Thoughts on esb smart meter install

Junglejoe · 15-05-2021 7:48pm

tDw6u1bj wrote: »

One electrician who fits into Vans shoes, size 45

They're only looking for a few electricians on the advertised website

Probably a bit of self-promotion in it

crossmolinalad · 27-05-2021 11:51am

Fighting Tao wrote: »

But the option will be there in future no doubt. At the moment we have no chance of a night rate.

Yes there is

https://www.bordgaisenergy.ie/home/our-plans

crossmolinalad · 27-05-2021 11:59am

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Junglejoe wrote: »

I haven't read up on the latest tariffs bit I'm definitely not convinced on the idea of incentivising everyone to use electricity at night, it brings a new set of hazards

Previously you need a fixed load at night to be considering it

There is a free use on a Saturday or a Sunday so one of those days in the weekend would be the day for using things like washing machines tumble driers Heating up the house with electric heaters and switching off oil heat for that time
Timers on fridge and freezers so they get switched off on the 5 to 7 peak time
If you use electric for cooking be ready before 5 or do it after 7 or switch to (bottled)gas
Cant wait for my smartmeter

kabakuyu · 27-05-2021 5:05pm

Free Time Sat Electricity

Discount duration
12 months
Discounted electricity unit rates (c/kWh)

Day 18.31

Peak 22.36

Night 13.46

Check what you pay per unit at present,those rates above seem excessive to
me.I am paying 19 cents day and 9.41 night (ex vat)at the moment, I also get 25% affinity discount before vat.

coylemj · 29-05-2021 3:46pm

crossmolinalad wrote: »

There is a free use on a Saturday or a Sunday so one of those days in the weekend would be the day for using things like washing machines tumble driers Heating up the house with electric heaters and switching off oil heat for that time
Timers on fridge and freezers so they get switched off on the 5 to 7 peak time
If you use electric for cooking be ready before 5 or do it after 7 or switch to (bottled)gas

Tumble dryer, electric cooking and electric heaters, yes they are big consumers. The link is heat, that's what uses power.

I wouldn't worry about the fridge or freezer, they're just motors and use little power. And I'd suggest that it would not be a good idea to leave the fridge off between 5 and 7 p.m. - the time of day when people are opening and closing the door to get butter, milk etc. Suprisingly, a washing machine isn't a hungry power beast. I measured my (wash only) machine on a cottons 40 C short wash (with 1500 RPM spin) and the whole cycle only clocked up 0.4 of a unit.

You omitted ironing clothes, that uses a fair bit. I'd say that 30 minutes ironing will probably use more power than the washing machine that did the wash. It's worth repeating so I will..... it's heat that consumes power, big time.

Sleeper12 · 04-04-2022 3:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118877416#Comment_118877416

I think you are confusing them with prepay smart meters.

The ESB are rolling out smart meters for every household. They won't cost you 1 cent more than the old one. There is scope to save money on your bill with one of these when they bring in different rates for different times of the day. Some providers are already offering better deals on smart meters compared to old meters. Some companies are already offering free electricity one day over each weekend

https://www.bonkers.ie/blog/gas-electricity/smart-meter-tariffs-here-s-everything-you-need-to-know/

kirk. · 05-04-2022 7:36am

https://www.energia.ie/plans-and-switching-info/home-connect-electricity

Looking at enegia there's so little difference in rates

05-04-2022 8:47am

Got mine a year ago

Meter reader still reading it...

Not very smart that is it

05-04-2022 8:57am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118882200#Comment_118882200

I'm not on a smart rate

I'm on a negotiated group rate which still rises by whatever rises are announced

kirk. · 05-04-2022 8:59am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118882154#Comment_118882154

You misread me, I'm saying the smart nite rate is bad

Not much discount

micks_address · 05-04-2022 9:00am

the only difference with a smart meter is that they don't have to physically come out and check it every couple of months.. you won't get estimated readings which probably will mean more accurate bills... why wouldn't you get one?

the smart meter tariffs are a joke... you get free electricity on a Saturday or Sunday but the base rate is higher so they essentially claw it back from your over the week days anyway... and who wants to spend their whole weekend washing/drying clothes?

same for the cash back offers... they will give you cash back if you sign up for a higher tariff? so you end up giving them the money anyway during the year..

Sleeper12 · 05-04-2022 9:02am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118882154#Comment_118882154

When you have a smart meter you can still stick to your old rate. You can also shop around to get the best smart meter rate & save money

05-04-2022 10:29am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118882243#Comment_118882243

I was told once you go on a smart rate with anyone,you can never go back to normal tariffs

Sleeper12 · 05-04-2022 12:02pm

Have you asked your provider or energy regulator if this is true. I don't believe it is. I think what they meant was once you have a smart meter installed you will never be able to go back to the dated technology with the old meter

yankinlk · 05-04-2022 12:09pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118883064#Comment_118883064

ive heard both. Why dont ye jump over to the Renewables Fourm where there are tens of threads on this topic? https://www.boards.ie/categories/renewable-energies

Sleeper12 · 05-04-2022 2:55pm

Energia says on their website: No. It is not possible to move back to a non-smart meter tariff once you have selected a Smart Tariff from Energia. You can have a Smart meter installed and remain on your current non-smart tariff.

What is stopping you from moving to a cheaper provider in 12 months once out of contact & changing from smart tariff to regular tariff?

AndyBoBandy · 05-04-2022 3:04pm

I'd hazard a guess that when you approach the new provider, and mention your meter is smart, they would only offer you a smart tariff.

cunnifferous · 05-04-2022 3:55pm

Just called to have my smart meter changed to day night. It's a new build so I didn't have a choice initially. Can't understand how the energy companies have gotten away with scam?! All of the companies are offering the same terrible smart rates so it seems like they have a cartel going as well, like they did in the insurance industry.

foxirl · 06-08-2022 2:06pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118884350#Comment_118884350

How long had you smart meter before you requested to go back to day night. I'm in the same situation. Was there any issue with getting it changed? Thanks

Delta2113 · 17-08-2022 11:39pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118884130#Comment_118884130

I now have a smart meter but want to move to another provider for special discount for a year (the usual annual switch) but not a smart tariff plan. They just don't sound cheap.

It ask's online what type off meter I have - do I lie and say I have a standard meter so they don't give me the smart tariffs.

Will this work?

AndyBoBandy · 18-08-2022 9:15am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119487460#Comment_119487460

I dont think you could lie about what meter you have, as as soon as someone comes to read it, the game will be up...

I 'believe' that they can still give you a simple 24 hour basic tariff even if you have a smart meter, but to get day/night rate, you'd need an older day/night meter.

I thought I read somewhere also that someone moved into a house with a smart meter, and had it swapped out for a day/night meter as they wanted the day/night rate... Generally you are allowed 1 free meter change her house from ESB Networks, but if you want to change again you have to pay for the swap..

Delta2113 · 18-08-2022 10:46am

I don't want a day/night meter. I just had my first bill with actual read using the 2g technology. I just want to move providers and get a non smart meter tariff but they all keep asking online what type off meter you have.

Feels like I'm now stuck forever on a standard rate with my current provider who is Bord Gais Energy. I also have my gas with them so if I can't find a way to move to a new dual fuel tariff without moving to a electric smart meter tariff I will move my Gas account at least.

Fighting Tao · 18-08-2022 12:27pm

Just because you have a smart meter doesn’t necessarily mean you have to have a smart tariff. I have a smart meter and I’m on a 24 hour tariff with Energia. Their customer service suggested the 24 hour tariff due to how we consume units.

Delta2113 · 18-08-2022 12:47pm

"Tell us your MPRN and you'll only see products available to your electricity meter type." - I did this just now on Energia and they then give you a choice off products smart or standard.

This is excellent - thanks Fighting Tao - so Energia give you a choice and don't force you on to a smart tariff. I think they might have my custom shortly for electricity and gas.

Delta2113 · 19-08-2022 12:45pm

https://www.rte.ie/news/2022/0819/1316632-electricity-use-esri/ - this article would definitely put you off moving to a smart meter plan.

I wouldn't rule out everybody with a smart meter being forced on to a smart tariff either.

They want to go after the 5pm - 7pm usage.

coylemj · 19-08-2022 3:30pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119493360#Comment_119493360

The whole point of smart meters is to facilitate variable pricing via smart tariffs to encourage people to reduce their usage during peak periods. Did you have a view that smart meters had another purpose?

Should people with storage heaters get cheaper electricity at night? If you say 'yes', shouldn't people pay more for electricity between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. when demand peaks because people are arriving home from work but the lights are still on in offices and factories?

There seems to be a view out there that smart meters are some of con job, they are not. Nobody ever claimed that electricity would be cheaper if you got a smart meter. But they will help to flatten demand across the day, which will reduce the overall cost of generation. And seriously reduce the risk of blackouts.

Delta2113 · 19-08-2022 4:22pm

No need for Meter readers is another purpose. I agree with most what you have said but only now people are waking up to the fact that they will hammer you for using electricity between 5pm - 7pm. For an OAP living alone that's just not fair and off course nothing is properly explained before these meters go in.

Thoughts on esb smart meter install

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