile signal that sends the meter reading to the supplier.thats about right.if you need the heating.appliances TVs on you need them on simples.
.How can you save .Sit in the dark with the same clothes on my a month and eat cold baked beans

[Wales-Bales]

For various reasons I wont be having one. :wave:
http://www.dontsmartmeter.me/ (http://www.dontsmartmeter.me/)
http://stopsmartmeters.org.uk/

But it automatically reads your meter, so it must be worth having, and the energy companies said so too.

[Barry Dragon]

But it automatically reads your meter, so it must be worth having, and the energy companies said so too.

It is for those that are too damn lazy to read it themselves. And after 2 years of not reading it, find out they owe and extra £500, causing financial difficulties. Or the alternative is that the power company puts up the monthly DD as no readings have been received. Possibly causing the household to overpay by several hundred.

That is why they were introduced.


Or (just for the paranoid on the board) its to be able to charge us MORE...

[Wales-Bales]

It is for those that are too damn lazy to read it themselves. And after 2 years of not reading it, find out they owe and extra £500, causing financial difficulties. Or the alternative is that the power company puts up the monthly DD as no readings have been received. Possibly causing the household to overpay by several hundred.

That is why they were introduced.


Or (just for the paranoid on the board) its to be able to charge us MORE...
You must be mistaken they said our bills will be cheaper or even free!

[Badly Ironed Shirt]

Me & the Mrs got the new type, it's called "COMMON SENSE" :hehe:

Everyone will have a Smart Meter before 2020 - it's not like this is gadgetry. I am merely asking what are people's experiences. I am not looking for a "The Electricity companies are out to get us" debate. You talk about common sense, how much electricity/gas have you used today? I think it makes sense to know - but I am curious if people have seen their bills creep up following installation, and why that may be.

The end game is likely to be that people are charged all sorts of different tariffs at different times of the day, and it's about staying ahead of the electricity companies.

[Mrs Steve R]

I dont get why they claim to save money, all it is is a mobile signal that sends the meter reading to the supplier.

All these gadgets that come with it are only gadgets to make you think about what you are using. The smart meter is simply a mini phone to send meter readings, nothing else. Some will send other gadgets but thats not the smart meter.
Have you read any of the problems they have caused in the US?


Me & the Mrs got the new type, it's called "COMMON SENSE" :hehe:
:hehe: Can you get an app for that?


But it automatically reads your meter, so it must be worth having, and the energy companies said so too.
I'd rather the man that reads my meter keep his job for a start, they are not good for your health, they are not good for wildlife (including my parrot) and they are not good for your wallet really either, just another load of old crap we don't need.
http://emfsafetynetwork.org/smart-meters/smart-meter-health-complaints/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/energy/10015679/British-families-at-risk-from-smart-meters-campaigners-tell-MPs.html

[Badly Ironed Shirt]

I dont get why they claim to save money, all it is is a mobile signal that sends the meter reading to the supplier.

All these gadgets that come with it are only gadgets to make you think about what you are using. The smart meter is simply a mini phone to send meter readings, nothing else. Some will send other gadgets but thats not the smart meter.

Like you, I can't see how they can save money (unless current meters are extremely inaccurate). I also don't subscribe to it becoming a weapon to charge people more. Although, I can see electricity/gas prices varying throughout a working week.

[Badly Ironed Shirt]

Have you read any of the problems they have caused in the US?


:hehe: Can you get an app for that?


I'd rather the man that reads my meter keep his job for a start, they are not good for your health, they are not good for wildlife (including my parrot) and they are not good for your wallet really either, just another load of old crap we don't need.
http://emfsafetynetwork.org/smart-meters/smart-meter-health-complaints/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/energy/10015679/British-families-at-risk-from-smart-meters-campaigners-tell-MPs.html

Wooah,,, hold on. Bad for people's health? In what way?

Scrub that - just read it. Nonsense. People have been claiming mobile phones cause cancer for the last 30 years, and there are still no links.

[Wales-Bales]

Everyone will have a Smart Meter before 2020 - it's not like this is gadgetry. I am merely asking what are people's experiences. I am not looking for a "The Electricity companies are out to get us" debate. You talk about common sense, how much electricity/gas have you used today? I think it makes sense to know - but I am curious if people have seen their bills creep up following installation, and why that may be.

The end game is likely to be that people are charged all sorts of different tariffs at different times of the day, and it's about staying ahead of the electricity companies.

I suppose they will start monitoring our excreta output next, to see if we are consuming too much :sherlock:

[Mrs Steve R]

Wooah,,, hold on. Bad for people's health? In what way?

Scrub that - just read it. Nonsense. People have been claiming mobile phones cause cancer for the last 30 years, and there are still no links.
If Badly Ironed Shirt says it's rubbish then it must be, the Snopes of ccmb :hehe:

[Colonel Cærdiffi]

If Badly Ironed Shirt says it's rubbish then it must be, the Snopes of ccmb :hehe:

Have you looked into who funds him though?

[Mrs Steve R]

Have you looked into who funds him though?
:hehe: Perhaps I should.

[Badly Ironed Shirt]

If Badly Ironed Shirt says it's rubbish then it must be, the Snopes of ccmb :hehe:

Well, where is the evidence (apart from the people busy building up a compensation claim).

There was one bloke there who claimed he could "feel the radiation" - really?

There was a similar group building up claims against the mobile phone industry in the 80s/90s. There's a similar group claiming the same about wifi in cities. Many of the groups have a cross over of people - each documenting in the minutest detail what is supposedly affecting them. The aim - sue the companies.

The Telegraph article claims that people have already suffered cancer - that quickly?!?!

So, back to the subject at hand. What are people's genuine experiences (apart from headaches, loss of libido, and lack of common sense)?

[Croesy Blue]

For various reasons I wont be having one. :wave:
http://www.dontsmartmeter.me/ (http://www.dontsmartmeter.me/)
http://stopsmartmeters.org.uk/
I work for a company that has innovated smart meters and regularly drink with the engineer who helped design some, I can tell you that most of what are in those links is bollocks.

Whether they save anyone money I don't know but the "Trojan horse" and health effects is complete nonsense.

[Badly Ironed Shirt]

Have you looked into who funds him though?


:hehe: Perhaps I should.

I'm partly funded by the Government (through child benefits).

I am partly funded through a private company.

The Ying to Mrs R's Yang.

http://www.skepticblog.org/2011/06/23/smart-meter-paranoia/

[Croesy Blue]

I have no idea why people would think non ionising radiation will cause cancer, just the slightest bit of research will show that it doesn't.

[Richyrich]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-h-bailey/smart-meters-dumb-science_b_2768405.html

[Mrs Steve R]

Well, where is the evidence (apart from the people busy building up a compensation claim).

There was one bloke there who claimed he could "feel the radiation" - really?

There was a similar group building up claims against the mobile phone industry in the 80s/90s. There's a similar group claiming the same about wifi in cities. Many of the groups have a cross over of people - each documenting in the minutest detail what is supposedly affecting them. The aim - sue the companies.

The Telegraph article claims that people have already suffered cancer - that quickly?!?!

So, back to the subject at hand. What are people's genuine experiences (apart from headaches, loss of libido, and lack of common sense)?
Have you searched for any?


I work for a company that has innovated smart meters and regularly drink with the engineer who helped design some, I can tell you that most of what are in those links is bollocks.

Whether they save anyone money I don't know but the "Trojan horse" and health effects is complete nonsense.
Ahh the old friend in the know, we all have one of those :hehe:


I'm partly funded by the Government (through child benefits).

I am partly funded through a private company.

The Ying to Mrs R's Yang.

http://www.skepticblog.org/2011/06/23/smart-meter-paranoia/
:hehe: You can call me paranoid if you like, I really don't care, do you know why I don't have a mobile phone? because every time I used my old one I got pains in my ear and it made me feel ill, I have no idea why but that's why I stopped using it, as you think that's all rubbish what do you suggest I do, just soldier on and still use one?

[rudy gestede]

For various reasons I wont be having one. :wave:
http://www.dontsmartmeter.me/ (http://www.dontsmartmeter.me/)
http://stopsmartmeters.org.uk/
I don't mean to be rude but try reading a book instead of shit websites, there's is not one science fact on either of those links.

[ian gibson]

I had to laugh the other day. A man came round to read the electric meter. I didn't get the bill until four days later, by which time I'd used another 16.382kWh. Four days' free electricity. Can't be bad.

[Croesy Blue]

can call me paranoid if you like, I really don't care, do you know why I don't have a mobile phone? because every time I used my old one I got pains in my ear and it made me feel ill, I have no idea why but that's why I stopped using it, as you think that's all rubbish what do you suggest I do, just soldier on and still use one?


I would see a psychiatrist because there's no real medical reason for that to happen.

I've studied radiation protection in depth and I actually sit next to a uk expert in radiation protection, there's no way small amounts of mobile phone use (or even large amounts) will affect you like that.

I also don't understand why that would stop you having a much "lower power" device outside your house which will always be at least a brick wall away from you.

[Croesy Blue]

the old friend in the know, we all have one of those

It's a fact I promise you, I've got nothing to gain by lying I work in that industry and while I don't work directly with metering I know people who do and have seen demonstrations of the prototypes.

It's strange to me you take those websites you linked to as fact but won't listen to first hand knowledge on here.

[Colonel Cærdiffi]

If meters are so smart, why do they have more than 3 feet?

ROFL

[Mrs Steve R]

I would see a psychiatrist because there's no real medical reason for that to happen.

I've studied radiation protection in depth and I actually sit next to a uk expert in radiation protection, there's no way small amounts of mobile phone use (or even large amounts) will affect you like that.

I also don't understand why that would stop you having a much "lower power" device outside your house which will always be at least a brick wall away from you.
I didn't even mention radiation, I said when I used my phone and I don't know what caused it.

I don't mind them sticking one outside my house but my electric meter is virtually in my front room and next to my parrot so unless they are going to move it they can get stuffed.

[Croesy Blue]

I didn't even mention radiation, I said when I used my phone and I don't know what caused it.

I don't mind them sticking one outside my house but my electric meter is virtually in my front room and next to my parrot so unless they are going to move it they can get stuffed.
It emits a signal for less than 2 seconds a day unless they shove it in the parrots cage I don't think it would even notice.

It emits a weaker signal than a wireless router and for less than 0.01% of the time so I hope you're using wired internet too.

[Mrs Steve R]

It emits a signal for less than 2 seconds a day unless they shove it in the parrots cage I don't think it would even notice.

It emits a weaker signal than a wireless router and for less than 0.01% of the time so I hope you're using wired internet too.
I quite like your persistence but you really don't get me do you? :hehe: even if I just don't fancy having one should have to have one?

[BLUETIT]

I didn't even mention radiation, I said when I used my phone and I don't know what caused it.

I don't mind them sticking one outside my house but my electric meter is virtually in my front room and next to my parrot so unless they are going to move it they can get stuffed.

Ask 'um to put it by the fridge, you can watch it go round whilst that fella is pi$$ing. :hehe:

[Wales-Bales]

It's a fact I promise you, I've got nothing to gain by lying I work in that industry and while I don't work directly with metering I know people who do and have seen demonstrations of the prototypes.

It's strange to me you take those websites you linked to as fact but won't listen to first hand knowledge on here.

Could you PM me his email adress, I've got a question I would like to ask him.

Cheers :thumbup:

[Wales-Bales]

I didn't even mention radiation, I said when I used my phone and I don't know what caused it.

I don't mind them sticking one outside my house but my electric meter is virtually in my front room and next to my parrot so unless they are going to move it they can get stuffed.

It sounds like you were experiencing non-thermal effects due to the waveform frequency of the carrier. Do you ever experience disturbances when listening to music? Sometimes the odd frequency goes right through me like nails on a chalkboard. You could try a different carrier and see if that helps.

[Mrs Steve R]

It sounds like you were experiencing non-thermal effects due to the waveform frequency of the carrier. Do you ever experience disturbances when listening to music? Sometimes the odd frequency goes right through me like nails on a chalkboard. You could try a different carrier and see if that helps.
I'm thinking of going back to 432Hz :hehe:

[Organ Morgan.]

Everyone will have a Smart Meter before 2020 - it's not like this is gadgetry. I am merely asking what are people's experiences. I am not looking for a "The Electricity companies are out to get us" debate. You talk about common sense, how much electricity/gas have you used today? I think it makes sense to know - but I am curious if people have seen their bills creep up following installation, and why that may be.

The end game is likely to be that people are charged all sorts of different tariffs at different times of the day, and it's about staying ahead of the electricity companies.

That's unambiguous, but not true. Either you're deliberately fibbing or you are repeating an untruth without checking its veracity.

It appears you're another rotter.

[Wales-Bales]

I'm thinking of going back to 432Hz :hehe:

Some people have nerves that respond differently to specific wave frequencies. It may be worth investigating.

[Croesy Blue]

Could you PM me his email adress, I've got a question I would like to ask him.

Cheers :thumbup:

We are SC cleared so I'd be sacked for doing that, I could pass on any questions and probably answer a few myself if you like.

[rudy gestede]

Some people have nerves that respond differently to specific wave frequencies. It may be worth investigating.

I wouldn't take medical advice off this sack of door knobs either. ****ing simpleton :hehe:

[Colonel Cærdiffi]

Some people have nerves that respond differently to specific wave frequencies. It may be worth investigating.

Just rub mustard on the back of your left hand and spread some salt onto your doorstep, it should ward off the bad spirits and ease your nerves.

[Mrs Steve R]

Some people have nerves that respond differently to specific wave frequencies. It may be worth investigating.
:hehe:

[Badly Ironed Shirt]

That's unambiguous, but not true. Either you're deliberately fibbing or you are repeating an untruth without checking its veracity.

It appears you're another rotter.

Which part isn't true? The only thing I've passed off as factual is that everyone will have a smart meter by 2020. The rest was purely my opinion.

[Organ Morgan.]

Which part isn't true? The only thing I've passed off as factual is that everyone will have a smart meter by 2020. The rest was purely my opinion.

'Everyone will have a Smart Meter before 2020.' That's not true. Which knows its onions. http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/do-i-have-to-accept-a-smart-meter

[Steve R]

Which part isn't true? The only thing I've passed off as factual is that everyone will have a smart meter by 2020. The rest was purely my opinion.

No they won't.

[Croesy Blue]

No they won't.
Wouldn't it be a nice change to finally have something smart in your house?

[Wales-Bales]

No they won't.

Are you saying the phantom slasher who lives next door wont be around in 2020? :sherlock:

[Badly Ironed Shirt]

'Everyone will have a Smart Meter before 2020.' That's not true. Which knows its onions. http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/do-i-have-to-accept-a-smart-meter

I stand corrected - hardly the most ludicrous comment of the thread but regardless, my comment was slightly incorrect. The aim is to have a complete roll-out by 2020 and, no doubt there will be people on the old style of meter but I would guess the majority of people will have a smart meter by 2020.

Which brings me back to my original question. Maybe I'll get an answer or two soon in addition to the 2 people who have managed to answer the question.

[Steve R]

I work for a company that has innovated smart meters and regularly drink with the engineer who helped design some, I can tell you that most of what are in those links is bollocks.

Whether they save anyone money I don't know but the "Trojan horse" and health effects is complete nonsense.

You would say that.

[Mrs Steve R]

Wouldn't it be a nice change to finally have something smart in your house?
:hehe: What's it like to be so smart?

[kingbillyboy]

do not do any of this smart meter shit. it is a way for gchq and mi6 to shut your houses down even for a parking ticket. the security on them is not existent. a man in the street with a smart phone can easily connect to it and alter it.

[Vimana.]

do not do any of this smart meter shit. it is a way for gchq and mi6 to shut your houses down even for a parking ticket. the security on them is not existent. a man in the street with a smart phone can easily connect to it and alter it.

:biggrin:

[Barry Dragon]

I didn't even mention radiation, I said when I used my phone and I don't know what caused it.

I don't mind them sticking one outside my house but my electric meter is virtually in my front room and next to my parrot so unless they are going to move it they can get stuffed.

Its probably the electro waves.

When we were using a baby monitor my partner used to sleep with it on the bedside table, and she wouldn't be getting a good nights sleep, even when the baby slept through. After me moving it a couple of feet away she slept better. Out brains use electro waves, so wifi and other forms such as using a phone (and even from the sun) can upset the working of the brain.

You should not charge your phone within 1 foot of your head when sleeping as that can effect you.

More studies are being done into this, no signs of cancer, but plenty of short term effects on the brain.

[Barry Dragon]

It sounds like you were experiencing non-thermal effects due to the waveform frequency of the carrier. Do you ever experience disturbances when listening to music? Sometimes the odd frequency goes right through me like nails on a chalkboard. You could try a different carrier and see if that helps.


It sound like a case of copy and paste to me. Who uses carrier in the UK? Thats very american. Just call it a provider here in the UK.

Different providers do use different frequencies, so this could be worth trying.

[Mrs Steve R]

Its probably the electro waves.

When we were using a baby monitor my partner used to sleep with it on the bedside table, and she wouldn't be getting a good nights sleep, even when the baby slept through. After me moving it a couple of feet away she slept better. Out brains use electro waves, so wifi and other forms such as using a phone (and even from the sun) can upset the working of the brain.

You should not charge your phone within 1 foot of your head when sleeping as that can effect you.

More studies are being done into this, no signs of cancer, but plenty of short term effects on the brain.
Careful now, someone will be along to say your Mrs needs to see a psychiatrist :hehe:

If mobile phones are causing damage to sperm then who knows what else they are doing? "Even keeping the phone on a bedside table appears to raise lower sperm cell counts" with that in mind let's put the same sort of device in every single house in the country, what could possibly go wrong? :hehe:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/12167957/Mobile-phones-are-cooking-mens-sperm.html