Meter woes

Sir, Having read the excellent points made by Jim Climie on smart meters, in the Banner of August 11, there is a more fundamental shortcoming on their use.

The meter communicates, via the mobile phone networks, to a central computer which is linked to the energy suppliers. Since mobile phone coverage is only designed for outdoor use, it is a lottery whether meters will be able to connect to the network. As a result, due to many meters being in cupboards and flats, they will not have the ‘benefits’ claimed by the sponsors.

Many of the meters already installed are Mk1 versions, which apparently have software incompatible with the central computer and may have to be replaced. Several EU countries decided not to proceed with smart meters. Germany is only installing them in selected areas, and due to a political decision to shut down all their nuclear power plants, had to build new coal-fired power stations.

I was surprised dedicated masts are to be used, considering the additional expense and the limited number of houses which will have coverage. Already a number of MPs are questioning the viability of smart meters, since there are still 40 million meters to be installed (by 2020).

However, I do not know who will make a stance to halt this project. No doubt this will end up like other IT disasters by successive Scottish and UK governments.

Yours, Robin Gardner, Lamlash and Milton of Campsie.