Meter readings

[Serial_Apologist]

Many younger Britons may be unaware that we used to own our own gas, and oil, and made our own electricity from our own coal. I don't recall any energy price crises then.

When it was all privatised and sold to foreign investors there were plenty of warnings that we'd be open to price rises, and here we are.

Unlovely meter reader raids eh??

(On a serious level, I do agree).

[Serial_Apologist]

True, but gas, oil and coal?

The point is that, pre-privatisation, all three commodities were produced and distributed through a single integrated agency which, when the time came, could much more easily have been re-calibrated for renewables.

[Frances_iom]

.. car exhausts can be fitted with catalytic converters that break down many of the emissions and reduce pollutants, ... There's thousands of years of coal there, just waiting for us to invent the engineering to burn it cleanly!

catalytic converters remove the Nox component (ie the oxide of Nitrogen not the oxides of Carbon, the dioxide of which require a fair amount of energy to reduce to its components - photosynthesis is a 'miracle' of nature in the quantum engineering trick it uses to convert it to sugars etc - the partial decomposition of these can leave carbon which can then be sequestered (eg as coal)

Most deep mines are by now flooded - most were unprofitable many years ago - strip mining might still be possible in the Nottingham coal area (recall this was the area least unionised) but the NIMBY backlash would he somewhat high.

speaking of 'miracles' of nature I recommend all, especially the non-scientists to listen to the repeat of A Scientific life tonight on R4 at 9.30 (or I guess via sounds)

[antongould]

The point is that, pre-privatisation, all three commodities were produced and distributed through a single integrated agency which, when the time came, could much more easily have been re-calibrated for renewables.

Indeed s_a

[Frances_iom]

the 3day week demonstrated the power of a single union - the issue of petrol rationing coupons the power of oil producers; Thatcher user the product of the North Sea wells to destroy the mining union and to reduce dependence on the OPEC cartel - unlike Norway she did not provide a sinking fund for when the North Sea oil would run out.

Pre nationalisation most large cities and towns controlled their own water, gas (coal gas) production and electricity supply - it was the wartime 'rationalisation/nationalisation' of these that paved the way for the 1945 labour government.

[antongould]

the 3day week demonstrated the power of a single union - the issue of petrol rationing coupons the power of oil producers; Thatcher user the product of the North Sea wells to destroy the mining union and to reduce dependence on the OPEC cartel - unlike Norway she did not provide a sinking fund for when the North Sea oil would run out.

Pre nationalisation most large cities and towns controlled their own water, gas (coal gas) production and electricity supply - it was the wartime 'rationalisation/nationalisation' of these that paved the way for the 1945 labour government.

Can I use this interested group for a little market research please …..
Each Tuesday I walk with three ex work colleagues and having spent years in the Energy Supply industry we take a keen interest in the current disaster. We all have smart meters …. not through choice but as a condition of moving to a cheap tariff with our then suppliers. Three of us use the display units for at least getting readings and usage the other dinosaur left his in a drawer …. !!!! Currently all our three displays are “saying” “Waiting for current data” and our suppliers are not receiving readings …..

How many hereabouts have smart meters?
How many follow the displays?
How many have or have had this or other problems …… ????

Thank you in advance ….

[Serial_Apologist]

Can I use this interested group for a little market research please …..
Each Tuesday I walk with three ex work colleagues and having spent years in the Energy Supply industry we take a keen interest in the current disaster. We all have smart meters …. not through choice but as a condition of moving to a cheap tariff with our then suppliers. Three of us use the display units for at least getting readings and usage the other dinosaur left his in a drawer …. !!!! Currently all our three displays are “saying” “Waiting for current data” and our suppliers are not receiving readings …..

How many hereabouts have smart meters?
How many follow the displays?
How many have or have had this or other problems …… ????

Thank you in advance ….

EDF almost appeared to have my converting to a "smart meter" as a condition of contract. They sent a man round to check for suitability and I received a subsequent email stating it would not be practicable for several incomprehensible reasons. Last week they again urged me to apply to have one installed. Speaking to a neighbour she told me she has been told similar.

[smittims]

Hi, antongould. I am determined never to have a smart meter. They've stopped bombarding me with deceitful phone calls pretending that I've agreed to have one, and i've stopped seeeing those absurd two-page adverts (goodness knows how much they cost) failing to make a credible case for them.

Why am I so against them? Well, there's no need . I've always used only the energy I need, and I don't want to use less. I've never had a problem with a conventional meter, whereas smart meters use computer technology and are prone to sudden inexplicable failure and hacking by nee'r do wells in unknown continents. And I don't want workmen in my house with all the irritation that causes.

But most of all, I was offended by the bullying, discourteous approach they used, avoiding any possibility that I had the right to say 'no'. This last point is a matter of principle for me. I had a similar problem with the census, blandly instructing me to use the internet (at that time I didn't) and not offering me a clearly-stated alternative. But I digress...

[french frank]

EDF almost appeared to have my converting to a "smart meter" as a condition of contract. They sent a man round to check for suitability and I received a subsequent email stating it would not be practicable for several incomprehensible reasons. Last week they again urged me to apply to have one installed. Speaking to a neighbour she told me she has been told similar.

I was converted by Good Energy to a (free) smart meter some months back. On a few odd aoccasions it has registered --- but the normal readings have quickly returned, with or without my mediation. I check the readings avidly daily, several times a day.

Ergo, I have no problem with my smart meter.

I have actively reduced my consumption to below what it was before a near 100% hike in my DD a couple of months back.

My latest bill arrived today and my monthly bill is now a bit lower than my monthly DD was before the price hike. The accumulated balance would be the equivalent of keeping it in my current a/c earning a few pennies interest, if that. I regard it as savings for the winter quarters.

I had never lived anywhere with central heating until I was close on my 40s, including living in an old stone cottage in Aberdeenshire (w/o so much as an electric blanket in spite of -19º temperatures).

I intend to see how long I can go this winter without being driven to turning on the heating.

I feel dreadfully sorry for those who for one reason or another aren't in a position to make these kinds of 'life choices' and will suffer desperate hardship. I like to think maybe I'm sharing some of their difficulties (a despicable idea in reality).

[Old Grumpy]

We recently (April) moved to a house which already had a smart meter for electricity (no mains gas). It is quite interesting (in a strange sort of way) to watch. The main use is to see when the plug-in hybrid EV which is parked outside has finished charging and can therefore be disconnected!

[antongould]

I was converted by Good Energy to a (free) smart meter some months back. On a few odd aoccasions it has registered --- but the normal readings have quickly returned, with or without my mediation. I check the readings avidly daily, several times a day.

Ergo, I have no problem with my smart meter.

I have actively reduced my consumption to below what it was before a near 100% hike in my DD a couple of months back.

My latest bill arrived today and my monthly bill is now a bit lower than my monthly DD was before the price hike. The accumulated balance would be the equivalent of keeping it in my current a/c earning a few pennies interest, if that. I regard it as savings for the winter quarters.

I had never lived anywhere with central heating until I was close on my 40s, including living in an old stone cottage in Aberdeenshire (w/o so much as an electric blanket in spite of -19º temperatures).

I intend to see how long I can go this winter without being driven to turning on the heating.

I feel dreadfully sorry for those who for one reason or another aren't in a position to make these kinds of 'life choices' and will suffer desperate hardship. I like to think maybe I'm sharing some of their difficulties (a despicable idea in reality).

Thank you as always ff ….. and all these years I never knew you lived on the Balmoral Estate ………

[french frank]

Thank you as always ff ….. and all these years I never knew you lived on the Balmoral Estate ………

Donside not Royal Deeside!

[Serial_Apologist]

I had never lived anywhere with central heating until I was close on my 40s, including living in an old stone cottage in Aberdeenshire (w/o so much as an electric blanket in spite of -19º temperatures).

I intend to see how long I can go this winter without being driven to turning on the heating.

I feel dreadfully sorry for those who for one reason or another aren't in a position to make these kinds of 'life choices' and will suffer desperate hardship. I like to think maybe I'm sharing some of their difficulties (a despicable idea in reality).

Last winter, I tried, purely as an experiment, not switching my my central heating until the inside temperature had fallen below 15C. I was recalling much earlier times when I had been living in poverty in poorly insulated bedsits with only a half-functioning gas fire which took old pennies, and would sometimes find a layer of ice on the glass or water by my bedside. Back then I had somehow managed with four or so blankets piled onto the bed and a couple of jumpers. I'd maintain bodily heat during waking hours by taking brisk walks. So I was surprised and disappointed to experience several physical and mental problems this time around, including weak and aching legs, numbness in the hands, and impaired thinking and speed of response - possibly early signs of hypothermia? These things I have to put down to age - now 76 going on 77. The going for a walk option is of little benefit if weakness prevents one from exercising vigorously - which I am still able to do in outside temperatures of over about +8C.

I had not foreseen this ten years or so ago, and therefore view the coming winter with some foreboding if I am unable to compensate by reducing costs other than for heating, washing and cooking. I have kept items of clothing such as very thick woolen socks and nylon cycling overtrousers, which I have always kept in reserve for really severe cold (ie below minus 5C outside), and enough extra blankets, normally there for guests. So far I have not dared to estimate how long my reserves (in all senses) will keep pace with rising costs.

[gradus]

We have an electricity supply on smart meter with Bulb and it works fine - prices apart. As the supply is in a building that is not our house and we use little electricity there normally, the standing charge is sometimes larger than the consumption charge.

[oddoneout]

Hi, antongould. I am determined never to have a smart meter. They've stopped bombarding me with deceitful phone calls pretending that I've agreed to have one, and i've stopped seeeing those absurd two-page adverts (goodness knows how much they cost) failing to make a credible case for them.

Why am I so against them? Well, there's no need . I've always used only the energy I need, and I don't want to use less. I've never had a problem with a conventional meter, whereas smart meters use computer technology and are prone to sudden inexplicable failure and hacking by nee'r do wells in unknown continents. And I don't want workmen in my house with all the irritation that causes.

But most of all, I was offended by the bullying, discourteous approach they used, avoiding any possibility that I had the right to say 'no'. This last point is a matter of principle for me. I had a similar problem with the census, blandly instructing me to use the internet (at that time I didn't) and not offering me a clearly-stated alternative. But I digress...

Like you I am determined to avoid having a smart meter as long as possible, but I am wondering if the current energy crisis may result in more aggressive moves before too long - installation linked to financial help with bills? None of the supposed benefits that are listed when my supplier sends the periodic invitation letter are relevant. I don't get telephone calls perhaps because I have said not to contact me that way, although I do get automated messages about power supply "interruptions" on the very rare occasions they occur as I'm on a vulnerable list of some kind.
A good few years ago when I was living in an all electric house I took advantage of a loan scheme available through the library to have an Owl monitor for a while to track usage. It didn't show up anything I wasn't expecting and, coupled with my bills, confirmed that I didn't use much power despite the storage heaters and immersion heater, probably because I worked out how best to use them to meet what I needed, and don't have lifestyle power hungry gadgets. One thing was not having the immersion on all the time and only on the low setting which used the night rate - the previous occupants had had both heaters on full time... I don't have reason to think in this house that there is something devouring electricity that I don't know about but if that should arise I would use such a monitor - no need for the smart meter for that purpose - sledgehammer to crack a nut.
I see from the gov.uk site that now electric and gas meters will both be changed at the same time, which I wasn't aware of - my energy supplier has certainly not said anything, the letters only refer to electricity even though I get both from them. By waiting as long as possible I'm also hoping that as few faults as possible will occur, if I am forced down that route, as they will have been identified and corrected. Given the ever deeper non-functional morass the country is being dragged into it is admittedly a faint hope...