Old roll back meter

@michaelheno I installed panels in 2021 and still have the old 'spinny back' meter. Where you may run into problems is during summer when, depending on your usage, a July meter reading may have a lower figure than say your May/June reading. I have an EV and a heat pump so it's not really a factor for me. Up to you how you want to handle it - to avoid scaring the horses you could supply a customer reading during the summer, showing a figure higher than the last reading if required. This will then naturally adjust as Autumn/Winter roll in. However, I wouldn't go chasing after a fit payment!

I have my old meter over 2 years since my install and just submit a reading a few units above my last reading every 2 months. My meter is inside the house and if I see the ESBN meter reader I either don't answer the door or have covid that day. You won't receive FIT unless you get a smart meter but in my case it works out better to have the spinning backwards meter. I postpone the fitting of a smart meter every 6 months when the contractor gets in touch to fit it.

NEVER submit a lower reading than the last one or the sh1t hits the fan with your supplier looking for proof of an actual reading by photograph with an up to date newspaper as some found out. They can't make you accept a smart meter but can try say it's faulty and needs replacing for safety reasons though as it is their property.

I never submit a lower reading, others have though and it was a nightmare with their suppliers after doing so. I add between 3-10 units on every 2 month reading.

Also easy for either ESBN or one of their contractors to just turn up and change it. If it's a contractor who is in touch about changing it ring them and get it postponed if that's what you want to do. I get 6 months before I get contacted again and just postpone it again. ESBN will send you a letter stating that you are to get a smart meter first, then either ESBN or a contractor will get in touch to arrange the new meter installation. If it's a contractor they should be able to postpone it for 6 months. I'm not sure how ESBN handle it. Maybe put a lock on the box outside? I'm not sure if you are allowed though.

How do you get away with the Networks meter reader thats suppose to come and read it at least twice a year… I presume the meter is inside of your house in the hallway

It's inside the house.

That only applies to people with bog standard normal connections and no microgeneration. You sign that away as soon as you get the cert.

I suspect if you make enough fuss you might get a modern mechanical meter, no reverse running and no FIT; but it won't be because of any right to refuse.

Again, this only applies to people without microgeneration.

Also, claiming EM sensitivity when you have microgeneration would be absolutely laughable.

He said it's running backwards, so no surprise in that case.

This is false information.

You can refuse a smart meter if you have microgen. Sure, you won't get any FIT payment, but there's nothing to stop you refusing.

You aren't going to be able to keep a reversible meter, sure, but there is nothing that states you must have a smart meter. You are perfectly able to refuse a smart meter.

Yes there is, you can add your name to the opt out list for smart meters. Therefore when they come to replace your meter they will need a normal one not a smart meter.

Seriously, this isnt difficult.

That opt out is for replacement of your existing meter under the current rollout It does not stop the replacement of the meter for any other purpose with what is the current standard meter, e.g. microgeneration or the meter failing to work. They will not stock mechanical meters forever.

And yes, it isn't difficult - but that hasn't stopped you getting the wrong end of the stick!