Coincidence ...

[david63]

... or not!

Several years ago we had smart meters installed by our then energy supplier and all was well.

About 18 months ago I moved supplier as the original one had become too expensive. Because our smart meters were version 1 they did not work with the new supplier. For the last 18 months I have been filling in their online request for a smart meter all to no avail.

Last week I sent a complaint about not getting a smart meter and that at the end of the contract I would be changing supplier to the supplier who responded with the usual platitudes about it being an old type meter and they are waiting for the national rollout of the software upgrade to these old meters which is scheduled for October this year.

Yesterday lo and behold I got an email to say that my meters had been upgraded to work on their network!

[towny44]

It could well be coincidental, I have had the same comment about the software upgrade being imminent this year from a couple of different suppliers.

[Kendhni]

It is possible. Instead of a unified approach being taken whereby all companies used the same smart meters or the manufacturers got together and produce a standardised unit it became a free for all with manufacturers vying for business. Software was then written to integrate the chosen meter (and often only the chosen meter) into the systems of the providers. Several providers have however also been developing software to integrate third party meters as well - if the volume of customers warrants it ... if not then it is cheaper to switch the meter. Such software is months in development, so possibly several months back they got enough requests through for that type of meter to warrant writing and interface.

The roll out of smart meters was not well planned, despite being started over 25 years ago.

[Stephen]

That is one of the reasons I refused a smart meter. It becomes obsolete if you change supplier, plus I’m quite happy to give my own meter readings. Call me old fashioned, I don’t care.

[Ray B]

That is one of the reasons I refused a smart meter. It becomes obsolete if you change supplier, plus I’m quite happy to give my own meter readings. Call me old fashioned, I don’t care.

Old fashioned. Only pleased to help.

[Quizzical Bob]

That is one of the reasons I refused a smart meter. It becomes obsolete if you change supplier, plus I’m quite happy to give my own meter readings. Call me old fashioned, I don’t care.

Likewise. I don’t want some other piece of equipment to have to worry about especially the bit that’s inside the house. I have a good idea of how much electricity we’re using and not gizmo is going to get me to change my habits.

[barney]

That is one of the reasons I refused a smart meter. It becomes obsolete if you change supplier, plus I’m quite happy to give my own meter readings. Call me old fashioned, I don’t care.

Same here Stephen.
In my opinion, it’s a gimmick and only benefits the energy company.
I’m still a holdout on online banking.
Every time I go into the bank, someone new tries to convince me that it’s better for me, but none can let me know how to pay in cash online.
I also throw in that the bank charges me for the business account, so if they agree to waive the fees because I would be doing their job for them, then I’ll consider.
Lloyds just declared £2 billion profit.

[david63]

In my opinion, it’s a gimmick and only benefits the energy company.

Not necessarily. I have been looking at various electricity tariffs and there appears to be a growth in variable tariffs based on what you use at certain times of the day/night. I have even seen one tariff that actually pays you to use electricity at very low off peak times.

I’m still a holdout on online banking

Couldn't live without it - best thing since sliced bread. I have been using online banking for about 25 years.

how to pay in cash online.

That is the only requirement for a high street bank, but with the demise of using cash (partly due to Covid) that should not be a problem going forward.

[barney]

We do about £500 a week in cash David. What might be better is just to not show it on the books and reduce the tax liability.
The guy in front of me the other day in Lloyds clearly had some type of takeaway and put in about £7k in cash.
Cash is still very prevalent in the world, no matter what the media say.

[towny44]

It wont be long before only criminals will use cash which should be a boon to the police who will then arrest anyone in possession of any loose change.

[Onelife]

We do about £500 a week in cash David. What might be better is just to not show it on the books and reduce the tax liability.
The guy in front of me the other day in Lloyds clearly had some type of takeaway and put in about £7k in cash.
Cash is still very prevalent in the world, no matter what the media say.

I think we would be amazed about how much business is cash in hand. Indeed, I would hazard a guess that many small self-employed businesses would go under without theses tax benefits.

[Kendhni]

I think we would be amazed about how much business is cash in hand. Indeed, I would hazard a guess that many small self-employed businesses would go under without theses tax benefits.

If they aren't capable of doing business honestly then I would have little sympathy.
I have no issues with getting rid of currency (dirty filthy unhygienic stuff). In the 21st century it is somewhat outdated, it will take a while but it will hopefully be phased out totally over the next 10-20 years. Besides that any self-respecting tax dodger uses crypto currencies these days.

[Manoverboard]

That is one of the reasons I refused a smart meter. It becomes obsolete if you change supplier, plus I’m quite happy to give my own meter readings. Call me old fashioned, I don’t care.

Me too and the light switches still work.

[allatc]

Instead of a unified approach being taken whereby all companies used the same smart meters or the manufacturers got together and produce a standardised unit it became a free for all with manufacturers vying for business.

And exactly the same is happening with electric car charging points.

[Onelife]

I think we would be amazed about how much business is cash in hand. Indeed, I would hazard a guess that many small self-employed businesses would go under without theses tax benefits.

If they aren't capable of doing business honestly then I would have little sympathy.
I have no issues with getting rid of currency (dirty filthy unhygienic stuff). In the 21st century it is somewhat outdated, it will take a while but it will hopefully be phased out totally over the next 10-20 years. Besides that any self-respecting tax dodger uses crypto currencies these days.

I can’t see money ever being phased out as many businesses would suffer…let’s take the horse racing industry as an example…with an annual betting turnover of 4/5 billion much of which is generated through on course and off course betting. It would be a disaster for the betting industry as turnover would be drastically reduced and because of this many dependent businesses would be out of business within weeks, I know from experience most punters resist betting online.

[Manoverboard]

I can’t see money ever being phased out as many businesses would suffer…let’s take the horse racing industry as an example…with an annual betting turnover of 4/5 billion much of which is generated through on course and off course betting. It would be a disaster for the betting industry as turnover would be drastically reduced and because of this many dependent businesses would be out of business within weeks, I know from experience most punters resist betting online.

Try using a debit / credit card perhaps ... would help reduce money laundering

[Kendhni]

And exactly the same is happening with electric car charging points.

Indeed, although I believe that they are now starting to try to standardise this (reminds me of the old phone charger issue years ago - you would think they would learn).

[Kendhni]

I can’t see money ever being phased out as many businesses would suffer…let’s take the horse racing industry as an example…with an annual betting turnover of 4/5 billion much of which is generated through on course and off course betting. It would be a disaster for the betting industry as turnover would be drastically reduced and because of this many dependent businesses would be out of business within weeks, I know from experience most punters resist betting online.

I am not convinced?? Handing over cash or using a debit card should have little difference. In fact last time I was at a race track (several years back and not in this country) they used unmanned kiosks to place your bets.

BTW I say debit card because there is a line of thought that credit cards should also be resigned to the annuls of history.

[david63]

And exactly the same is happening with electric car charging points.

Not strictly true. All EV charging points use one, or both, of two connection types - type two and/or Tesla. Where there is an issue is with how to pay (if you have to - Tesco is free) but many of those now allow a debit/credit card or are falling under the Zap-Map payment umbrella.

The bigger problem with EV charging points is the lack of them.

[david63]

there is a line of thought that credit cards should also be resigned to the annuls of history

On one level I would agree with that in order to prevent over extending credit to those who cannot afford it, but on the other-hand it is invaluable for those who manage their money responsibly.

[Stephen]

That is one of the reasons I refused a smart meter. It becomes obsolete if you change supplier, plus I’m quite happy to give my own meter readings. Call me old fashioned, I don’t care.

Me too and the light switches still work.

[Quizzical Bob]

Not strictly true. All EV charging points use one, or both, of two connection types - type two and/or Tesla. Where there is an issue is with how to pay (if you have to - Tesco is free) but many of those now allow a debit/credit card or are falling under the Zap-Map payment umbrella.

Some chargers are coded to only work with one car, or a limited selection of them.

[Quizzical Bob]

Try using a debit / credit card perhaps ... would help reduce money laundering

And would allow Big Brother to follow your every move.

[david63]

Some chargers are coded to only work with one car,

Private ones maybe but not public ones and the latest generation of home charges are not allowed that restriction.

a limited selection of them.

Again not with the latest EV charging points. Those limited to a selection of vehicles are of type 1 which are few and far between and in any event you can get a suitable adapter.

[david63]

And would allow Big Brother to follow your every move.

And is that a bad thing - unless you have something to hide?