Smart metre removal

Fairy godmother · 28-12-2022 10:22am #1

Has anyone successfully had their Smart Metre removed?

happyplants · 28-12-2022 11:09am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058277245/smart-metre-removal

There's more than a few posts on the Solar Irish facebook group where people are saying they have. Usually through Energia as the first port of call, but there was a recent one where someone posted an exchange with EI as the first port of call who seemed to arrange it.

The way the stories go make it seem "involved" at best.

kirk. · 28-12-2022 11:11am

What's the usual reason for getting it removed , is it to get onto day/nite metering ?

I didn't bother with one yet but presumably they're going to make it unviable to stay on the old meters eventually ?

ryange · 28-12-2022 11:21am

EI instaled new smart meter to my house approx end of October as they were doing installes in the area. My average bill during the year was €360 (prior to the Ukraine war it was approx 100 cheaper). First bill in December post meter install was €605. A decent sizehouse with ony two working adults until after 5PM. Daughter comes home most weekends . No additional increase in oil heating as we use solid fuel stove for the mainn living area. Unfortunatley due to Xmas break havent been able to contact Energia but did send them an online message. All they came back wth was to sign up to their special Smart Meter tariffs. Only for the 200 discount on a seperate email I would not have noticed as the bill appeared similar to the previous ones. Anyone seen this increase since Smart meter was installed.

raxy · 28-12-2022 11:35am

Are you sure the bill is for the same length of time. When ours was changed it was higher but it was for nearly 4 months instead of 2.

happyplants · 28-12-2022 12:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120040079#Comment_120040079

There is this side of it, and its especially reported on in the UK, but I don't really buy into the scam side of things. It is measuring unit use. If it was doing so inaccurately, I dunno, I just would imagine it would be bigger news.

My main issue is that the smart meter precludes a day / night rate (on present practice - no reason in principle) and the "smart" equivalent is no-where as good value across the board.

In essence, smart tarrifs are pretty shite right now compared to day / night rate especially for heat pumps / cars and so on.

Fairy godmother · 28-12-2022 1:36pm

Thanks. I’m not on Facebook. ESB use MDE Installations for their work so the actual providers do not install them.

ESB tell me they have no old metres that can replace the smart metre. I find this very hard to believe and have also been told by an employee my husband knows that there are traditional metres still available.

Not sure where to go from here so was hoping someone else had been through similar.

10-10-20 · 28-12-2022 1:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120040079#Comment_120040079

Nonsense. Absolutely zero point in publishing EUR values of your bills - it tells us nothing other than to indicate that you're on a higher rate/standing charge and indicates to most of us that it's probably waffle. Show us your unit values in a spreadsheet over the last 3 years and back that up with screenshots of the bills.

kirk. · 28-12-2022 1:52pm

There's a lot of stories here about bills going through the roof after smart meter fitted

Most will be down to changes in the billing cycle or 'actual' readings being taken and higher unit rates

Mistakes do happen though but they'd be a very small minority

Fairy godmother · 28-12-2022 2:19pm

Getting off topic here. Really just wanted to know if anyone has successfully had their smart metre removed.

28-12-2022 2:26pm

The unit rates also sky rocketed for many over that period due to energy prices hikes hitting home.

My day/night normal bill and also my gas bill on Bord Gáis Energy landed in my email this month and was the first one at seriously increased rates.

I’m going to have to stop heating a lot of the house for the rest of the winter as I just can’t afford this. The bill was nuts.

kirk. · 28-12-2022 2:31pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120040629#Comment_120040629

Having cold areas in the house will just create other problems

Be better to lower the temperature a bit and eliminate draughts

kirk. · 28-12-2022 2:33pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120040601#Comment_120040601

Think they have , you'll get your answer on the other smart meter threads

Presume ESBN would have to do this if it's possible. Smart meter co's wouldn't be going back ripping them out

28-12-2022 2:39pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120040648#Comment_120040648

They’ll just have to be cold. I literally can’t afford to pay this. The bills more than doubled doubled.

TRVs throughout the house, as much insulation as I can get into it etc. was built in 1978 so that’s got its limits. It has good windows that are up to modern thermal specs but it’s burning though too much gas in particular, but the electricity bill was huge too.

I already only heat it to 18°C

I just can’t afford to heat it at this rate. Just isn’t feasible.

cnoc · 28-12-2022 3:34pm

Has a Smart Meter to be registered with EI to get smart meter rates? If I don't register it will I be able to continue as if it was the old Meter? TIA.

10-10-20 · 28-12-2022 3:37pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120040522#Comment_120040522

It's actually a pity that the smart meter roll-out coincides with unit rates going skyward as it's reflecting badly on the meters themselves and is becoming a lightning rod for those opposed to the change. It's very easy to manipulate insufficient data and use it as a beating stick.

I agree that the deals on offer for smart meters aren't ideal, but that's not the meter's fault - that just suppliers reacting to a new commercial opportunity and screwing the customer. Competition should level that playing field over time.

10-10-20 · 28-12-2022 3:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120040683#Comment_120040683

The best advice that I have for you is to go onto the price comparison websites and see if there is a better per-unit deal available for you. Then consider breaking contract with your provider to change the contract.

https://www.cru.ie/home/switching-supplier/price-comparison-websites/

Hopefully this helps.

kirk. · 28-12-2022 3:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120040883#Comment_120040883

Don't think there's any need to change from a current 24hr tarriff .Think that was mentioned on other thread ?

Replacing day/nite with smart meter dunno if you can keep dual-tarriff rates , think maybe not ?

Most of those questions would already be answered on the smart meter threads

28-12-2022 4:25pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120040908#Comment_120040908

I did a bonkers.ie switch to BGE a few months ago, which was the best tariff but it’s been hiked since.

I’m planning to do a recalculation in January.

Looking at getting in PV solar but that’s months away. Have solar hot water but it’s making very little impact this time of year with the short days.

TheRiverman · 28-12-2022 4:28pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058277245/smart-metre-removal

Meter.

User142 · 28-12-2022 6:58pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120040894#Comment_120040894

Not really, Im stuck with a smart meter. I don't WFH. All the smart meter tariffs do is punish me for having the nerve of using most of my electricity when I come home from work and before I got to bed.

Never mind the privacy invasion that is since October ESB gathers your energy usage data every 30 minutes. Excellent article by data privacy expert Simon McGarr here: https://www.thegist.ie/the-gist-how-smart-is-your-meter/.

A dystopian piece of technology. If you can get rid of it, chuck it out the window. If they were actually any use, they wouldn't force people to stick to smart meter tariffs once the box is activated but let people also still avail of 24 hour and day and night tariffs also on the market.

kirk. · 28-12-2022 7:20pm

Loads of reasons they were unavoidable

Physical meter reading would be lunacy going forward

Live data , multiple tarriffs/plans , remote disconnection, accurate billing, smoothing demand curve

kirk. · 28-12-2022 7:21pm

Will they encourage tampering though?

Probably will

kirk. · 28-12-2022 8:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120040894#Comment_120040894

Ya There's the meters themselves and the new functionality

Then there's the pricing, different issues

10-10-20 · 28-12-2022 9:16pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120041468#Comment_120041468

I read the article. Facts dressed up as fodder for the whatabouterists. Use the technology to your benefit.

happyplants · 28-12-2022 10:07pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120040894#Comment_120040894

Yes, but no-one with a brain is really saying the meters are at fault.

People are saying that the very system designed to create an incentive for off-peak use is less of an incentive than a day/night rate on a day/night meter or, indeed, less of an incentive than the EV plans that pre-existed the increase in costs and stilll beats the smart plans for price.

So really, what has happened is that excellent technology has been paired with typical gouging behaviour in that

If you enter a smart tariff they won't let you off it. That has to create issue in European law in terms of anti-competitive behaviour.
The smart plans are rubbish.

So its not mad to see the tinfoil hat stuff, but the problems are real.

kirk. · 28-12-2022 10:19pm

Don't think anyone's arguing with any of that

Once there's a difference in price there's an incentive there to use electricity at different times

They probably don't need to supply off-peak at ~half price to change behaviours

CalamariFritti · 28-12-2022 10:24pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120041541#Comment_120041541

Sounds like a lot of advantages and savings for the supplier. Somehow I bet this will translate into higher prices for the consumer all the same.

kirk. · 28-12-2022 10:28pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120042072#Comment_120042072

That seems to be the reality

walterking · 28-12-2022 10:36pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120040211#Comment_120040211

In the UK, about 8 years ago when they started with smart meters, a few of the first generation meters had issues with led lights.

First generation meters were never used in Ireland.

I have a smart meter and with a little bit of management of electricity use, my bills are similar to last year even with the 100%+ increase in rates.

The op and the poster saying their bill jumped might need to understand that electricity unit rates jumped substantially in October.

But if you manage your use and use the very detailed information the smart meter can give you, you will reduce your use substantially.

Our biggest savings was in the dishwasher and washing machine - both now run on express modes unless absolutely necessary and tumble dryer is now used for finishing off drying.

Ultimanemo · 29-12-2022 7:04am

I ordered a smart meter then cancelled as I found companies have higher tariff between 5 pm and 7 pm, I am with Electric Ireland, there is a plan that doesn't charge high rate at 5 - 7 pm but I don't know how long that will last, I don't know if I am doing the right thing and it is hard to know

Fairy godmother · 29-12-2022 7:12am

What attempt have you made to have it removed?

Fairy godmother · 29-12-2022 7:19am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120041468#Comment_120041468

What steps have you made to have it removed?

10-10-20 · 29-12-2022 10:07am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120042856#Comment_120042856

What attempt have you made to understand the technology and use it to your benefit? None.

Don't walk out of the conspiracy theorists forum and expect to spout your waffle here without some pushback.

Bargain_Hound · 29-12-2022 10:19am

Jumping In a bit off topic - but last week got notified my property will get a smart meter installed soon. Can I refuse this? Certainly seems a lot of negativity around smart meter rates which is unfortunate but certainly don’t want to increase my bills any further. Most of my usage is during smart meter peak rates due to WFH and children at home all day.

Fiona · 29-12-2022 10:24am

I have a smart meter it was in the house when I bought it and I am on a flat rate unit price with Electric Ireland.

I am on year two with them, current unit price is 0.3970. The smart plans are useless avoid at all costs just give me the flat rate fee thanks very much!

smuggler.ie · 29-12-2022 1:09pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120042985#Comment_120042985

ESB dont seam to advertise any contacts/means of refusal option on their leaflet, only glorify how beautifull it will be. 😊

As was mentioned earlier, "MDE installations" is contractor for meter install - they will/should call you to arrange date/time. As it is not compulsory to have it installed at the moment, this where you can refuse to take it, should you wish.

Another potential option would be to contact ESB networks and talk to them directly.

kirk. · 29-12-2022 2:27pm

Isn't there 3 companies doing meter installs

smuggler.ie · 29-12-2022 2:41pm

Perhaps three, but arrangment and/or refusal likelly would be same...

kirk. · 29-12-2022 3:22pm

I refused cos I wanted to leave it yet, probably gaining nothing though assuming I could stay on the 24hr plan

Is there any procedures in place for reverting, I can't see it happening easily

smuggler.ie · 29-12-2022 4:28pm

I am not aware of procedures of reinstating "ordinary day/night" meter, but i would believe one might face resistance in such and/or would inflict cost. ESB networks would be best to ask i guess

I could see excuse not to reinstall old fassion meter - non smart plans still available(for long?)

Anyway, we all get them installed before 2030 if not sooner, next time they wont ask or will make it mandatory...

Count Mondego · 29-12-2022 4:49pm

Are ye under the impression that if you get a smart meter, you're automatically put onto a smart rate? This is completely incorrect. I got a SM in November and still have the same rate I had before it was installed. It's only a meter with a SIM card for God sake.

kirk. · 29-12-2022 4:55pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120043964#Comment_120043964

No

smuggler.ie · 29-12-2022 5:03pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120043964#Comment_120043964

If this addressed to me - no, of course not. And as you correctly state - its just a meter that just counts your kWh used, it does not save them ( another incorrect impression pumped out to public )

Your current rate obviously remain, as per current contract, and please, let me know when it comes to renewal or you deside to switch - i am interested to find out what options you will be offered.

discostu1 · 29-12-2022 9:35pm

Ok ,I had an involvement with the initial roll out.Can you go back to a Non Smart you will be told no.(It may have occurred in a very very few cases) All new builds have been getting Smarts for about 2 years.Let’s be clear , they don’t cause cancer or any of the other rubbish you hear.Some of the old meters they replace are analogue I.e those very old meters with a turning dial.Some of these are in situ for decades.Small bits of dirt /dust have built up over the years which can slow the dial down marginally.A guesstimate of 2 to 3 % a decade.Sounds tiny but some are 3 decades and more in place.It’s not that the Smart is wrong the old meter was under recording .Only 4% of those with a Smart have moved to a Smart plan.In most cases this is because it makes no sense to do so.In one way this was anticipated.If Mrs Murphy who has a Smart got great tariffs and Mrs Smith who hasn’t had the option of having one installed yet can’t avail of these tariffs it’s a Joe Duffy moment.At some stage we will have multiple tariffs not sure if you lads are familiar with Octupus Energy in the U.K. but have a look. Personally I am staying on Day Night and “we”as a customer set will be the last group moved

29-12-2022 9:38pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120042985#Comment_120042985

Just because you have a smart meter does not force you onto smart rates.

raxy · 29-12-2022 10:03pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120044752#Comment_120044752

Are you saying they made smart plans more expensive so people without a smart meter don't get pissed off? I find that hard to believe. More like energy companies trying to cash in. I know a good few who switched as they were led yo believe they had to & are now laying more.

Tbf the smart plans have improved slightly but still not worth switching, for me at least.

What annoys me is I can't see any of the smart data without going on a smart plan. If they really want to reduce consumption they should have that detail so I can judge it myself.

discostu1 · 29-12-2022 10:18pm

No not more expensive Networks job is to install the meters the Suppliers produce the SMart plans.The Roll out is done on an almost military basis.So there are very roughly a million customers who haven’t had the opportunity of availing of a Smart yet.IF some customers of say Airtricity who had a Smart got the option of a fab tariff and other Airtricity customers could not avail of the tariff through no fault of their own there would be mayhem.It’s the same with all suppliers.Don’t expect any major great tariffs until 70%+ are installed .The most surprising thing to me is NO politician (Especially the Kerry ones) have made a song and dance about peak time coinciding with people feeding themselves and their kids etc

29-12-2022 10:30pm

Peak time is peak time on the network. The point of the higher rates during this time is to discourage usage. What's the problem?

discostu1 · 29-12-2022 10:58pm

Im on Night rate so the very high usage ,Washing machine ,dishwasher , dryer work on Night rate but you can’t load shift Dinner at 6pm and a lot of folks have kids who come in from school/college , training and will look to eat and possibly shower at that time.

raxy · 29-12-2022 11:12pm

Why is installing batteries not a thing? They charge at night & used in peak time.

I seen an add for installing batteries & when I enquired they refused to quote for it. Said they only install them with solar panels. The add didn't say anything about panels.

Smart metre removal

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