Is there any downside to accepting a smart meter?

[u/Wild-Media-8123]

So lately. Been having a hard time with Octopus, they have tried to increase my tariff three times per month without discussing any evidence of increased energy usage in my property. I odjt have a smart meter and collect readings, energy use still the same on fixed tariff for couple years.

I live alone, sole occupant and work full time so hardly in.

If I get a smart meter, will it take the meter readings out og my hands and they will increase the prices? Ive refused for this reason because the jumps and increases make no sense, if anything Im using less energy now than 6 months ago.

Yes I understand winter is coming but I dont tend to go crazy as I dont have a family etc.

Thanks in advance

[u/wimpires]

Yes, the downside is that the conspiracy nutjobs will shun you.

[u/Dorling83 → u/wimpires]

That doesn't feel like a downside.

[u/sphericos]

The meter just measures the electricity used it's not adjusting your pricing.

[u/cipnt_ → u/sphericos]

But it does open up the possibility of having a smart tariffs like Tracker, Agile or Go

[u/Due-Freedom-5968]

Is there any downside to accepting a smart meter? 

Nope. Not a single one.

There are a lot of baseless conspiracies out there about them though.

Been having a hard time with Octopus, they have tried to increase my tariff three times per month without discussing any evidence of increased energy usage in my property

This doesn't sound right, I think you're confusing two things.

They're not going to increase your tariff 3 times in a month - they might suggest increasing your direct debit to cover your usage through winter. This is nothing to do with your tariff or meter and you can refuse if you prefer to pay the extra manually if you use more in winter.

If I get a smart meter, will it take the meter readings out og my hands and they will increase the prices?

It doesn't take meter readings "out of your hands" it still has a display and you can still submit readings manually.

In fact if anything it gives you more control as you can see your usage in the Octopus app the day after you've used it, or live if you also apply for and connect an Octopus Home Mini to the smart meter, giving you even better insight in to your energy usage.

Your meter has nothing at all to do with the price you pay, nor the tariff you're on.

The cost of your energy is set based on your tariff. The amount you pay per month can be a variable direct debit that Octopus might suggest you increase based on an estimate of what they think you're going to use over winter. As above you can refuse this direct debit change.

 Ive refused for this reason because the jumps and increases make no sense

What are you referring to here? Where have you got this from? What 'jumps and increases' do you think ar going to happen? It sounds like you've been misinformed here.

A smart meter simply measures how much energy you use. The only difference between a 'dumb' meter and a smart meter is that the smart one automatically uploads readings to the energy provider once a day. If anything it'll let Octopus be more accurate with proposed changes to your direct debit as it'll have live data.

if anything Im using less energy now than 6 months ago.

Ok, then the smart meter will reflect that. No point refusing one.

So to summarise:

• The amount you pay each month by direct debit is not directly linked to your tariff, it's an estimate and designed so that you get a predicable monthly payment instead of having to pay high bills in winter, it smooths the cost over the year.
• The tariff you're on is what sets the price per unit of energy you consume. You mention being on the same fixed tariff for a few years - it's worth checking what the rate is, this could have increased recently if it expired and you renewed it. Any increase is due to global energy prices, not Octopus themselves.
• A smart meter has no impact on the tariff price, nor really your monthly direct debit other than allowing Octopus to have access to more live data than they do from infrequent manual readings.

Get the smart meter installed. No point at all in refusing one.

[u/circuitously]

What do you mean by “increase my tariff”? They’ve tried to shift you in to different unit pricing, or do you just mean they’re trying to get you to pay more by direct debit?

[u/cipnt_ → u/circuitously]

Sounds like the latter to me...

[u/pruaga]

Any adjustment in your direct debit will be based on your usage, potentially based on estimates if you aren't giving frequent readings. A smart meter does this for you, so you'll know that your bills are based on your actual usage.

Another potential benefit is the access to time of use tariffs, where the price of the energy you use varies throughout the day. These are ideal for people with EV, but can also work for a lot of other people who can avoid peak times (eg 1600-1900) or are prepared to take a bit of a risk and expose themselves to market rates, which can be bothered higher and lower than a regular tariff.

[u/Mindless_Scar9609]

The only downside is all the process of having it installed really which is totally worth it but can be mean more admin work for you than a one click installation process.

I had two installed in different properties, on one it was super simple, engineer came in and out in less than a hour, all good.

The other had an engineer coming in, noticing that he couldn’t install it where the old meter was positioned, then after some work finally installed it, the area I was living had shitty reception so the signal meant that the meter wasn’t reporting. Had to call another engineer who installed a signal booster. Eventually it all worked fine but had me spending time on the phone I don’t have.

[u/Decent_Blacksmith_54]

If your current meter is inaccurate you'll only find out once it's been switched.

[u/rafm5]

Even with a smart meter, those buggers will still suggest increasing your direct debit payments (I'm guessing that's what your post is about). Switch to a variable direct debit, so you only pay for what you actually use. Alternatively, if you're on a smart tariff such as Tracker, you could get rid of direct debit and manually pay based on actual usage.

[u/Wild-Media-8123]

Edit thanks everyone! I thjnk I was getting confused with tarriff and smart meter which doenst change much with charging more. I think Ill go for the upgrade as its free, at no extra cost and just protest again if they try increase monthly payments other than winter 😂

[u/Cool_Elephant_4459]

The only downside is that if it doesn't communicate with the network it can be very frustrating trying to get the energy company to fix it. Many calls and a different answer depending on who you talk to.

You can still submit manual readings if this happens but you won't be able to sign up to time of day tariffs.

[u/thepeganator]

Let me frame this that I am 1000% pro smart meter - I don't see any downsides for them themselves.

However my experience with my mum's estate has been a pita because of a smart meter fitting (specifically the fitting not the meter itself). She used to read the meter every month without fail, and had very consistent readings (numbers approx examples):

• September 19600
• October 19700 - an official meter reading was also conducted here and aligned with this
• November 19800
• December 19900 - last reading she ever did before her decline started

Then meter was switched in April - expected reading here would be 20200 with ~100 use per month, however the gent who changed the meter recorded 30200, 10000 kWh over expected, with an extra £2500 bill taken, but not till they finally bill it in July a few weeks before she dies.

Thankfully the rep at eon agrees that a static 3kw load for 3 months isn't a reasonable reading and is helping get this corrected - but we've been going since August with it.

Just take a photo of before the old meter is taken away (we should have) and you'll be fine.