A few years ago our electricity supplier provided us with a simple device to monitor our use. It tells us how much power we are using and what it is costing, by day and by month. Of course, there is always a small trickle because of various clocks around the house, the fridge, etc. But when we switch the kettle on, it suddenly tells us we are spending £375 a month (of course it is only for five minutes). This device provides us with a conversation piece and not much else. We already send our readings by email, so will a “smart” meter do any more for us (Money, 1 October)? Being a simple device on alternating current, it cannot distinguish between electricity coming into the house and that being exported from our solar panels, so we do get some very odd readings.
Anthony and Kathleen Healey
Northampton
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