A Smart Meter Action Group (SMAG) was established to address the issue of electricity smart meters either not being installed or not working as they should in the Upper Deverills. A questionnaire was sent to those on the Safeguarding lists in April. (If you have not received the questionnaire, or would like to add any other information, please see the attachment below (SMAG info gathering) which has all the details. Please send any replies/information to )

Local MP, Dr Andrew Murrison, took our concerns on board and, at the request of the SMAG, wrote to the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to direct the Data Communications Company (DCC) who deploy the smart meter Wide Area Network to extend its coverage into the Upper Deverills.

The Secretary of State at the DESNZ, Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, replied and we have considered the points he raised. In turn, we have asked Dr Murrison to forward our comments (attached) to the DESNZ.

We continue to press both the DESNZ and suppliers, such as Scottish Power, Octopus, etc, to find solutions to the lack of functionality and connectivity of smart meters by addressing our three main concerns:

  • Many smart meters do not work therefore residents can not monitor their usage in as precise a way as the meters were rolled out to allow
  • The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) that prompts meters to switch over to lower rates, particularly at night, will be switched off next summer when its carrier, Radio 4 Long Wave, is itself switched off. This will affect people on, for example, Economy 7 tariffs. The suppliers’ solution? Why, get a smart meter, of course …!
  • Those who have a large number of solar panels can not benefit from the Smart Energy Guarantee (SEG) whereby any export to the grid is reimbursed because – you guessed it – the SEG requires a smart meter. (Actually it doesn’t. An export meter that can take half-hourly measurements and have an export Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) will suffice but suppliers refuse to comply.)

We will keep providing updates on this site and to those who have signed up to receive information. If you would like to receive direct updates too, please contact the SMAG at:

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