Esb smart meter

FYI, for others who get into similar issues as I had (comms level), ring or email ESBN. (1800 928 123).

They checked, all my neighbours had Comms level 4, and are looking to see if they can fix remotely, failing that an on site repair/replacement of the meter.

https://www.esbnetworks.ie/existing-connections/meters-and-readings/smart-meter-upgrade

Hi Roarlad,

Got smart meter sorted after much persistance! I finally got to the right people in the ESB and explained that when I switched my phone to 2G at the meter I had a full signal. It turned out that there was a database error at ESB's comms provider 'Three'. My smartmeter's IP was not linked to the correct account, which meant that it appeared that 'Three' were passing on to the ESB that I had no connection, who in turn had nothing to give my provider. An ESB engineer told me that because of my case they realised that there were others with the same issue.

Pulling my hair out trying to get this sorted. A dozen emails, half a dozen phone calls, and I’m still nowhere.

My supplier says ESB Networks need to confirm my Smart Meter’s connectivity and that takes 30 days. Seems excessive to me, but what do I know?

30 days have passed but still nothing. When I call ESB Networks and enter my MPRN, I’m automatically redirected to the company that installed the meter; and they say I need to contact ESB Networks. A closed loop!

I’ve made an official complaint with my utility company who still haven’t opened my online account, claiming that only their IT Dept can fix that. It may or may not be related to the smart metre. Only IT can say but the IT Crowd can only be contacted internally and aren’t answering their emails, in spite of ‘escalation of issue’.

I really wish I had gone with a day/night meter. The rates are cheaper and the non-smart meter are much less problematic.

Just letting off steam here…

Have a look at the following on how to read the smart meter:

https://youtu.be/v24enoPl-qE

Well should we get them installed or not?

I was told the smart meter can't be hooked up to night saver rate yet. But will be in the future. Not that we use night saver. But I could do without the hassle of a iffy meter.

Been reading this thread since the start, surprised it's only 3 pages.

So, yay or nay for them?

The OP and some others mentioned their usage increased * - anyone else seen this (in Kw/h or units, not cost)?

As I understand it, the smart meter has the same day and night rates as before, plus the 17:00 to 19:00 peak rate.

So, apart from the convenience of not having to submit your readings (5 min every 2 months) what's in it for the consumer (from a financial POV)? Is there a reduction in the day or night rate, or the standing charges?

* I saw a technical video about the UK meters, and it discussed the subject of power factor correction, and how it's able to register more kw/h s for certain load types that may have gone under the radar in older meters, or at least registered less.

Cheers. This seems like a repeat of the water charges. In principal a good thing that I support, but what a great idea to introduce it in the middle of a huge recession, just after the property tax.

I didn't know the night rate increased, so Ill be refusing it. Also, to incentivise people, there should be a reduction in the daily rate outside the peak to balance things out both for the consumer and grid.

Not sure about that - this Tue received letter(dated 16th Jul) from ESB : "Dear Custommer, As part of our commitment.... Over next few months...." and all that noncense.

I wasn't looking deep, but could not see swift comparison about prices, or even if they are different

Not sure if change is mandatory or costomer has option to refuse - non info on leaflet or letter - only BS how great it is / will be.

So far cant see were that greatness will be if any - need to get more info, if anyone have - please share

Security also of some concern i guess - if provider have connection, hackers potentialy might gain as well

I thought the analytics you get from the smart meter is not yet enabled. Could be wrong on that but it would explain why you have a flat line! 😀

Have a smart meter 4 months now, still getting estimated bills.

Comms level 1..does that imply best or worst?

Nope, only discovered that you could submit readings with EI there earlier when I saw this thread and checked.

Kind of defeats the purpose of a smart meter in the first place though. I guess I am just in a crap reception area so, or the installer never checked, or maybe it's not part of the install process. It's not fit for purpose in my case I would imagine.

Cheers for the reply!

I thought I would have a little chip in with this discussion. About 6 or 7 years ago a friend of mine bought a new build in England and it had a smart meter and he could monitor his energy usage in real-time so he could figure out what was using lots of electric, etc to help bring down his bills. So I was delighted when we were told we would be getting a smart meter several months ago.

Only after it was installed did I realise that you can't monitor your electric usage in real-time. The only way you can get any monitoring is by signing up to a smart meter plan/tariff which gives you an update every 30 minutes which isn't very real-time or smart. Plus if you sign up to a smart tariff you will ultimately pay more as the rates are higher unless you just decide to live at night. I also learned that once you sign up to a smart meter tariff you cannot move back to a standard tariff (according to bord Gais). It's just madness.

I got stung with a super high bill for the last two months so I've been doing some research and switching providers but I really wished that the real-time monitoring was a thing. Really it's not smart at all!!

I did see this device on Amazon which can read the blinking green light on the smart meter and convert that into real-time monitoring on your phone, so I might give that a go! I also saw that you can get a wifi module for the Kamstrup smart meter to allow real-time monitoring.

Is anybody else sharing the same frustrations as me right now?