Re: Smart Meters
 

My 2 year old brand new house is on its second ‘smart’ gas meter and is awaiting a third. I’m told it needs a ‘dual band’ meter and these are all in short supply. I was also told, by the second installer who came to visit, that he would lodge a report with the supplier stating that the property requires a dual band meter but that the supplier would take no action unless I followed it up and asked for one directly. I’ve yet to bother.

Electric meter is smart but only works reliably because Octopus supplies an additional widget that connects via wifi. It enhances app performance but also makes smart reporting back to Octopus more resilient. The supplied IHD is useless and spends as much time ‘awaiting information’ as actually telling me anything.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Get a Home Mini free from Octopus then unplug the IHD.

Re: Smart Meters
 

I have the widget, but I leave the IHD on in the corner because when it’s working, it’s quicker than opening the app. Mainly I use it to confirm we’re drawing less power than the solar panels are producing as I try to time the dishwasher/washing machine to run during the day.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Yep, as per my previous posts, it spent most of its time rebooting, its in a draw now, inactive.

I assume that's what he is referring to by "widget".
It does seem Octopus may use it to fill in the blanks if they dont get them direct from the meter.
I've not had a single missed reading since I enabled the Mini, I have the app running on my tablet, so visible most of the time.

Re: Smart Meters
 

I'm not sure how to officially check for missed readings, I've been using the octaprice 'data checker' to view 1/2hr readings but even though that said in June and July I missed a total of 3hrs in 2 1.5hr groups it didn't seem to affect my billing as those days seemed to be listed appropriately.

Last month Agile was £1.05 cheaper than my Tracker in my area so no big deal.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Octoprice lists what readings Octopus have, it gets the data direct from them via the API.
The Bright app gets the data from the DCC, so it has readings that Octopus have not yet loaded.
The uswitch app also appears to get the data from the DCC, as its always got my data for the current day.

AFAIK, Octopus can bill you with gaps, they estimate the gaps, and correct it later if/when they get the real values.

I dont know what the limit on that is, probably only small gaps like you seemed to have.

Re: Smart Meters
 

In general, the law gives a supplier 12 months to bill for usage they have previously failed to bill you for, or 5 years in cases of consumer fraud. Whether there are additional limits that apply to correcting small estimates I don’t know.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Just in the process of setting up the Bright app, I plugged my IHD back in to get the code, it's the only time it's been useful.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Yeah, I have seen that mentioned in topics before.
Octopus also have a limit on gaps, if there are too many, they wont produce a bill at all.

Mine has it printed on a sticker, on the bottom.

Re: Smart Meters
 

I have just setup the bright app as well, now the wait for it to update :).

Re: Smart Meters
 

Mines up and running now I'm not sure how I tell it my Tariff or how I view the 30min data on previous months.

Re: Smart Meters
 

I dont know what limts it has (if any).
I can select dates, but obviously I can only go back to Aug 8th.

Tarrif selection is on the home page. It can be "interesting" to set up.
I've also noticed it often struggles to update the data after about 4.30pm on a day, not picking it up until later.

The "Day" view is not always up to date either, but ok on the Hour/30 min views.
I only really use it to check the meter is sending data ok, thats been less of in issue since I got the mini.

Re: Smart Meters
 

When changing the tariff watch out for exit fees on the "fixed" tariffs.

Re: Smart Meters
 

This is for the Bright app I really hope changing on that doesn't change anything on Octopus?

---------- Post added at 19:54 ---------- Previous post was at 19:52 ----------

I think I'm going to uninstall it as I only see the option to select Agile as a tariff instead of Tracker.

---------- Post added at 20:03 ---------- Previous post was at 19:54 ----------

Another site to use that may let you view the data daily, but for me Octoprice works better for 1/2hr steps.

https://gcccc4f6c5ed303-stjqaiwj9fvo...s-tracker/home

Re: Smart Meters
 

It doesnt, its just for the App.

AgileBuddy is a good site.
Note it also gets your usage data from Octopus, via the API.

Latest Tracker prices : https://agilebuddy.uk/latest/tracker/electricity

Re: Smart Meters
 

The Bright app only lets me set Agile as my Tariff so that maybe useful for you.

The IHD is not capable of displaying smart tariffs so maybe that's why the bright app thinks I'm on flexible.

Re: Smart Meters
 

The tariffs on it are of little interest to me, I dont look at costs on it at all.
As I said originally, I use it to check readings exist for gaps in my Octopus data.
Those have become much less since getting the mini, so its used far less now.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Octopus installation.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1062156735568264

Re: Smart Meters
 

They don’t have their own staff … whichever contractor did that will have done similar on behalf of every other supplier on his books. Whoever he is though, he’s a menace.

Re: Smart Meters
 

They changed my farther in laws meters 3 months ago and they did an excellent job. I asked them how busy they were and they said very busy mainly installing new meters that were replacing the old type meters. The farther in laws bill have already showed a good reduction so he is one happy camper.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Was there a specific reason for linking to the video ?

I'm sure you could find examples of 'bad' installations for almost anything if you look hard enough.

---------- Post added at 18:38 ---------- Previous post was at 17:22 ----------

Octopus do have their own engineers, at least according to their site, they just dont have them everywhere.

Mine was a contractor, not in a pink van.

Re: Smart Meters
 

SMS installed my meters, very professional too.

Re: Smart Meters
 

I was there when they installed my farther in laws meters and it pretty much followed this video. Ray did not a get a fluffy Octopus however as he is over 80 years old :)

Always best to give a balanced view to any argument ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAsA43gNDGw

Re: Smart Meters
 

Same Gas Meter here but my Electricity Meter is made by KAIFA MA120 and looks slightly different.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Electric is made by Landis Gyr, and the property of "Meterfit 20 Ltd".
Gas meter appears to be made by EDMI, also the property of Meterfit 20 Ltd.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Some negative prices again tomorrow, first since August 25th.
Octopus are also doing the free [extra] electricity offer between 1pm and 2pm tomorrow.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Unfortunately again I can't benefit from it as I'll be at work until 2pm so I can't even put the washing machine on, but my unit rate on Tracker will be only 15.71 for 24hrs so it's still good for me as that is 38% cheaper than my SVP if I had stayed on Flexible.

Re: Smart Meters
 

They are back and asked to do "checks" on our meters. Neither location could "communicate correctly at this time", so their report will go back to the relevant bodies today.

I mentioned the Faraday Cage situation, and the senior tech was called over, and he agreed that was the problem. He moved his test kit out of the enclosures and got "reasonable" signals just a meter away from the house wall.

Re: Smart Meters
 

It all sounds very complicated. I just read my meters, when it suits, 'adjusted' to make the best of of any price changes, and let them have the readings. Take back control, don't let them have it ! ;)

Re: Smart Meters
 

You mean commit fraud ...

Re: Smart Meters
 

Re: Smart Meters
 

Yep - got an email from Octopus last week about this initiative

Re: Smart Meters
 

More free Electricity 1-2pm Saturday 14th for Octopus customers.

Re: Smart Meters
 

I have not charged my car all week on the hope of cheap electric at the weekend and i was right to do that so i will fill my boots tomorrow :).

On Agile the cost drops to 0.92p per Kwh at 11:43 and only goes up again at 15:45.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Time for me to put the washing machine on, TV and PS5 and kettle so I can save 5 pence. Lol

Re: Smart Meters
 

My advantage is my car, i am putting 27Kwh into the battery over the next few hours. I have just plugged it in :)

Re: Smart Meters
 

If you do your car every time it's free won't they decide it's your normal usage and you won't get anything?

This is the first time I've been home on a free hour, last time when I wasn't home I managed to save 2 pence.

Re: Smart Meters
 

They account for that.

I've made a whopping 35p across the previous four sessions.

---------- Post added at 13:25 ---------- Previous post was at 13:20 ----------

This bit confuses me.

For half of todays (1.30 - 2pm) the per kWh rate on agile is -0.65p, so how does that work ?

They are already paying us to use any electric in that period, do they take some of that back ...

Re: Smart Meters
 

I see the free hours the send out on email as a gimmick, i am more interested in the time they pay me being on Agile as that is a bigger benefit when i charge my car.

Re: Smart Meters
 

This just reminds me of the Better Call Saul thing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuZ34IeY_L0

Re: Smart Meters
 

Yes, that character was based on electrosensitives who make claims like this.

Re: Smart Meters
 

After the recent local surveys, installers and householders have been told the addresses where "present versions of smart meters are not suited for use at this time".

A guy is going door-to-door to let residents know. Including us!

Re: Smart Meters
 

I guess the storms have boosted wind power again, negative prices from midnight to 6am.

Re: Smart Meters
 

14 pence credited to my account for the last 2 free sessions. how does that compare to you guys who charge your car and run Skynet in your house?

Re: Smart Meters
 

For September I had 30p credited. But I'm on agile so the cost is usually low anyway (during free sessions), if I was on tracker or something else it probably would have been a quid or two.

That was usually us deliberating doing all the washing during that time and not normal usage.

Re: Smart Meters
 

I just basically ran the washing machine in those periods, nothing else changed, although I may have had the TV and PS5 on, but that's not out of the ordinary if I am at home inside at the weekend.

Re: Smart Meters
 

You can do a 60 degree wash and a thorough dishwasher cycle to up the numbers.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Pretty much the same, I think my total now is about 35p credited, but all the sessions are on really low prices anyway (negative in one case).

Re: Smart Meters
 

I've won more than that on 'Spin the wheel' when submitting meter readings. Do you get to spin the wheel if you have a smart meter?

Re: Smart Meters
 

If you have a smart metre you get two spins per fuel.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Two spins per fuel? Not fair :cry:

Re: Smart Meters
 

Correction, my account now shows ;

:D

Re: Smart Meters
 

Finally got round to registering my smart meter for export to Octopus. Have earned 5p so far. :D

Re: Smart Meters
 

Since I had Smart Meters installed in April I get 4 spins but each spin has only given me 8 points so 32 in total each month and I have banked 692 points as I got 500 for joining OctoPLUS, 800 points is worth £1.

Re: Smart Meters
 

I moved to Octopus in July, don't have a smart meter, only get 1 spin per fuel but I'm raking it in!:p:

Damn, I knew you'd ask...£2 lol.

Re: Smart Meters
 

When I first moved the first spin paid £1 after that nothing, then after installing smart meters and joining OctoPLUS every spin pays in points which you can convert to £/pence and also had the odd free donut!

Re: Smart Meters
 

Next round's on Chris then! :D

Re: Smart Meters
 

Here you go :D

https://www.cableforum.uk/board/atta...1&d=1727963830

Re: Smart Meters
 

Hmmm, I only seem to get two spins per month, and everyone has given me 8 points (worth 1p each time). Pretty much a waste of time.

Re: Smart Meters
 

I must be lucky as i had a 800 point win. :)

Re: Smart Meters
 

Using the app I got 2 spins for each fuel on 1st of the month then when they send a bill it lets me spin twice again.

---------- Post added at 20:30 ---------- Previous post was at 20:30 ----------

What you going to spend that £1 on? Lol

Re: Smart Meters
 

As a customer of EDF is not a happy bunny!
Innitially a customer of the failed TOTO who went down, service taken over by EDF.
Last year the remote display started playin up, meter not sending info To EDF who would send me a usage bill.
Reported problems to EDF who said the problem sorted so account usage updated to reflect on the 2months estimated usage.
Fast forward to July this year EDF started failure to send useage figures but still taking money.

[Due to mobility issues with both my wife and myself reading the actual meter was near impossibe to read, being under the staircase and inside a cupboard.]
Latest e mail states the meter is working but not communicating back to EDF, so are not prepared to investigate further, just get someone to read the meter and supply to EDF.
Totally brassed off with this experience!
[Sorry for the long post]

Re: Smart Meters
 

It turns out the 2 spins i got were both for the electric, I had two more under gas - another whole 16 points (2p) won. :rolleyes:

Re: Smart Meters
 

Might be best if all us high rollers keep away from the tables in Monte Carlo.

Re: Smart Meters
 

:LOL:

Re: Smart Meters
 

An aside , as EDF don't use gas to create electricity why is there price linked to its cost?

Re: Smart Meters
 

The entire wholesale cost of electricity is linked to the cost of gas generation. That’s the benchmark price that’s supposed to insulate renewable generation from price shocks that might make it uneconomical. In practice, wind power has got so cheap now that it ought to be able to bear the competition, especially now high gas prices are here to stay.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Looking at the energy dashboard it is like the system is rigged to never turn the gas off - which following the rules would drop the wholesale cost significantly.

Re: Smart Meters
 

I look here as well as that gives a good insight, read it just before bed if you need to fall asleep quickly :)

https://carbonintensity.org.uk/

Re: Smart Meters
 

Some eye watering peak rates tomorrow, 49p ... :shocking:

Re: Smart Meters
 

Ouch, atleast it's only for a few hours, my Tracker will be 22.97 all day.

Re: Smart Meters
 

You're showing the early signs of smart meter rage Paul :D. Just forget all that peak rates and trackers lark, it will drive you nuts in the end.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Not really, Ive monitored my Gas and Electric use for years, this is just another tool.

Despite those peak rates, I still saved money overall yesterday, and continue to do so every day atm.

Even on Gas, which for example is 5.5p atm, compared to 6.1p on the standard tarrifs.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Peak rate on Agile tomorrow is 69p!!!!!

Tracker is 24.58p for me, very close to the SVP.

Re: Smart Meters
 

I know, I saw that earlier (67.4p in my area).

It may become the fifth time, since I moved, that the day (overall) works out more expensive than SVT. The last time was Sept 17th.
I dont mind that too much as long as I save overall, and so far I've saved over £51 in total.

My Gas (on Tracker) is still about 1p per kWh cheaper than standard atm (5.46p v 6.42p) which is nice as my heating is mainly Gas powered.
Gas savings are only £5, but then Ive only been using more for the last month, and before Oct 1st, the savings were less as the price was usually quite similar.

Re: Smart Meters
 

This proved to be the case, Agile ended up costing me 46p more than SVT.

I'll probably get more than that back tomorrow - rates go down to < 1p after 2.30am, with -1.6p at 4.30am.

Re: Smart Meters
 

My smart meter doesn't connect to my gas supply, the electric is fine. The fitter said I might struggle because of the distance. Its really annoying but I'm soo happy that was the last of people knocking on my door. Now I don't expect anyone which is great!

Re: Smart Meters
 

Free Electricity from Octopus Sunday 1-2pm., that's when the washing machine will go on then.

Re: Smart Meters
 

For those on Agile you can start charging your cars if you have a EV and washing and drying from 04:30 for most of the day :D

Re: Smart Meters
 

Tracker is still cheaper for me most of the time for my usage time so my monthly bill is around £65 a month, although the heating is on when I'm home now so it should be a little higher this month.

---------- Post added at 17:38 ---------- Previous post was at 17:16 ----------

A suggestion is for anyone with an emersion heater that is usually off to switch that on and get some free hot water, thanks to someone on HotUKDeals for that one.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Why is it so cheap is a hurricane hitting the windmills?

Re: Smart Meters
 

This might answer your question :)

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather...ate=2024-10-20

Re: Smart Meters
 

Yep, cheap Sunday dinner tomorrow, cooking starts around 11am at 0p, then <2p until its ready at 1pm :)

https://www.cableforum.uk/board/atta...chmentid=31191

Re: Smart Meters
 

Kettle ON
Immersion heater ON
Washing machine ON
PS5 ON
TV ON

Live usage is saying 3,266w for that lot - the kettle, so I'm not running Skynet like Sirius!

Re: Smart Meters
 

:LOL:

And for those on Agile some very cheap rates tonight between Midnight and 06:00. They will also be paying for us to use electric at up to 1.6p :)

Re: Smart Meters
 

So my Smets 1 meter for Electricity which is 5 or 6 years old now and was one of the very original smart meters has been having issues since the 10th of this month, It has been giving random reads. I have just spoken to Octopus who have arranged for new Smets 2 meters to be installed on the 2nd of November. Does anyone no the difference between Smets 1 and Smets 2.

My meters have been rock solid up till now. My gas is still reading fine its just the electric meter.

Re: Smart Meters
 

https://www.simplyswitch.com/how-do-...new%20supplier.

The main difference is smets1 uses mobile network to send data to supply while smets2 uses DDC.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Thanks :tu:

Re: Smart Meters
 

Is there any kit I can buy to see my usage (I don't want a supplier Smart Meter, yet)

Re: Smart Meters
 

Eon used to do a bit of kit, only available 2nd hand now. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/196446496...oaAlhiEALw_wcB

Re: Smart Meters
 

DCC :)

Smets1 meters are being upgraded to use the DCC Network as well.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Eyeballs Mk1. I have taken weekly readings since 1987, and they still work.

Meanwhile, scare tactics are still being used to get people to accept smart meters.

https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/...e%2Findex.html

Re: Smart Meters
 

Does somebody, a meter reader not still attend your home for confirmation of readings you submit every so often?

Re: Smart Meters
 

I had my gas meter replaced a year ago as it wasn’t functioning in smart mode; the new one isn’t working smart either so I’m still manually submitting readings. Problem is, I had to start submitting them from zero again. Even though Octopus knew they had commissioned a new meter, every time I put in a reading it went under review for a week or more before being accepted on my account. And after a few months they did indeed send a meter reader round to verify. Suddenly my manual readings are accepted immediately.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Not in all the time we've had them (around 6 years)

Re: Smart Meters
 

What's the point in not having a smart meter then?

Did you confuse having a smart meter and not having one?

Re: Smart Meters
 

Sorry … can you rephrase that? I find your double negatives … disturbing :disturbd:

Re: Smart Meters
 

Sorry I misread your post and having searched the thread I found that you have a smart meter, I thought you didn't have one. :dunce:

Re: Smart Meters
 

That article is also being more scary than it needs to be.
Agile can go negative, so you're being paid to use electricity.

Technically, the "cap" is £1 per kWh, but it has never reached that figure in its entire history.
The worst period was September 2022 (& December 2022) when it reached 78p on some days.

In 2024 the worst day appears to have actually been last week (14th Oct) when for 90 minutes it was over 60p per kWh.
Higher rates are normally in the 4pm-7pm peak time, as they add a fixed charge to the normal rate, generally about 12p-14p extra.

Re: Smart Meters
 

Got 0.47 pence for this, far more than I expected, I guess the emersion heater did that.