Not such smart prices

sir – When a man arrived to install a smart meter at my home he found that the mobile phone signal was not good enough for the meter to work reliably.

If suppliers increase the charges for those who do not have smart meters (report, October 31), can I pass the fine to Vodafone, in the hope that this will encourage it to improve its service? Peter Munro

Wincanton, Somerset

sir – I received a letter from my supplier’s customer services director saying that my electricity meter was reaching the end of its life and needed to be replaced. He suggested replacing the gas meter at the same time.

I wrote back asking to know the actual dates when both meters would reach their certified expiry, but, strangely, I have not received a reply. David Peters

Exeter, Devon

sir – I invite Lord Duncan of Springbank, the Energy Minister, to visit my home and explain why he thinks it reasonable that I should be charged a premium by my energy suppliers because I haven’t got a smart meter (report, October 31).

Two years ago, British Gas advised me that it was unable to install a smart meter in my Grade II listed home because I have an external meter in a below-ground cabinet.

Earlier this year, my present dualfuel supplier wrote to me to encourage me to have a smart meter fitted. I made contact to see if there was a suitable meter for my house and have received no response.

Lord Duncan might also like to explain to me why, rather than threatening me with penalties, the Government has not legislated to force local planning authorities to allow the installation of solar panels on listed buildings. My home has a large area of conveniently south-facing roof, and my contribution to the war on carbon dioxide emissions would be far more effective if I could capture solar power. Digby Harper

Benson, Oxfordshire