A smart meter question.

[Dave7]

Due to an extension built some 30+ years ago our gas meter is in the side garden. It's also low down on the wall.
That was fine until I became an old fart. Now its hard work.
So.........as the meter is outside.......
A) can the smart meter be fitted inside ?
B) does it matter, as theoretically I won't need to look at it ?

 

[Milkfloat]

You should be able to get a smart meter if you really want one, but do you really want one, especially if it is not the new generation? In addition, how often do you look at your meter? I only look at it when I change supplier, so at most once a year when my fixed contract expires.

 

[Once a Wheeler]

My advice is to site the meter outside whenever possible. The utility companies will usually re-position it if you ask for it and pay the fee. Outside meters avoid all the hassle of having to be in when the meter is read and even smart meters do need checking from time to time: at least annually I would guess. You can paint the cabinet any colour you like, so camouflage skills are definitely in order.

 

[MontyVeda]

You should be able to get a smart meter if you really want one, but do you really want one, especially if it is not the new generation? In addition, how often do you look at your meter? I only look at it when I change supplier, so at most once a year when my fixed contract expires.

I check my meters every time they send me a bill... so four times a year. Their estimations can often be grossly out and I'd rather pay the actual amount of Gas and Electricity used.

As for your smart meter (@Dave7), regardless of where it's cited, the little wi-fi console can be put anywhere in the house you want it.

 

[Drago]

Mine is outside, and I fitted a padlock to stop the sneaky f****s fitting a s mart meter while I wasn't at home.

 

[Dave7]

You should be able to get a smart meter if you really want one, but do you really want one, especially if it is not the new generation? In addition, how often do you look at your meter? I only look at it when I change supplier, so at most once a year when my fixed contract expires.

I get regular requests......maybe 3 or 4 a year.
Its getting harder to kneel down and read it.......got another request today.
New generation for sure.

 

[Dave7]

My advice is to site the meter outside whenever possible. The utility companies will usually re-position it if you ask for it and pay the fee. Outside meters avoid all the hassle of having to be in when the meter is read and even smart meters do need checking from time to time: at least annually I would guess. You can paint the cabinet any colour you like, so camouflage skills are definitely in order.

Side garden is locked so I would still nee to be in.

 

[Dave7]

I check my meters every time they send me a bill... so four times a year. Their estimations can often be grossly out and I'd rather pay the actual amount of Gas and Electricity used.

As for your smart meter (@Dave7), regardless of where it's cited, the little wi-fi console can be put anywhere in the house you want it.

That's what I was hoping to read

 

[Milkfloat]

I ignore requests to read the meter - it does no real harm, if they tell me they want to put up the direct debit within the contract I say no.

 

[welsh dragon]

Bulb keep sending me emails telling me they are ready to install a smart meter. Thanks but no thanks.

Every 3 months they send me an email asking me to send them the latest meter reading. This makes sure that I am up to date with reading and that i have full control of what I pay each month. It's a win win situation for me.

 

[winjim]

I check my meters every time they send me a bill... so four times a year. Their estimations can often be grossly out and I'd rather pay the actual amount of Gas and Electricity used.

As for your smart meter (@Dave7), regardless of where it's cited, the little wi-fi console can be put anywhere in the house you want it.

You don't even need the little console.

 

[MontyVeda]

That's what I was hoping to read

I'm unsure as to whether the console shows the meter reading though... somebody who actually has a smart meter will be able to tell you that

my mother's shows daily usage, but I've not fiddled with it that much to find out what else it displays. It seems a bit shoddy... press a button and not much happens, then five seconds after I've stopped pressing, something happens and it's not what was expected, then I can't work out how to get it back to its normal 'daily' display.

 

[MontyVeda]

You don't even need the little console.

my brother effectively makes the consoles... his advice... ignore it!

 

[Dave7]

my brother effectively makes the consoles... his advice... ignore it!

???
Ignore smart metres ???

 

[MontyVeda]

???
Ignore smart metres ???

ignore the console and it's daily, weekly, monthly usage 'data'... it's little more than a gimmick. Running around the house turning off the landing light won't make a notable difference to your quarterly bill.