Charging from home- smart meter?
Discussion
Obviously we don't need a smart meter for standard rates etc I get that. I'm looking at possibly going EV with at least one of our cars but we have a bit of a problem.
To access the best 'rates' overnight etc does everyone have a smart meter? I guess it's needed to pull it all together...I honestly dunno I've avoided the things and I'm new at this. Are there tariffs that still work for cheap EV charging from home that don't require one?
The issue we have is that a few months back I intended to change my octopus tariff to the flexible tariff which required smart meters. Then I thought we could go with the cheap overnight rate tariff if we ever get an EV or at least weigh things up.
When they came out to fit they pointed out an issue with the gas meter. If they attached the smart meters they'd have to notify the gas people who would insist its moved at our expense. They ran through the costs (block paved drive up, new trench to supply, moving meter to the other side of the house etc). It could be thousands so would negate any savings on an EV for years (we're low mileage)
So nothing happened and we are where we started with me thinking an EV is now a no go if I can only charge at a standard rate and not benefit from cheap rates like anyone else seemingly does. Any thoughts ?
To access the best 'rates' overnight etc does everyone have a smart meter? I guess it's needed to pull it all together...I honestly dunno I've avoided the things and I'm new at this. Are there tariffs that still work for cheap EV charging from home that don't require one?
The issue we have is that a few months back I intended to change my octopus tariff to the flexible tariff which required smart meters. Then I thought we could go with the cheap overnight rate tariff if we ever get an EV or at least weigh things up.
When they came out to fit they pointed out an issue with the gas meter. If they attached the smart meters they'd have to notify the gas people who would insist its moved at our expense. They ran through the costs (block paved drive up, new trench to supply, moving meter to the other side of the house etc). It could be thousands so would negate any savings on an EV for years (we're low mileage)
So nothing happened and we are where we started with me thinking an EV is now a no go if I can only charge at a standard rate and not benefit from cheap rates like anyone else seemingly does. Any thoughts ?
Scabutz said:
You'll always need a smart meter for the EV rates as they need to know your usage during the cheap hours.
If the gas meter is the problem can you just get a smart electric meter fitted?
Thanks for that. For some reason the fitters insisted on having to fit both but I might call them back to see if there's a workaround. I'm aware that smart meters aren't compatible with every situation but you'd think it would still be to their advantage just to have one. If the gas meter is the problem can you just get a smart electric meter fitted?
DT1975 said:
Called them and (like last time)they'll still try and fit a smart meter to the gas supply, which means they report it, I'm flunked and landed with the cost of moving it.
We won't be getting an EV I guess.
It still might be cheaper, even at the higher rates.We won't be getting an EV I guess.
@ 27p per kWh, the i3 would cost £10.26 to charge fully. That would get you around 150 miles, which equals around 7p per mile.
@ 27p per kWh, the Polestar 2 would cost £20.25 to charge fully. That would get you around 240 miles, which equals around 8.5p per mile.
I've used summer ranges, etc; you might also be able to travel longer depending on driving style, etc.
Running the Polestar is the same as 75mpg.
Running the i3 is the same as 97mpg.
In 2 previous properties a smart electric meter was installed but gas was not touched and stayed with the old meter.
To get an electric smart meter I booked for an isolator to be installed after the meter and before my consumer unit (fuse box) which was a free installation by my electricity supplier. When the guy was on site I sweet talked him into fitting a smart electricity meter.
If your energy supplier won't fit an electricity smart meter then keep changing supplier until you find one which will. There is no point asking about smart meters before you switch because they won't have an answer.
To get an electric smart meter I booked for an isolator to be installed after the meter and before my consumer unit (fuse box) which was a free installation by my electricity supplier. When the guy was on site I sweet talked him into fitting a smart electricity meter.
If your energy supplier won't fit an electricity smart meter then keep changing supplier until you find one which will. There is no point asking about smart meters before you switch because they won't have an answer.
It appears that splitting your supply of gas and electricity should be a reliable way to get just electricity upgraded.
So since your current electricity supplier is willing, simply switch your gas away to someone (anyone) else, then get Octopus to put in a smart electricity meter and they shouldn't bother about the gas any more.
MoneySavingExpert said:
I have a different supplier for gas and electric – what do I do?
You'll need to arrange installation of the smart gas meter and smart electricity meter with each supplier separately – and you'll have to be at home for both.
You won't need two in-home displays though. The supplier installing the first smart meter should set up your in-home display for that meter. Then, when the installer from your other supplier comes to install the second one, they're responsible for updating your device so you can see your energy information from both meters on one display.
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/smart-...You'll need to arrange installation of the smart gas meter and smart electricity meter with each supplier separately – and you'll have to be at home for both.
You won't need two in-home displays though. The supplier installing the first smart meter should set up your in-home display for that meter. Then, when the installer from your other supplier comes to install the second one, they're responsible for updating your device so you can see your energy information from both meters on one display.
So since your current electricity supplier is willing, simply switch your gas away to someone (anyone) else, then get Octopus to put in a smart electricity meter and they shouldn't bother about the gas any more.
clockworks said:
Can you not just move your gas to a different supplier, then get your electricity supplier to fit a smart meter?
If they aren't doing the billing for your gas, I would think they would just ignore it.
That's the answer cheers ! If they aren't doing the billing for your gas, I would think they would just ignore it.
samoht said:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/smart-...
So since your current electricity supplier is willing, simply switch your gas away to someone (anyone) else, then get Octopus to put in a smart electricity meter and they shouldn't bother about the gas any more.
Nice one, thanks. So since your current electricity supplier is willing, simply switch your gas away to someone (anyone) else, then get Octopus to put in a smart electricity meter and they shouldn't bother about the gas any more.
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