Old roll back meter

michaelheno

I have the panels in 5 weeks. Working brilliantly I still have the old roll back meter which has now can backwards from the last meter reading given to supplier will this cause any issues for next bill/reading!

phil_space

@michaelheno I installed panels in 2021 and still have the old 'spinny back' meter. Where you may run into problems is during summer when, depending on your usage, a July meter reading may have a lower figure than say your May/June reading. I have an EV and a heat pump so it's not really a factor for me. Up to you how you want to handle it - to avoid scaring the horses you could supply a customer reading during the summer, showing a figure higher than the last reading if required. This will then naturally adjust as Autumn/Winter roll in. However, I wouldn't go chasing after a fit payment!

the_amazing_raisin

I think some of the newer spinny meters have a mechanism to stop them ticking backwards, so you might be in for a surprise I'm afraid

con747

I have my old meter over 2 years since my install and just submit a reading a few units above my last reading every 2 months. My meter is inside the house and if I see the ESBN meter reader I either don't answer the door or have covid that day. You won't receive FIT unless you get a smart meter but in my case it works out better to have the spinning backwards meter. I postpone the fitting of a smart meter every 6 months when the contractor gets in touch to fit it.

NEVER submit a lower reading than the last one or the sh1t hits the fan with your supplier looking for proof of an actual reading by photograph with an up to date newspaper as some found out. They can't make you accept a smart meter but can try say it's faulty and needs replacing for safety reasons though as it is their property.

the_amazing_raisin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122050733#Comment_122050733

You should demand reimbursement for the cost of the newspaper 😂

con747

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122051293#Comment_122051293

I never submit a lower reading, others have though and it was a nightmare with their suppliers after doing so. I add between 3-10 units on every 2 month reading.

michaelheno

good idea only my meter is outside so it’s easy access for the meter reader

con747

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122051499#Comment_122051499

Also easy for either ESBN or one of their contractors to just turn up and change it. If it's a contractor who is in touch about changing it ring them and get it postponed if that's what you want to do. I get 6 months before I get contacted again and just postpone it again. ESBN will send you a letter stating that you are to get a smart meter first, then either ESBN or a contractor will get in touch to arrange the new meter installation. If it's a contractor they should be able to postpone it for 6 months. I'm not sure how ESBN handle it. Maybe put a lock on the box outside? I'm not sure if you are allowed though.

the_amazing_raisin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122051525#Comment_122051525

Yeah I got the smart meter letter saying it would be coming soon and the next day (which was Saturday) the guy turned up at 7am to swap the meter without telling us

Good thing I'd turned the alarm off already. I asked him why he didn't ring the doorbell and he said he thought we'd still be asleep and didn't want to disturb us

I pointed out that the house alarm going off would have disturbed us a lot more

To be fair, I can understand the technicians trying to be stealthy about it, I imagine they get some abuse from the tinfoil hat brigade saying the smart meters are summoning demons or something

ECO_Mental

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122050733#Comment_122050733

How do you get away with the Networks meter reader thats suppose to come and read it at least twice a year… I presume the meter is inside of your house in the hallway

L1011

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122052336#Comment_122052336

I had no read for well over 3 years on an internal meter without actually trying.

slave1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122051525#Comment_122051525

is there not a website portal when you can register to ensure you do not get a Smart Meter, then no worries

L1011

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122052518#Comment_122052518

Once you have microgeneration of any kind you lose that option.

con747

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122052336#Comment_122052336

It's inside the house.

slave1

No you don't, this has been covered many times and in minister questions, everyone has the absolute right to refuse a smart meter, if you can't do online, then phone or email

L1011

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122052683#Comment_122052683

That only applies to people with bog standard normal connections and no microgeneration. You sign that away as soon as you get the cert.

I suspect if you make enough fuss you might get a modern mechanical meter, no reverse running and no FIT; but it won't be because of any right to refuse.

slave1

https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2016-11-29/707/?highlight%5B0%5D=richard&highlight%5B1%5D=boyd&highlight%5B2%5D=barrett&highlight%5B3%5D=smart&highlight%5B4%5D=meter

Ring the ESB Smart Meter Support Lineon 01 6985005 or 1800 928 123. Take the name of the person you speak to.

Follow up with an email to esbnetworks@esb.ie and inform them that you do not want a Smart Meter.

You will need to give your MPRN (meter number found on bill or meter itself).

Ask for written confirmation that your request has been logged, that you will not be part of the Smart Metering Programme and will not have a Smart Meter installed at your home.

L1011

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122052699#Comment_122052699

Again, this only applies to people without microgeneration.

Also, claiming EM sensitivity when you have microgeneration would be absolutely laughable.

slave1

Show us that in legislation

slave1

Just to be clear, I have micro generation and a SM but I know folk with micro generation that refused SM (their choice) and no issues whatsoever from ESBN

DC999

Bear in mind….CRU won't permit you to get FIT once there are smart meters available in your area to replace 24hr meters, CRU deem it that the home owner has decided not to changeover so you won't get FIT. They confirmed that to me in email well over 6 months ago. And CRU inform ESB who then inform your energy provider. I know that as I contacted my energy provider when I didn’t get FIT on a 24hr meter. They said contact ESB, ESB said contact CRU.

I’d suggest OP stay with the meter for now until you get used to solar and how much you use power and when. Then in maybe 6+ months, look to move to a smart meter if a cheap night rate helps you. I’m saving a large amount by moving from one of those meters to a smart meter using a cheap night rate (when I charge the EV and run kitchen appliances. If you had a battery, that’s the time to charge it cheaply too).

Citizen Six

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122050348#Comment_122050348

He said it's running backwards, so no surprise in that case.

con747

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122052705#Comment_122052705

As @slave1 asked, can you show legislation on that?

ELM327

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122052705#Comment_122052705

This is false information.

You can refuse a smart meter if you have microgen. Sure, you won't get any FIT payment, but there's nothing to stop you refusing.

L1011

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122053726#Comment_122053726

If you are returning to the grid, they have the right to replace the meter - you aren't going to be able to keep a reversible meter indefinitely.

The replacement will be a smart meter, as that's what is currently supplied.

Kick up a fuss and maybe they can find a recent era mechanical meter that can't reverse for you, but you'd be ensuring you don't see a penny for feed.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122053711#Comment_122053711

There isn't legislation for any of this; its CRU decisions alone. The response in the Dáil to Rich Boy Barrett's EM hysteria wasn't legislation either.

ELM327

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122053737#Comment_122053737

You aren't going to be able to keep a reversible meter, sure, but there is nothing that states you must have a smart meter. You are perfectly able to refuse a smart meter.

L1011

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122053757#Comment_122053757

There is no basis to pick and choose your replacement meter type.

ELM327

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122053767#Comment_122053767

Yes there is, you can add your name to the opt out list for smart meters. Therefore when they come to replace your meter they will need a normal one not a smart meter.

Seriously, this isnt difficult.

con747

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122053737#Comment_122053737

"Regarding right of refusal, I have been informed by the Commission for Energy Regulation that a customer that does not want an upgraded meter will be able to decline to have this new meter installed." So you can refuse but if the meter is deemed unsafe/end of life it will be switched. You might want to correct you're typo on that TD's name btw.

L1011

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122053774#Comment_122053774

That opt out is for replacement of your existing meter under the current rollout It does not stop the replacement of the meter for any other purpose with what is the current standard meter, e.g. microgeneration or the meter failing to work. They will not stock mechanical meters forever.

And yes, it isn't difficult - but that hasn't stopped you getting the wrong end of the stick!

L1011

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122053776#Comment_122053776

That is for the rollout programme only. It does not apply in any other circumstance.

There was no typo.