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New ESB smart meter not getting GPRS signal

  • 15-06-2022 8:43am
    #1
    SchrodingersCat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,023 ✭✭✭


    We had a faulty mechanical meter replaced a couple of weeks ago by ESB networks. They put in a smart meter instead.

    Yesterday, we got a call off Electric Ireland telling us that the new meter has not connected properly to their servers. They have asked us to give them the go-ahead with a service order to ESB Networks to get an engineer to call out to fix it.

    They have said that if ESB Networks do not find an issue with it, that we will have to pay 189e.

    Normally, I understand this payment of 189e. When we had the faulty mechanical meter, we took a gamble that ESB networks would find an issue with the meter, which they did. So we didn't have to pay the 189e.

    However, surely we should not be liable for the 189e in this second case? Should they not have checked that the new meter was working correctly when they called out the last time?

    My worry is that the issue might not be with the meter at all, but some issue on their side which they might not even bother to investigate. For example, they will say that we are in a low GPRS signal house (we are not btw, we are in the city and phones get good signal). But we will still have to pay the 189e in this example.

    Some additional information, the our Electric Ireland account page describes the meter as "Smart GPRS 1PH WC 5(100) AMPS" with a "Smart meter comms level" of "Level 1". Reading up on it, Level 1 means that we will have to manually submit meter readings. Level 3 or 4 is required for smart meter electricity packages.



Comments

  • #2
    Dempo1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,051 ✭✭✭✭Dempo1


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058250295/new-esb-smart-meter-not-getting-gprs-signal

    OP that is nonsense, ESB networks are fully responsible for installation of smart meters and have to insure they are working and at a minimum the fitter should have tested the device after installation and this would include a single test. Mechanical meters are no longer fitted all new meters or replacement are Smart meters, customers are not given a choice.

    I can tell you for a fact there is issues with some of these meters, mine was one of the first installed, I've not had any issues in two years but mysteriously and I reported this on another unrelated thread, I had a guy call recently to check reading.

    I said that's very strange and he responded and I quote "There's issues with thousands of meters, particularly receiving data'

    There's also reporting on other threads re signal. This is absolutely not customers fault and I'd take no nonsense about being charged. Document everything and get onto energy regulator if they persist in attempting to charge you and I'd fly off an email to ESB networks about this.

    Is maith an scáthán súil charad.




  • #3
    SchrodingersCat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,023 ✭✭✭SchrodingersCat


    Thanks for the info :-) Yes, I am surprised that they did not do a comms test when they replaced the faulty meter. I have asked Electric Ireland to pause their request for the ESB networks to call out to and have a look at the meter. I dont want this service order going ahead until it is clear who is liable for the call-out charge if they dont find any issue with the new meter.

    However, they ignored my email and sent an email the following day confirming that the service order has gone ahead 🤨

    It looks like I will have to stop the ESB fella calling into the house now, until at least we figure out who is liable for the potential call out charge. Ive emailled electric ireland and asked them to respond to my earlier email asking for the pause.



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