Michael Chare explained :
On 25/12/2018 10:30, mm0fmf wrote:
On 25/12/2018 01:31, Michael Chare wrote:

Smart meters clearly cost more to make and they have quite high
operating costs because of their use of mobile networks.

It's a good idea poorly implemented. Smart meters use GSM networks to
communicate back to the providers. That's great apart from the fact that
the mobile network providers (in the UK) wish to switch of their old GSM
(2G) networks and move everyone to 3G/4G. They are forced to pay spectrum
access fees and are run for profit hence they want the government to pay if
they have to maintain GSM networks against their business wishes.

Someone will pay and it wont be the mobile network and it wont be the
government.

The single overriding reason not to have a Smart Meter is the remote switch
off feature. The energy companies have shown they are incapable of running
accurate billing systems in so many cases that it is inevitable they will
make a balls up and remotely disconnect someone for their billing mistakes.
Or worse, remotely disconnect the wrong meter through error even when they
do have the everything else correct.

The energy providers claim this wont happen. Of course everyone has 100%
confidence in them based on their performances to date.


I also don't want to possibly have to pay more to cook an evening meal, nor
would I want anyone to be able to work out when a property is unoccupied.
One of the government's mistakes was to make the energy companies responsible
for installing the meters. They of couse chose meters which would only work
if they remained the supplier.

They do continue to work as meter, but not Smart Meters. The suppliers
suggest they are due to to be all compatible in around March 2019, but
don't hold your breath.