Nigel Farage: I struggle to believe that smart meters are in the interests of the consumer

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[@M0RLEY]

I really bloody hate how this world is run by evil people.

[@rocketpig1914]

It's not always that simple. They want to manage peak demand electricity. On the face of it, that doesn't sound evil.

[@robertryan6782]

You been looking in to the mirror?

[@johnmac9572]

My daily lament . Across the board , from Govt to big tech, academia, Hollywood, unions, HR depts and the local councils are becoming the worst .

[@robertryan6782]

@@johnmac9572 I must admit, I am amazed by your mental spacing there.

[@billsmith305]

me too

[@johnfulstow3454]

You and I both Nigel. I no longer trust energy companies, banks, the Government or Pariament itself, and this drive to Net Zero is absolute madness.

[@francescarose1453]

Me too John. I just had a bad feeling about Smart meters. They certainly tried and tried to get me to take one. I am glad I resisted.

[@2009pferd]

@@francescarose1453 You won't have a choice. Once you current meter reach their end of life they will put in a smart meter, if you object they will seek a warrant to change the meter as at that point it is a legal requirement for safety reasons

[@FuckTheState]

@@2009pferd in the meantime you can build an offgrid solar system

[@2009pferd]

@@FuckTheState That is a different discussion, anyone can go off grid if they have the money to do so. Goo dluck generating enough power just from solar for an average household though without filling you garden with panels

[@francescostello1377]

Aways question, and trust no one.

[@ericalawson631]

Absolutely true sir, finally someone calling the power companies out on their deceit

[@rudiwendt5278]

Read my comment above.

[@Kavala76]

I have a theory; anything with the word "smart" in it is for people who are not.

[@philco7044]

Exactly 👍

[@cosifantutte1071]

I used to work for a utility company. Believe me, these meters are a nightmare when they fail

[@maxbacon4828]

Surely Gullibility company?.

[@MrLPetronis]

A nightmare in what way?

[@Skols-se7jn]

They do not save no 💰

[@lenaanne9778]

Mines not working at the moment, told Energy company last week, still haven't heard from them!!!!

[@schrodingerscat1863]

@@MrLPetronis When they go wrong they can start over charging or just shut your electricity or gas off and there is nothing you can do to fix it other than wait for a new meter to be installed.

[@martin5504]

Exactly. I have refused it and I have been hassled no end. They have an ulterior motive and are fundamentally dishonest.

[@sandramacey7352]

I have refused to have one - I haven't trusted them from the start. I receive letters saying that I will be paying more using my old meter and that I can control my usage by having a smart meter. I can control my usage by turning my power and heating on and off as I need it, I don't need to be told by a spying electrical device which is collecting my date to be sold on to goodness knows who.

[@lindalue4504]

Me to we won’t have one .

[@cuckingfunt9353]

@@sandramacey7352 They can cut off people at peek times if they are not 'premium customers' ... It's called load shedding, happens in South Africa.

[@chrislowes6837]

Been ringing me every night for the past 2 weeks. I finally conceded & allowed them to make an appointment, the next day I read about surge pricing, so I cancelled. I noticed too that they said I opted for the half hour readings, which I didn’t. Won’t be getting one now.

[@humphrey4976]

They have been trying to install mine for 9 months now. They are probably waiting outside next to the TV licence people 😂

[@pixie706]

Big brother strikes again . I gave up TV license 2 years ago

[@williambrown2836]

Ditto 😂😂

[@pussypostlethwaitsaeronaut8503]

@@pixie706 It's TV licence, not 'license'. Licence is the noun, whereas 'license' is the verb only, unless you're American. You license (verb) someone by issuing them a licence (noun); therefore it should be 'TV licence' ‒ noun. Notice it's spelt correctly in Humphrey's post above you. Please use and preserve our proper English language and avoid adopting unnecessary Americanisms. xx

[@Ken-yf8zl]

Big Brother state. Pity they don’t check the sewage outlets on Britain’s once golden beaches.

[@keithwelton]

I have continued to reject endless “appointments” to have a Smart meter installed. I believe they will give the government and energy provider the ability to cut you off if they feel so inclined at any time of their choosing. Maybe they will only allow a certain level of current consumption at times of their choosing or maybe if you work for the state your electrical allowance would differ from us non state employees? Maybe if you took part in any anti government policy actions your electricity would be used to control your actions?

[@farmercolm8157]

Cost of utilities linked to your social credit score perhaps?

[@keithwelton]

@@farmercolm8157 Yes having seen how the “authorities” behaved over Covid lockdown and restrictions I would not be surprised at anything government and their henchmen do aided by an ever more dictatorial media. As President Ronald Reagan once said, “ the most frightening thing a property owner can hear is someone comes knocking on your door and telling you, “”I am from the government and am here to help you””.

[@NicholasThorntonOfficial]

can always get a generator

[@vincentmckenna1755]

My mother was plagued every month saying she had to get one ,I just binned every letter

[@wildcampingharry]

Ditto. I refuse to have one and will continue to do so.

[@woodbinetitties]

Here here! 👍👍

[@SK-ei4cm]

Do you have a meter ?

[@slimhope1]

My dear old mum has refused to get one but the old couple who live next door to her did, and their bills went up. Glad she is still as sharp as a razor, I will follow her lead and refuse the bloody things.

[@charlesbuchan9902]

Good on your mum they try hit the vunerable.

[@DazrahT]

This is EXACTLY the reason why I refused to get a smart meter. Any equipment that has the ability to "call home" is a dangerous concept. I knew it wouldn't be long before they implemented plans to monitor what electric you use, or more WHEN you're using it and price accordingly. eon can keep writing to me as much as they want, the letters will continue to go in the bin. "But they'll save you money" - How exactly? I'm still going to use the same amount of electric and gas regardless.

[@sickoftheleftwingscum]

Totally agree with you about the electric we have tried to find ways of using less but other than buying LED light bulbs you just can't and all smart meters achieve is to make you paranoid and blame the kids if you have any for using too much ! 👍

[@ShanghaiRooster]

It's not so much the ability to 'call home' which is the problem. A lot of meters do just that thing now (ours do), sending readings automatically to the supplier. From time to time I get emails asking me to supply readings, but regard those as something of a belt & braces things. The issue with 'smart meters' is that the traffic is two way, allowing the supplier to send instructions back to the meter; in extremis, as Nigel says, allowing them to cut your supply temporarily.

[@marilinwisbey7403]

Say No to Smart meters!

[@gilliancheshire3596]

Wish I knew this before getting one.

[@JonGUK]

Spot on. I refuse to have one and I don’t trust them at all. I’m perfectly happy submitting my own readings.

[@eggyboy123]

I have not got one. And will not have one

[@VALLANCEGAMING]

Smart meters have always been a step in the door of government control, why do you think everything in your home has a "smart" feature? To warm you up to what is to come!

[@2009pferd]

how paranoid are you

[@ashleygggytttttu5888]

and what would that be do you even know??

[@VALLANCEGAMING]

@@ashleygggytttttu5888 Yes, in the not too distant future be ready to have your personal vehicle deactivated for exceeding green levels of energy. Pay higher rates on your meters when you exceed.....you guessed it! Green energy levels.

[@angelaregan475]

@@2009pferd And you are naive.

[@angelaregan475]

@@VALLANCEGAMING All edging nearer to the Social Credit system.

[@featherbrain7147]

I have yet to be convinced that anything labelled "smart" is actually clever or necessary. People must become smart and know what takes a lot of power and what items don't.

[@2009pferd]

Typed from a smart phone

[@manicstreetpreacher200]

'Smart Motorways' being a classic case.

[@jimmyp7928]

@@2009pferd I use a smart phone but having to have an app for this and app for that is becoming increasingly tiresome and intrusive. I've started to long for a 'dumb' phone again.

[@featherbrain7147]

@@manicstreetpreacher200 Yes! I didn't mention them this time but I have banged on about dumb smart motorways before now.

[@jiminycricket9877]

@@jimmyp7928 I’m watching a Nokia 3210 on the ‘bay. 2g is still supported.

[@mythoughts7722]

I feared this would happen. This is why we avoided smart metres.

[@grahamrouse4665]

I don't want one

[@ruthheighton8509]

I've been refusing one for many years now despite keep being hounded with communication to have one...no thank-you...

[@francescarose1453]

@@ruthheighton8509 Me too Ruth and they have tried every trick in the book with me. An engineer actually turned up one day to fit one. Thankfully I was out.

[@ruthheighton8509]

@@francescarose1453 good for you francesca... 👍

[@bartk8672]

Eventually when supply of analogue meters will run out they will probably force it on you

[@geoffankrett7012]

Renamed the control meter

[@youaake]

Do NOT let them install them!! We have them in norway, we where forced to get them. Now they charge extra when you cook or take a shower after work etc. Its insane!!! There is even extra fixed charges if you pass sertain levels of use. Above 5kwh if only for just a second is 40 pounds ekstra on your bill. And it gets more expencive above 7 kwh and 9 kwh. Soon the smart meter will communicate with your smart charger for your car, and they will be able to tax you ekstra for that. For example.

[@jackiejackson7587]

I am a Kennel club assured breeder and breed miniature Shih Tzu puppies, We had a "smart meter" fitted and literally for 18 months our beautiful puppies just faded and died within weeks of birth. Then a friend explained abou tge radiation levels and how thin the puppies skulls are, it was cooking them!!!!!! I ripped it out and BOOM. All back to normal. I will NEVER let that in my home again. 🏡

[@angrynortherner3805]

Refused to have one, told them to stop contacting me. Still contact me and I have told them to shove it!!

[@nicolehascoet]

They keep asking us to get one but we ignore it. No way we will install one, we don't trust any of it.

[@billsmith305]

I live in Australia ,,,from UK, do not trust these wankers, they are everywhere.🙃

[@iancredible-]

I find it quite hilarious that people would actually believe that a company offering to take the time to hire an expensive technician to install a rather expensive piece of equipment for free would do so to benefit the customer. I'm gobsmacked anyone would fall for it. The company is able to switch to premium pricing tariffs during certain hours of the day if you have a meter installed, it's as easy as sending a signal. You can even read that in the fine print.

[@cb465]

exactly. hardly a good sell to shareholders and investors 'guys we have invested money in tech that reduces customers bills and therefore reduces our profits' hmmm not likely

[@kennethmaley2443]

Remember they are not free we all pay for these meter through are bills.

[@johnrooney1860]

Well spoken Nigel once again thank you. John Rooney st.annes Lancashire UK

[@colinlawless5654]

Just confirmed really what I knew another example of corruption.

[@jbarton1541]

Wow... I love how easily you SHEEPLE are persuaded there is a conspiracy in everything. First it was 5G and now its a power meter??? WTF is wrong with you that you see something nefarious in this? You must have a real challenge just going outside, you are so paranoid. But...you know.. that was Nigel goal with this story... to make you afraid of something with NO EVIDENCE it will harm you at all.

[@tonyball2791]

I don't trust them neither I keep ignoring all my texts and throwing my letters in the bin

[@jamesmorris3123]

Either. not neither.

[@Katya_Lastochka]

It's harassment at that point. I'd love for someone to sue them.

[@francescarose1453]

I thought that I was the only one that resisted. I don't want a Smart meter. I have always thought that too, as they don't care about consumers. My utility company said that I would get a reduction on my Direct Debit if I took one and yet I didn't get it. Great to hear that I am not alone.

[@SpartasEdge]

Nope, i refuse to have one also.

[@francescarose1453]

@@SpartasEdge Utility companies pushing these meters on us, just felt wrong to me. They were relentless in their pressure but I stood firm.

[@SpartasEdge]

@@francescarose1453 Same, and the more they push, the more these corporations push, the more obvious it is that is for their benefits, not ours.

[@francescarose1453]

@@SpartasEdge They all seem to have an agenda, sometimes it is insidious.

[@SpartasEdge]

@@francescarose1453 I know exactly what you mean..

[@generalleeincompetent8447]

When they can change the definition of “peak time” at any time, to include any time they wish, looks as if their lies have seen their time.

[@2000globetrotter]

When I moved into my house it already had a smart meter which works with gas and electricity. I called my supplier, British Gas, to find out how they are different to the old set-up and was told that they help me to save energy. How that is possible I don't know because unless I completely change my habits and keep checking up on my consumption on an hourly basis, which I don't have time or inclination to do, the meter is of no earthly use to me at all.

[@janetjacks3406]

If I moved into a house with a smart meter then I'd make arrangements to have it removed. In my area there is definitely ways to make this happen.

[@2009pferd]

@@janetjacks3406 You cant remove them

[@2009pferd]

They are supposed to do this to make you aware of how your habits are effecting your usage so yes it is all about trying to influence a change in the way we use

[@cornishhh]

In the numerous letters I've had encouraging me to get a smart meter, the main thrust has been about helping me to save money. Well..... I know what my standard and off peak rates are, and the vast majority of my cost is my electric heating in winter. I Just turn it on when I'm cold and turn it off when I'm warm and only run it at the off peak rate. It's not difficult to do that.

[@janetjacks3406]

@@2009pferd I believe you can but you have to know who to talk to!

[@jerryhickey4858]

Nigel back in july we asked british gas to check our meter as we thought it may be faulty we had to take readings everyday for a week they said if they had to replace the meter there would be a charge but mentioned we could get a smart meter for free luckily the meter wasnt faulty but we said a big no no to the smart meter

[@2009pferd]

No supplier charges for a replacement faulty meter unless you have been tampering with it.

[@christopherckarkson5605]

@@2009pferd, Hello, i moved house a few months ago, always been with British Gas. They said they would upgrade my meters to smart meters. But if i wanted non smart meters they would charge £40.

[@2009pferd]

@@christopherckarkson5605 and what has that got to do with not being charged for a replacement of a faulty meter? By not upgrading to Smart meters you will cost the energy companies money as it is mandated and they will be fined in the dont meet targets. So instead of passing on those costs to other customers it sounds like they want you to pay instead. Seems reasonable to me.

[@christopherckarkson5605]

@@2009pferd Hello, i never said anything about a faulty meter. I was just saying they wanted to charge me for a non smart meter. Everything is a big con. I kept my £40 and they got what they wanted. But i never got what i wanted. A non smart meter. As for costing the company money, are they not they making enough?

[@2009pferd]

@@christopherckarkson5605 Not going to disagree about profits, however this is a capatialist country and in capatalism thats how it works, either you pay for what you cost the comapny or all other customers will, its shot but thats how it work.

[@TheColor17]

When the meters were installed in low income areas in San Diego, CA many people suffered what seemed to be radiation poison. The meters are read with a wand from the street. The old meters had to be read manually. What was really STRANGE were the 3 men who installed the meter at my apt. were dressed up nice (not in work uniform). Deborah Tavares, shared extensively, on how dangerous these meters were to our health!

[@djmossssomjd8496]

I moved home last year. The home I moved to had a smart meter. I didn't want it but found it'd cost me £160 to get it taken out!! They DO NOT save money, in fact they COST you about £12 a year to run the bloody things! And Yes...Your power can be TURNED OFF whenever 'they' wish to. Oh and how many meter readers have lost their jobs due to the evil little boxes?!

[@Jackiesguineapigs]

I'm with you nigel I called my energy provider after being bombarded with letters and told them I would prosecute for harrasment if they didnt cease I've never had another letter since great result I dont want one either

[@thomasdugdale424]

Great tactic

[@newearth1196]

We told our energy provider Octobus the same thing and since then they finally left us alone. They are all true bullies !!

[@colinhopkins3676]

Finally someone talking the truth

[@janicebarthram6759]

I told my energy supplier that I am smart enough to know I don’t need one.

[@lmechb3305]

Dunning Kruger😂

[@barriewilliams4526]

Yes, & when you are a "Tesla Fanboy" you've lumbered yourself with the same problem... It's all about control. I do not want a smart meter (it will probably be smarter than me) & I do not want an electric car. I wouldn't trust the government or big companies as far as I can spit & at the age of 85, I dribble when I try 😁 Nigel for PM!

[@davidct2406]

Constant hounding by energy companies to have them installed. I told them I’m wise enough to know if I switch a light on it’s going to cost me money; if I switch the kettle on it’s going to cost me more. I don’t need or want a smart meter to tell me that!

[@cornishhh]

LOL.....yes; the letters are fairly patronising!

[@samahdi6972]

Electricity in this Uni Verse is abundant, scarcity is a billionaire tactic to mug the masses.

[@accolad]

Yeah zero piont energy.

[@JustCapital101]

Of course they're not! Whenever someone tries to 'sell' you something, especially if it's 'free', then you know it's in their interests! 😂

[@mrgreensuit7379]

They forced us in Canada to get them. After they were installed bills were way up and they also put in higher rates for certain times of day etc. So you're stuck running the dishwasher or anything else in the middle of the night. The higher accuracy they boasted about on the new meters also only was accurate in one direction, more used and more charged.

[@philsimpson3556]

I had all the bother of having Smart meters installed because my supplier said they needed to change my meters. They left a gas leak which had to be emergency rectified. They didn’t turn up for the initial appointment. The meters never registered remotely properly at first, they then worked OK for a time until….. My supplier changed and the new supplier couldn’t remotely read them . So now I have to read the meters every month. Aaaaaargh!

[@bobtudbury8505]

refuse to read them or read them so you can control it but tell the company nothing

[@zedddddful]

They left a gas leak wtf cowboy's 😧

[@peterpyke1213]

same story as me with bg.left me with leak did not tighten conection nut.im with shell now and they cannot read them.i do it monthly which is ok by me

[@heisenberg3778]

Best UK news! Go GBN

[@trevormillar1576]

I was bullied into having a smart meter I got fed up being rung up and "asked" (told!) when they could come round and fit one; when I said I didn't want one and asked to stop harassing me they said We will.never stop! We will keep on ringing you unti you agree! You will give in eventually RESISTANCE IS FUTILE! YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED! WE ARE THE BORG!" A nd when I did give in and let them fit the bloody thing my Economy 7 night storage heater immediately switched on and heated up so high that when I touched it there was a hissing sound and a smell of burning flesh; I had to switch it off and call the emergency contact number before it burned the whole house down!

[@alangaillard2988]

Dear Mr Farage, although I'm from what is probably thought of as the opposite side of the political spectrum, I find myself agreeing with you on a number of issues. I also refused point blank a smart meter even though my supplier told me I couldn't. YOU CAN. The LAW is, they can't make you have one.

[@neilmcfarlane7185]

I agree, whole heartedly: My supplier keeps texting me to say(smart meter)installers are "in my area" and I should opt to have one installed ASAP. I had an interesting experience calling up my energy supplier, I eventually arrived at an online web chat , whereupon I told the agent that if they pester me again, I will simply find another supplier who will accept my reasons(including medical grounds) and who will leave me alone . Farage is right on this, as he also was to highlight the "de-banking " matter which I have also been subjected to by Nat West !

[@Ken-yf8zl]

Energy companies, PUBLIC ENEMY NUMBER ONE

[@manofbeard]

I don’t and won’t have one.

[@paulinepress3024]

Me neither keep getting pestered to have one just ignore their pleas

[@eclectic_gamer]

if they were beneficial for us they wouldn't want us to have them, why would a company spend its money trying to lower your bills and make your life better? common sense

[@2009pferd]

Because they have been told they have to by the government and offgem

[@Musical_Man_Guitar]

My energy provider give me a cheque for £10 every time they contact me about smart meters. I asked them to stop, they seem unable to comply so I sent then a schedule of fees for dealing with their unsolicited harassment.

[@Golo1949]

I get a letter probably every 2 months trying to get me to have one installed. They tell me my meter needs changing as it will stop working as the network is altered, strangely its not connected to a network. They have no chance, I was in the industry from 1965 and wont fall for these lies.

[@jamescaley9942]

Smart meters are a huge waste which we are all forced to pay for. They supposed to be about CO2 reduction. It is like buying a smart watch thinking it will make you lose weight.

[@jamesmorris3123]

Or a smart phone thinking you are smart.

[@2009pferd]

No its more like wearing a fitbit to make sure you burn enough calories to help stay fit it there to help influence a change of habits

[@stephen3654]

@@beyondspace64 hmm yeah, my fitbit told me I had a heart rate of 40bpm when I slept, I stopped wearing it, you just reminded me!

[@rb1062]

@@2009pferd All the women I know who have a fit bit are still fat. 😄 I don't have a fit bit - I just walk, cycle and swim regularly. Same with electricity meters - I only know that putting on the tumble dryer all the time, leaving the lights on and boiling the kettle every two minutes will cost me.

[@2009pferd]

@@rb1062 Then you know lazy people, fitbit wont change that for all of them, same as smart meters wont change all stupid people who dont know what they use, but it might help some.

[@chrisellis1232]

And yet look at the massive profits being announced by BP and Shell energy providers while bills skyrocket and people face stark choices, don’t comply 🤔🤬

[@seewhatifound]

You need to look in the round. BP profit from 2018 to 2021 were 14 bn 11 bn, in 2020 a 20bn Loss .. 2021 profit 7bn. They like all companies are investing in reducing carbon..developments that need profits to pay for . Of course profits were up this year against the previous years losses of 20bn ..if they had made £1 they would still be up "hugely" compared to the previous year.

[@chrisellis1232]

@@seewhatifound “profits” and “losses” are planned in and are as fluid as the board want them to be, don’t believe the hype, they have massive lobbying power, do you think that a powerful industry with powerful friends would let the green energy policies remove their revenue so easily without a back up options?

[@seewhatifound]

@@chrisellis1232 I have no intimate knowledge of BP strategy but given the world was in virtual lockdown , many retailers concerned because of a stockpile of fuel and forward orders with no capacity to store it, hardly surprising call for new supplies fell along with new sales orders and profit

[@debbiecurtis4021]

Smart means to slap hard and cause intense pain. Not "clever", as they'll have you think. Words are spells.

[@languagetruthandlogic3556]

We need this man in Parliament!

[@2009pferd]

psst he tried a failed cos he is a conman

[@SpartasEdge]

@@2009pferd That's a serious accusation. A con-mam for what exactjy?What was he convinced of?

[@2009pferd]

@@SpartasEdge he was convinved and convinced people brexit was a good idea while he was cashing in. he told everyone that the EU was against the UK when he spent his time as an MEP either not there or sabbotaging our chances, which he admits and is proud of.

[@2009pferd]

@@SpartasEdge Farage said in 2013 that he had hired a tax advisor to set up the Farage Family Educational Trust 1654, a trust that Farage said was used "for inheritance purposes", on the Isle of Man.[100] Farage later described this "as standard practice", but stated he "decided I didn't want it. I never ever used it. The Isle of Man is not a tax haven."[101] Farage has since said that this was a mistake: that he was "not rich enough" to need it, that what was seen to be fair 10, 20 or 30 years ago wasn't anymore, and that it cost him money.[100] He has criticised the political discourse surrounding tax avoidance as a "race to the bottom".[102] The BBC reported: "The Isle of Man was one of the UK's crown dependencies which signed an agreement on corporate disclosure at a recent meeting with David Cameron amid claims that individuals and firms are using offshore locations to reduce their tax liabilities", adding that the Isle of Man rejects any allegations that they are used for the purpose of tax avoidance.[103] Farage had previously denounced tax avoidance in a speech to the European Parliament in which he criticised European bureaucrats who earned £100,000 a year and paid 12 per cent tax under EU rules,[104] Farage said in 2014 that "most legal forms of tax avoidance are ok, but clearly some are not" after he was questioned on why £45,000 of his income was paid into his private company rather than a personal bank account, and that criticism of his actions was "ridiculous".[105] In the wake of the Panama Papers leak, Farage said that the possibility of him releasing his tax return was a "big no" as "I think in this country what people earn is regarded as a private matter",[106] and criticised David Cameron as hypocritical, especially with regard to his past comments about Jimmy Carr's tax avoidance.[107] Farage has continued to have fees paid to him via a limited company, Thorn in the Side Ltd.

[@SpartasEdge]

@@2009pferd Brexit IS a good idea, only remainers think it isn't, and there is a lot less of them than there was too. Unemployment is down, and we will get a grip of immigration in time, we certainly have more control over it than we had, we just need someoone with balls to act on it. No-one ever said all the benefits would come overnight, in fact it was always going to be something that would benefit over time. We have a retelively favouarable trade deal with th EU, and and it would have been a better one had Treason May not sold us out to them in the Withdrawal Agreement, but things can re-negotiated over time, or we can pull out completely using Article 16 then re-negotiate a better one and we will have full conrol over fishing when the transition period ends. If Farage has broken laws and has conned people, then why hasn't he been arrested and charged for it?

[@tonysheerness2427]

total control, electronic banking, smart meters they have got you by the short and curlies. 1984 at it's worse.

[@TheHillingdon2]

If we had a smart meter my husband would be checking it all the time and in no time we would be living by candlelight!

[@cornishhh]

I sound like your husband. It's probably just as well I'm not married.

[@Lousy_Bastard]

Does your husbands bum squeak when he walks?

[@Dave-bu6bc]

I've got an "Owl" self-fit power monitoring device that gives me the same information as a smart meter but doesn't give the electricity company any control. Twice in the last 2 years it's told me "hey dummy you left the oven on" while I was eating my tea, so technically it's saved me money but I doubt it's even paid for its own batteries.

[@spokes1018]

Something that I'm puzzled with is I moved from a house that had smart meters to a much larger house (50% bigger). New house old style meters And my energy consumption has dramatically reduced over the year comparatively,saving £545 in like for like unit price and day rate. Also both me and my wife working from home which we weren't previously. Both houses are roughly the same age and type victorian/ edwardian mid-terraced. Old House had way more insulation and all the pipes lagged etc. Just can't fathom it out, I've since been offered smart meters which I've said a big no to.

[@abathurx9500]

My friend who runs a computer fixing business advised me to not get a smart meter.... I have now recently been getting harassed by British Gas to get one. and I keep telling them I AM NOT interested and they still harass me, so I've blocked the number. If they call back (since I told them not to call me now) im gonna see about having them done in for harassment.

[@kevinwestk7958]

Won't have one smart meters are about as trustworthy as smart motorways no problem to submit my own readings people i know who have had them now wish they hadn't

[@rauminen4167]

Why? Are you lying about your readings?

[@kevinwestk7958]

@@rauminen4167 no

[@rauminen4167]

@@kevinwestk7958 So why?

[@ohmymcmc]

Your right! The companies can't be trusted to do what's best for us the consumer.

[@paulrob86]

The problem is we have lost a lot of nuclear and large coal fired power stations that were what were classed as Base Load. What they have been replaced with are Combined Cycle Gas Turbines and renewables like wind and solar. We have also reduced the total generating capacity available. There has already been several occasions where actual demand has been within 500MW or less of maximum generation capacity. It will only take a real cold spell and demand will be higher than capacity. When this happens the supply frequency will drop and the electricity companies will have to cut power demand through power cuts. Hunterston B, one of the AGR nuclear sites has just ceased generating and will now be starting to de-fuel. Hinkley B will also be coming off around June further reducing the maximum generating capacity with nothing coming on straight away to replace it. Even Hinkley C is still years away from being ready to supply electricity. 47% of our electricity comes from burning Gas, I believe about 27% comes from renewables like wind and solar, about 11% from Nuclear. We do have some coal fired but not sure on how much but it is 10% or less. The problems we have now go back as far as the Thatcher government through splitting up and selling off the CEGB. It was made worse by Tony Blair’s government by stopping all new nuclear new build. Blair’s and subsequent governments have encouraged the building of combined cycle gas turbines because they were quick and cheap to build and gave a rapid return. And now because of climate change we have been putting to much reliance on wind and solar. There is a very big problem with the renewables like wind and solar, they don’t generate if there is no wind or if the wind speeds are too high and when it goes dark for solar. Just think winter is when we need the power but when we get the least amount of daylight. When wind and solar don’t generate we have to bring on the more expensive to run plants which are usually more gas or coal fired stations. September last year we had a huge high pressure stuck over the UK meaning there was no wind, that loss in generation had to be picked up by the gas fired plants burning up our gas reserves and sparking off our gas crisis. Smart meters are not for our benefit, they do not directly save us money, it’s only by us seeing what our usage is costing us and people switching stuff off that makes any savings. They are being rolled out so energy companies can get a better idea of actual demand and so they can control that demand by switching off the biggest users at peak load times. They also have done people out of a job, they remove the need for the meter readers. I also am lead to believe some people have experienced an increase in their bills also some have had seriously high bills. Just wait until we can’t replace our gas boilers other than with the very expensive heat pumps which use large amounts of electricity to run and can’t supply enough heat to warm our homes. They will be putting extra demand on the shrinking electricity supply. Also with Electric cars needing to be charged, the rail network is being electrified. Where is the power going to come from? Energy supply in this country is in a mess.

[@captango]

Never felt, for the smart meter crap, always told them to shove it .

[@brianlopez8855]

SMART Meters can be switched off REMOTELY by the solenoid inside by The Man. They measure an assumed voltage rather than the actual varying voltage. That means you can be overcharged by them. NEVER GET ONE

[@jackspring7709]

Exactly. I've never trusted them and I think anyone who had them installed needs their head examined.

[@Rose-zw2oe]

They are a nightmare they speed up some how as they charge you .Also you are keept under restrictions of how much you can purchase each time you buy in advance. With mine I may only purchase £40 at a time .This is a bugbear as I have dificult getting about and have to send my peope regular to Que and purchase for me ❤👍

[@elkpaz560]

@@jackspring7709I wouldn't do it now but have only recently developed suspicion of NWO and the role of 'smart.' Any suggestions if you have one and want to revert to the old system?

[@ks-hg5vo]

I doubt that they will actually do that as it would be a health and safty risk if someone is on oxygen or other health requirement. Plus then they can reinstate power as they wont know if someone's hanging on the end of a cable in the house they would be liable.

[@gehrhardtschneider]

Sorry, but this is cobblers. I'm an electrical engineer and can promise you that your bill isn't calculated using an 'assumed voltage' (UK mains voltage is 240V at all times). Its calculated by measuring the current flow in your main incoming Live cable using a clamp meter. This is just a coil that is placed around your incoming cable that picks up and measures the magnetic field generated by the current flow being drawn by your house. The larger the magnetic field, the more current youre using and your kw/h is calculated accordingly. The is no physical way for the energy companies to switch off your electricity with the current smart meter design.

[@robertsimmons8068]

I had to have a smart meter to get a fixed deal. The guy who fitted it said it only cost 2p per day to run. I said that means it costs me 7.30 pounds per year, and it you fitted them to 10 million homes that would use 73 million pounds worth of electricity per year. He said you don't have to turn it on because the monitoring is done in your box. So I never have!

[@DLP-me3pm]

Yep same here. They keep asking but as usual it falls on my deaf ears.

[@MK-to4et]

Moved into a new build house 6 years ago, already had a Smart Meter installed .. Booo! After changing suppliers after a year new company said the Smart Meter was "incompatible" and they coudn't read it automatically ... Horray! Letters ensued for the next 4 years by multiple suppliers requesting to install another Smart Meter .. Booo! I ignored the letters ... Horray! After 10 months with my current supplier I get an email stating "After a period of inactivity we can now read your Smart Meter" ... Booo! ... just like Smart Motorways there ain't anything "Smart" about these meters ...

[@mda5003]

They are a con trick. They said you could save money - no you can't, the costs are higher as these meters are costing over £11billion spread over everyone's bills. They are only of use for those that are unable to read their own meters, such as the elderly or vulnerable and even if you can supply your own readings they will still send out meter readers for safety reasons so no significant saving there. What they want though is to be able to control consumption and charge higher rates for anyone plugging in an EV (electric vehicle) and even to switch them off should demand exceed supply and to do that you have to have a smart meter - and note that anyone wanting a home charger point for their vehicle has to have a smart meter installed.

[@maxbacon4828]

I have been with Co op energy who were then taken over by Octopus for at least 10 years now, and never had a safety inspection yet. They have got me reading the meters every month for free so they must be saving a packet by not employing meter readers. Then they say "why not pay by direct debit?" . No chance.

[@mda5003]

@@maxbacon4828 I did query why I hadn't seen any meter readers about lately and was told it was because of Covid.

[@saml147]

@@mda5003 They are lying about that as I know for a fact meter readers have been working constantly since Summer 2020 when some restrictions were lifted.

[@garrylewis2001]

I know its a late reply, but I have a charging point installed at my home and I do not have a smart meter! Nor will I get one anytime soon!

[@wobbler6372]

i got a letter stating my meter date license was up so i shredded the letter

[@2009pferd]

They will get a warrant to come and change it

[@robert48laird]

You are very correct in your thinking Nigel....from retired electricity industry employee.

[@lesterbeedell9725]

I had a letter from my supplier and they announced with great excitement that they were coming round to fit a Smart Meter, over my dead body was my response! Yes they can switch off your supply remotely

[@johnyashm4191]

at first your offered one, then tricked into having one , there advertised everywhere , were told there safe, the people that put them in do not have to have much experience and soon were be told you have to have one ! Sound familiar ?

[@sinnyozzy]

Quite right - I don't have one either, I don't trust them. Eco-fascists.

[@robertryan6782]

Ha! Get some help!

[@Skols-se7jn]

To get rid of these eco worriors 😂😂😂

[@robertryan6782]

@@Skols-se7jn You should do more to get rid of your eco worries, yes, to help save the planet 😉

[@Skols-se7jn]

@@robertryan6782 eco is all bollox

[@Skols-se7jn]

@@robertryan6782 by doing ????

[@iaindennis3321]

So glad I’ve always said no to a smart metre.

[@MsKirstenx]

Smart meters are the ones that suddenly explode and we had one installed, against my wishes only to be left without gas because it couldn't connect with the box so they took t out and put old one back. Happy days

[@jean-pascalheynemand3271]

I have always entertained the same suspicion.

[@hecklesjohn924]

Its all about pricing - a partnership between government (interested in shifting the burden of reducing energy usage due to global warming from big business to the humble consumer) and the big utility companies who seek to maintain profit levels in an increasingly difficult world. Smart Meters will produce a Britain of ultimately very expensive Christmas lunches - electricity demand and so cost to the consumer for each half hour on Christmas morning being so high......

[@alangaillard2988]

Global warming is the justification for things like smart meters, & having no gas reserves to generate electricity when unreliables (so-called renewables) fail, it doesn't really exist.

[@rauminen4167]

For that they would need to charge you based on the time of day. Which they don't do in the UK. Yet.

[@cuckingfunt9353]

@Anglo Saxon It's worse than that. When they have shortages of electricity they will have to shed loads like they do in South Africa. Unlike south Africa they wont shut off whole cities, they will shut off individual houses that don't pay premium rates.

[@kevinfitzgerald2346]

You're assuming we make it to Xmas Day. With the way they're increasing their prices I won't be able to do hot food and will be dead by about April!

[@Bergstromoliver]

True British Patriot - Nigel Farage

[@sadoldgit313]

Still waiting to see these wonderful savings my Smart Meter was going to give me! The only benefit to a SM is the savings the companies make in employing Meter Readers!

[@ogasi1798]

smart this, smart that - NO THANKS ! Everyone i know says they are awful, also, who the hell wants more tracking etc

[@OHYEAHGAMEVIDEOS]

Used to fit gas smart meters. They have batteries and a sim card which means they can be turned off remotely. Nothing wrong with old meters if they are protected from corrosion. I only found 2 leaking gas in 15 years of doing tightness tests because they weren't protected from the weather.

[@2009pferd]

if you know about traditional gas meters you would know they have a battery in them to.....

[@Luton-Mick]

Like the good old days when you could turn the meter round with a reverse regulator pipe and send British Gas a bill🤣

[@OHYEAHGAMEVIDEOS]

@@2009pferd which meters would they be then?

[@2009pferd]

@@OHYEAHGAMEVIDEOS E6 meters for a start. any gas mneter with a digital display, where do you think they get the power from?

[@OHYEAHGAMEVIDEOS]

@@2009pferd they've been around 10 years and are not smart meters. The newer e6 type are smart but have only been around for 5 years or so, the vast majority of meters still have no battery and no chance of being shut off remotely.

[@ancietman]

I decided I would have a smart meter. The engineer came out installed it spent an hour trying to get it to work then said I cannot get the meter to communicate with the company because of a poor signal ( I live near The Wash ) so he took it out, put the old meter back in. That was 4 years ago not heard anything since.

[@NetZeroNo]

One got installed in the meter cupboard in our block of flats - same issue. So now whenever I get pestered I just tell them that the meter cupboard has no signal and it would be a waste of time. They have actually given up chasing me now (not been contacted for well over a year about installing one).

[@2009pferd]

Correct this is more to do with wireless comunication rollout in the uk and in some cases houses not being 100% fit for smart meters. Blocks of flats are a problem due to the amount of building the signal needs to get through. Sopme houses with thick stone walls also commonly have issues.

[@NetZeroNo]

@@2009pferd Indeed and I also read somewhere that many of them use 2G which will be switched off (to reuse the frequencies) within the next couple of decades - so would then need replacing again!

[@2009pferd]

@@NetZeroNo actually they are using 4g and newer ones use 5g, also all meter even before smart have a shelf life ands need to be changed so if you have a meter with an old communication method it would be updated then, at which point the old meter get reconditioned and a new communication module input

[@carolevans5285]

I'm actually embarrassed to say I fell for the smart meter trick in 2019. I pay for my gas/ electricity weekly and I can see how fast its going down I can't afford to pay these high prices . I have been watching it eat my money away. Also I had my power turned of last year. I no I had topped my meters up but I had no power all day and night I called them up and a young came at 1 in the morning said I hadn't topped up ? When I had prove I did but no they wouldn't have it. My advice is don't get a smart meter. I'm looking to get shot now. Its day light robbery

[@andymiller6893]

Spot on Nigel

[@janettepettinger8439]

They've tried all roads to get me to have a smart meter, but as it stands, my electricity board thingy is old and cracked which would have to be replaced first, plus they have to turn off power to both side neighbours for up to four hrs, logistical nightmare for them. Which means I don't even have to refuse it. 👍

[@airborneassassin6588]

Nigel for PM need this man in number 10

[@tRx777]

Another great con to go with electric vehicles....when or if this great green reset comes fully operational you may see why these meters are called SMART ....able to know the difference between when you boil a kettle or recharge your car ...the later being a hell of a lot more than the former ....the future is bright !

[@spinaway]

Just charged my electric car , cost £6 even if it doubled it would still be cheaper than diesel, and for my £6 i get around 180 miles in winter, and over 200 in summer, so i am laughing at you.

[@2009pferd]

No they cant tell the difference. Electricity is the same no matter what uses it. So unless you have an independant supply for every piece of elctrical equipement they cant tell what you use it for

[@coldbreeze6344]

I don't have one I don't want one end of

[@zedddddful]

I think I'll hang on to my standard meters not that difficult to take a reading once a month tbh.

[@sharkeyist]

A few years ago i was talking to a powerline dude, the local power supplier had fancy blackout glass fitted to all their buildings “to avoid public unrest in the event of a major outage”. Mostly because they know the grids at breaking point, and that was pre electric cars.

[@dave.F0X]

Smart meters are wank. I've had 3 lots installed, but they don't work, especially when you switch energy providers.

[@robtheplod]

I dont have one yet electricity still seems to find me, so it looks like its not needed.

[@tonycardall7334]

All my siblings have smart meters and I've always said energy companies dont do anything for free .Also eventually we would be paying for the privilege of having one,I'm glad I never succumb to getting one.

[@crazycrab8578]

in 3 years I have gone though 4 electric companys, 2 went bust, got put onto edf, the frogy twats, told them to piss off, now on a British English Company, I think, they are pushing for me to have a smart meters, told them this is a free Country, and NO means NO, do not ask me again, then I count to 10, they ask me why I am counting, my reply is this, because I can do this, put phone down,

[@leshedges5498]

Nothing they ever give you is cheaper

[@LSD04]

Yep, I knew it was best to say “no thank you”

[@bedazzled621]

That reminds me of back in the 70s when you could have electric on a cheaper tarrif over night. We had night storage heaters installed at the time, but I never thought they were as efficient as central heating.

[@simonharrison1874]

Mate, *some* of us knew that this was always about control / quotas many years ago.Better late than never, farage.

[@kaydewinter3588]

I agree with you Nigel,i will not have one either,i would be looking at it all day worrying about how much electric i'm using ,i would not sleep at night

[@robertryan6782]

Haha!

[@martinholmes1493]

Smart Meters, or as I like to call them `Pensioner death devices`.

[@Dellen-Roger]

Why do you call them that?

[@AdamSmith-kq6ys]

If smart meters were supposed to have even the _possibility_ of being good for the consumer they would allow a consumer to switch to a different provider, for instance, at different periods of the day. The _only_ thing smart meters allow is for the electricity company to charge you more. Well, that and giving them control over your fridge.

[@naebadyersel]

Anything with the word ‘Smart’ be cautious

[@2009pferd]

Including your phone? and that why you listen to Nigel no one ever called him Smart

[@stellamariesmithson1431]

I won't have one