I was with SSE for dual supply. In one bill they included an estimate of predicted costs based on my estimated/average usage and my tariff. The estimated cost for the smart meter option was actually higher than for my standard meter.
In our old house a few years ago they tried fitting a smart meter but as there was no mobile phone signal they couldn’t. I queried if they could fit a signal booster but just got blank looks.
I can see the eventual cost saving for the supply companies due to reading costs but until variable tariffs are in place I will wait.
Our present house has a water meter and that saves about £300/year over non meter usage. That is not a smart meter and I wonder when there would be a plan for upgrades there too. Living in Wales we don’t get water shortages!
I talked to Wessex Water about remote reading water meters. The summary: not possible to meters that are underground. The meter would have to be moved above ground and ideally be close to the smart electric meter so it could piggyback the same transmitter. Smart Gas Meters have a small transmitter, sufficient to talk to the electricity meter.
Also, the law says that the Water Company is responsible for all pipework up to the main stopcock, usually on or close to the boundary of the property: the owner is responsible for the pipes on the property. So moving the water meter to the building would extend the water company's responsibility.
Perhaps new builds will be fitted with smart water meters one day, but existing buildings? I don't see it in my life time.
