Should I get a smart meter?

[SafetyThird]

Now that we’re past the SMETS1 debacle, are there reasons not to get a smart meter?

Tarries like octopus require one and I’m looking to potentially change my supplier in the near future if they allow it, many companies aren’t taking new customers currently.

As I have solar pv, there was some concern that a smart meter might put fit payments at risk if I wasn’t exporting as much as might be ‘deemed’ but I don’t think smart meters register export, do they?

Other than unknown privacy issues, are there any reasons ‘not’ to get a smart meter?

[Fintray]

My smart meter registers export and Octopus credits me for this, there won't be any change to your deemed exports as that is what was agreed by the fit's payment company, which of course doesn't have to be the company you get your electricity from, I'm with Octopus but my fit's payments come from SSE (N.B. I do not get deemed export payments as I decided to get paid for all my exports).

[Stinsy]

Now that we’re past the SMETS1 debacle, are there reasons not to get a smart meter?

Yes there are reasons not to get one. Pros-cons as with everything in life.

Tarries like octopus require one and I’m looking to potentially change my supplier in the near future if they allow it, many companies aren’t taking new customers currently.

Smart meters are required for all ToU tariffs going forward, that is a reason making many people choose a smart meter.

As I have solar pv, there was some concern that a smart meter might put fit payments at risk if I wasn’t exporting as much as might be ‘deemed’ but I don’t think smart meters register export, do they?

As far as I'm aware there is no link between smart meters and FiTs.

Other than unknown privacy issues, are there any reasons ‘not’ to get a smart meter?

This depends where you are on the conspiracy theory spectrum. The key issue for many people is that smart meters all contain a remote accessible switch. This might be used in future to disconnect non-paying customers or to "load shed" in an emergency. In California they cut whole neighbourhoods off for hours at a time when there isn't enough power to go around (a regular occurrence in summer), but the rich neighbourhoods seem to be exempt from these blackouts. Some people are very concerned that smart meters could be used to cut off (or threaten) those considered "undesirable".

[Stig]

I also get FITs from SSE but my electricity & gas from Eon. I'm on deemed 50% export for FITs so SSE aren't interested in what the smart meter says - they probably don't even know I had one fitted last year.

Interestingly, I just checked and I've exported 646kWhr and imported 705kWhr in the last 12 months having generated 1800kWhr. Not a great year for PV (I'd expect around 2000kWhr) but I'm pretty much neutral in electricity (but do burn 3000-4000kWhr of gas for heating & cooking )

[For those that are keeping score I have a 2kWp PV system]

[SafetyThird]

Thanks, that’s very useful. I’m not very high up the conspiracy tree, my battery setup will help protect me from any blackouts and my Honda generator will back that up

So, the next question is whether to do the change now while I’m with good energy or to switch to octopus amd get them to do it

[Fintray]

Why not ask them both what is the likely wait for getting one fitted, then make your choice.

[Stinsy]

Thanks, that’s very useful. I’m not very high up the conspiracy tree, my battery setup will help protect me from any blackouts and my Honda generator will back that up

So, the next question is whether to do the change now while I’m with good energy or to switch to octopus amd get them to do it

Took 2 years and a complaint directly to the CEO of my energy company to get a smart meter fitted.

[SafetyThird]

Why not ask them both what is the likely wait for getting one fitted, then make your choice.

Being on holiday I’ve probably had one G&T too many to have come up with that. Sounds like a solid plan. Thanks.