"The Other John" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 29 Apr 2016 10:49:11 +0100, Harry Bloomfield wrote:

I have just ordered a Smart meters install for the 20th of May. How can
I tap into the data via the PC's?

Received a letter today from Scottish Power asking me to make an
appointment to have my Smarts installed. Came with 2 leaflets, one of
which 'The benefits of smart meters' quotes customers responses to the
fitting of SMs including '85% felt they have a better understanding of
what their (sic) spending on energy'. So if 85% of those surveyed don't
know the difference between 'their' and 'they're' why should I trust their
opinions? The leaflets are very short on details as to how I will
benefit, especially as I currently (no pun intended) get a discount for
self reading my meters. OK so it's only £2.20 a quarter but 'every little
helps' I'm told! Also there's no indication whether the fitting is
compulsory or optional.

I got a notice with one of my paper bills from EDF asking me to volunteer
for a smart meter, but it said they are optional. I did not see any benefit
to myself so ignored it. Recently I got a phonecall asking for an
appointment to have a smart meter fitted. Before I gave a date, I said "I
thought they were optional". The man said "yes", then "can I ask what your
objection is?". I said I thought the meter could be switched off via radio,
and I didn't want the risk. (I always pay my bills instantly but electronics
can fail). The man knew nothing of this, and said the meter just reported
its readings. So on that basis I allowed them to install it.

At least I will no longer have to go through the rigmarole of getting a bill
for a larger amount because nobody has read the meter, then submitting my
reading on line to get a second accurate bill.
--
Dave W