[WizzyWigg]

@geoffers Totally agree with Open Discussion. 👴

[meldrewreborn]

@geoffers I fully agree that the vast majority of the systems (meters?) work as intended. But can TOU tariffs work for all with 10+ % of meters being dumb?

I suppose I could take some comfort that TOU tariffs would force suppliers to ensure that more customers have fully functioning systems, but suppliers should be doing more now, and not needing TOU imperatives to drive them.

[geoffers]

Originally Posted by meldrewreborn

@geoffers I fully agree that the vast majority of the systems (meters?) work as intended. But can TOU tariffs work for all with 10+ % of meters being dumb?

I suppose I could take some comfort that TOU tariffs would force suppliers to ensure that more customers have fully functioning systems, but suppliers should be doing more now, and not needing TOU imperatives to drive them.

Yep: Afraid that if you haven't got a working smart meter you're stuffed 🫤

I'm a bit worried when 3G goes by the end of next year, but at least the system is designed/should (🤞) fall back to 2G giving another 9 years to roll out the new 4G Comms hubs

Hopefully already being on a TOU might give me more clout 🤞🤓

[retrotecchie]

@geoffers

Smart metering actually uses 2.5G and relies on features that are not completely compatible with 'fallback 2G'. Since they turned 3G off in November 2022 round here, there's not a single smart meter working anywhere in this or the surrounding villages.

My 2G phone no longer works properly on the 'fallback 2G' in the area. I can make an emergency call if need be, but SMS, MMS and WAP certainly no longer work.

The 4/5G contract for smart communications was signed over a year ago with Vodafone so there is no reason why 4/5G comms hubs can't be used right away.

[meldrewreborn]

@retrotecchie

"so there is no reason why 4/5G comms hubs can't be used right away"

Of course, but as far as I'm aware there is no programme to replace existing hubs automatically. The DCC owned hubs, according to evidence given to the Public Accounts Committee, are quite inexpensive (i think less than £5) but fitting them will requires an engineer visit and that will cost a lot more than the actual hub.

[geoffers]

Originally Posted by retrotecchie

@geoffersThe 4/5G contract for smart communications was signed over a year ago with Vodafone so there is no reason why 4/5G comms hubs can't be used right away.

Yep - according to DCC's CeO the rollout is starting end of 2024 , with mass rollout starting July 2025 👍

https://www.smartdcc.co.uk/news-even...-connectivity/

[meldrewreborn]

@geoffers

The proof of the pudding is in the eating - where will the necessary engineers be sourced from?

[geoffers]

Originally Posted by meldrewreborn

@geoffers

The proof of the pudding is in the eating - where will the necessary engineers be sourced from?

https://youtu.be/54oqYyy_r_Q 🤓

[retrotecchie]

@meldrewreborn

Port Talbot? Radcliffe on Soar?

[retrotecchie]

Originally Posted by meldrewreborn

@retrotecchie

"so there is no reason why 4/5G comms hubs can't be used right away"

Of course, but as far as I'm aware there is no programme to replace existing hubs automatically. The DCC owned hubs, according to evidence given to the Public Accounts Committee, are quite inexpensive (i think less than £5) but fitting them will requires an engineer visit and that will cost a lot more than the actual hub.

No worries. They'll just shake Ed Millipede's magic money tree. That is to say, raise the standing charges to cover the costs.