Home  5  Books  5  GBEzine  5  News  5  HelpDesk  5  Register  5  GreenBuilding.co.uk
Not signed in (Sign In)

Categories



Green Building Bible, Fourth Edition
Green Building Bible, fourth edition (both books)
These two books are the perfect starting place to help you get to grips with one of the most vitally important aspects of our society - our homes and living environment.

PLEASE NOTE: A download link for Volume 1 will be sent to you by email and Volume 2 will be sent to you by post as a book.
Buy individually or both books together. Delivery is free!


powered by Surfing Waves




Vanilla 1.0.3 is a product of Lussumo. More Information: Documentation, Community Support.

Welcome to new Forum Visitors
 Join the forum now and benefit from discussions with thousands of other green building fans and discounts on Green Building Press publications: Apply now.




Housing - New Build: Gas meter provider

Bottom of Page

1 to 20 of 20

  1.  
  1.  
    Hi,
    We have a gas supply but no meter in our newly converted warehouse. We can have our meter fitted by who ever we choose as our new supplier but so far I've only found the big six will fit meters not the better energy companies like Good Energy, Ovo or Better Energy. Has anyone had a gas meter fitted by anyone other than the big six?
    Thank you.
    •  
      CommentAuthordjh
    • CommentTimeSep 9th 2016
     
    I don't know about gas but for electricity some of the smaller suppliers partner with a bigger one for new installs. Specifically I went with Ebico who partner with SSE and SSE arranged the meter fitting. One of Ebico's advantages is that there's no fixed-period contract so I could have immediately afterwards transferred to another supplier.

    I didn't switch then but now I've got a year's worth of data and a better idea of what we use I'm switching to Good Energy. Not Ebico's fault directly but I'm fed up of their partner SSE's repeated irritations. Plus I can feel better about the 'greenness' of the electricity I'm buying. :bigsmile:
  3.  
    Thanks djh. We were successful at getting a new electricity meter fitted by Good Energy. But they can't fit a gas meter. Neither can Ebico, Better Energy or Ovo. I'm worried if I have to go to one of the big six they'll insist on a smart meter and I've heard they have hidden costs. Plus they're terrible to deal with. Trying to leave NPower at the moment has taken 3 hours of my life already and I still haven't been successful.
    • CommentAuthorCWatters
    • CommentTimeSep 9th 2016
     
    I wondered if some Gas Safe Engineers could install a meter. Interesting how they seem to avoid answering the question?...

    http://www2.nationalgrid.com/UK/Services/Metering/FAQ/

    "Is it OK to purchase a meter from a 3rd party e.g. via an internet site?

    The Gas Act 1995 requires every consumer of gas to take their supply through a meter. While it is not an illegal act to purchase a gas meter, careful consideration should be given to the intended use of the meter, as this could lead to a criminal offence being committed.


    Is it OK to ask my gas supplier to remove their meter from my property and for me to arrange for a Gas Safe registered installer to fit my own meter?

    To use gas, you must by law, have a contract in place with a gas supply company. It is illegal to use gas without a contract with a gas supplier. All gas appliances should be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer."

    Well they didn't just say no.
    •  
      CommentAuthordjh
    • CommentTimeSep 9th 2016
     
    • CommentAuthorSimon Still
    • CommentTimeSep 10th 2016 edited
     
    Our first (and only) contract for Gas supply on our new build/new connection is with Ecotricity. I can't remember how the process worked but Southern Gas Networks actually did the meter install.



    Posted By: RoseMill_DandRI'm worried if I have to go to one of the big six they'll insist on a smart meter and I've heard they have hidden costs.


    There's not really much point trying to avoid a smart meter - the target is for all homes to have them by 2020 so if you get something else installed now it's just going to be ripped out and likely end up in landfill within a couple of years (Ecotricity have just emailed me to say they're going to run ahead of that schedule).

    What "hidden costs" do you think smart meters have?

    A few smart meter questions just occured to me -

    - What powers the electronics in a smart gas meter? Trad gas meters are fully analogue - theres no electricity supply in my gas cabinet (unsurprisingly) and given there's a wireless connection to the 'in home' display I'd be surprised if a small battery would run it for very long.

    How good are the connections to the in house displays? A chunk of steel structure, foil backed insulation and 3G windows means our wifi doesn't really make it through the structure.
    •  
      CommentAuthordjh
    • CommentTimeSep 10th 2016
     
    Posted By: Simon StillThere's not really much point trying to avoid a smart meter - the target is for all homes to have them by 2020 so if you get something else installed now it's just going to be ripped out and likely end up in landfill within a couple of years

    No, you have the right to refuse to have a smart meter installed.
  8.  
    Posted By: djhNo, you have the right to refuse to have a smart meter installed.


    Ok, fair enough. And why might you want to do that?
    • CommentAuthorbillt
    • CommentTimeSep 10th 2016
     
    It provides no benefit to the user, only to the provider in terms of reduced meter reading costs and ease of remote disconnection, but the costs of implementation will fall on the consumer.

    The meters are unique to the supplier's system, so if you change supplier the smart metering functions will revert to dumb metering.

    There are big question marks over the security of the data transmission system.

    Why on earth would you have one voluntarily?
    •  
      CommentAuthordjh
    • CommentTimeSep 11th 2016
     
    Posted By: Simon Still
    Posted By: djhNo, you have the right to refuse to have a smart meter installed.


    Ok, fair enough. And why might you want to do that?

    I didn't say you would or you wouldn't. All I did is dispel FUD. You misstated the facts.
    •  
      CommentAuthorSteamyTea
    • CommentTimeSep 11th 2016 edited
     
    I spoke to EDF about having a smart meter, they assured me that it is only them that has the use of the data (it was before the government said they will have to share it mind).
    There are advantages for the home user if they bother to get the internal display, learn what it means and act on the information. Especially useful if you have PV as you can see your half hourly generation easily.
    I doubt if many people will bother to use the information correctly and would prefer it think that they are being ripped off by the 'Big 6'. There was a bit on the Radio this week about some people changing tariffs/suppliers and paying more, I missed the show though.
    Our energy is really ridiculously cheap, we are just very wasteful with it.

    No idea about gas meters, not got gas here.
    But the battery, a single 1.5V D, in my CurrentCost energy meter is meant to last 7 years. 3 should last 20 years and meters need to be changed by then.

    I have no problem with the concept of smart metering, but do have reservations about the implementation and data handling. But as our new PM is all for spying on her citizens, I think we will not be able to avoid it. Worth remembering that back in 1972, it was electricity data that found the flat that the Baader Meinhof murders had been using before the Munich Olympics. Trouble is that in the UK, all they will find is a large TV with a fat person in front of it.
  12.  
    >> It provides no benefit to the user, only to the provider in terms of reduced meter reading costs

    No benefit to the user? At the moment I either need to be around to let the meter reader in or take the meter reading myself and either phone it in or submit it over internet. Accurate bills without any disturbance or any of my time is a benefit

    >> and ease of remote disconnection,
    Do you think you should get utililties without paying for them?

    >> but the costs of implementation will fall on the consumer.
    There's no direct cost to the consumer. There are extra costs to the utility companies but removing human meter readings will save them money over time.

    A few people refusing smart meters isn't going to have a material effect on anyones bills.


    >>The meters are unique to the supplier's system, so if you change supplier the smart metering functions will revert to dumb metering.

    Yes, it sounds like the smart meter project has been badly bodged if this is the case. Pick a good supplier and stick with it. There are a number of small, 'green' energy suppliers with simple 'low cost' tariffs who aren't playing the bait and switch game using impenetrable complex offers.

    >>There are big question marks over the security of the data transmission system.
    and the danger/risk to you is? What can someone tell about me from my pattern of power use?
  13.  
    Going back to the original question the OP said "I've heard they have hidden costs."

    Can anyone elaborate on what these might be?
    • CommentAuthorbillt
    • CommentTimeSep 11th 2016
     
    Posted By: Simon Still
    No benefit to the user? At the moment I either need to be around to let the meter reader in or take the meter reading myself and either phone it in or submit it over internet. Accurate bills without any disturbance or any of my time is a benefit


    I thought I was lazy! Taking a meter reading and filling in a form on a website must take all of 5 minutes once every 3 months. That's a real life changing benefit - not.

    Posted By: Simon Still>> and ease of remote disconnection,
    Do you think you should get utililties without paying for them?


    Can't see the relevance of that comment. I do not like the potential for random incorrect disconnections and if you think that energy companies don't make mistakes.....

    Posted By: Simon Still>> but the costs of implementation will fall on the consumer.
    There's no direct cost to the consumer. There are extra costs to the utility companies but removing human meter readings will save them money over time.


    And those extra costs will be paid by the consumer, the (fairly minor) long term benefits will be taken by the utilities.

    Posted By: Simon StillA few people refusing smart meters isn't going to have a material effect on anyones bills.


    Of course not, but not implementing the ill conceived and incompetently designed scheme at all would save lots of money.

    Posted By: Simon StillPick a good supplier and stick with it. There are a number of small, 'green' energy suppliers with simple 'low cost' tariffs who aren't playing the bait and switch game using impenetrable complex offers.


    I don't switch suppliers regularly, but do check rates occasionally. "Small, green" suppliers are not competitive and sell themselves in a highly questionable way - the electrons have exactly the same source as any other supplier and are just as dirty.

    Posted By: Simon Still
    >>There are big question marks over the security of the data transmission system.
    and the danger/risk to you is? What can someone tell about me from my pattern of power use?


    Low, obviously, but there are tools available which can analyse overall consumption and work out what devices are in use at any particular time, from which it would be easy to determine occupancy.

    It's more of an objection to the lack of concern that those in power have over data security.
  15.  
    Posted by DJH: "dispel FUD"

    Careful, that old-fashioned term has rather a strong meaning around here...

    No offence taken, & sure that none was intended.

    http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=FUD (edit: beware -it is a very strong word)

    I hadn't heard the new meaning, so I learn something new everyday on GBF :-)
    • CommentAuthorCWatters
    • CommentTimeSep 12th 2016
     
    What's the latest on smart meter standards and interoperability? Last I heard not all companies were installing compatible meters yet. If you get a free one now and find its not fully portable/functioning when you switch supplier will you have to pay for one that is?
  17.  
    We've gone a bit off topic but can I just say small green suppliers do offer better costs. I know this from personal experience of OVO. And last night on Radio 4 there was a program about the big six offering excellent fixed rates for the first year then they bump you up to standard rate tarrif said which are astronomical. Relying on customers to not be efficient enough to change on the dot every year. Plus my experience of trying to leave Npower and Scotting Power have been stressful and time consuming.
  18.  
    Thank you for your help. Ecotricity are able to fit a new meter so hopefull that's an end to be tortured by the big six.
    • CommentAuthorGreenfish
    • CommentTimeSep 12th 2016
     

    What's the latest on smart meter standards and interoperability? Last I heard not all companies were installing compatible meters yet. If you get a free one now and find its not fully portable/functioning when you switch supplier will you have to pay for one that is?


    Or you may find that the other suppliers just don't want your business.

    There is a company in Cornwall working with letting agents to install their own kind of smart meters and then provide the energy contract. Their rates are expensive, trading on the fact that many letters won't bother to switch. But also the "asset transfer" value of these meters is high such that other suppliers may not actually want to incur the cost of your business.

    Every one, inc the regulators, is worried about the bad behaviour of the big 6, meanwhile there are smaller companies being pretty predatory and making a fast buck too. I expect this company will vanish having made some nice money for itself. Beware!
    • CommentAuthorCWatters
    • CommentTimeSep 12th 2016
     
    It looks like the DCC computer system that is meant to provide portability is due to go live end of the month..

    https://www.smartdcc.co.uk/implementation/programme/

    I note that it says "Production Communication Hubs available - 21/09/2016".

    This page..

    https://www.smartdcc.co.uk/implementation/design-and-assurance/communications-hubs/

    says..

    "Communications Hubs will be installed in homes to allow smart meters and in-home displays to connect to each other across the Smart Meter Home Area Network (SM HAN). The Communications Hub also connects these devices to the DCC and energy company systems via the Smart Meter Wide Area Network (SM WAN). This means meter readings can be taken automatically and remotely. Energy companies will install Communications Hubs in premises but DCC is responsible for their supply."

    So if they aren't available yet I guess existing smart meter set ups will need one adding?

1 to 20 of 20

  1.  
Add your comments

    Username Password
  • Format comments as
 
Back to Discussions Top of Page
   
The Ecobuilding Buzz
Site Map    |   Home    |   View Cart    |   Pressroom   |   Business   |   Links   
Logout    

© Green Building Press