Smart meters-Thames Water?

[LB171]

I've recently moved into East Dulwich. I transferred my Thames Water account to my new address, and I 

have received my bill for the year. But now I've received an email from them saying they'll be out on the 8th

to fit my new smart meter, which was unrequested by me. I can probably refuse but I wanted to check here if

perhaps there was a TW campaign to get these installed in the area? Thank you.

[ElenaR]

Hello, TW installed ours in SE27 in October 2023, unprompted too. We just got a note through the letterbox informing us of the switch to smart meter and its serial number, after it was done. 

[vladi]

3 hours ago, LB171 said:

I've recently moved into East Dulwich. I transferred my Thames Water account to my new address, and I 

have received my bill for the year. But now I've received an email from them saying they'll be out on the 8th

to fit my new smart meter, which was unrequested by me. I can probably refuse but I wanted to check here if

perhaps there was a TW campaign to get these installed in the area? Thank you.

You can't refuse. TW allows you up to a 12 months after installation during which time you can continue with the fixed rate system. Then after 12 months you go on the meter rates regardless.
The one benefit of this is that the meter send readings on an hourly basis and if you have consumption being registered, when you would not expect it,  (such as between 1am and 6am) , they will advise you that you have a leak somewhere and will give an estimate of how much extra this leakage will cost you after you go on the meter rates. 
That way you can fix your lea(s) in advance and save money.
If you cannot find the leak  inside the house, it may be outside underground, between your house and the water meter because your old lead pipe may be leaking. That stretch of pipe is your responsibility. 

Then you can ask them to help you find it and if you play your cards nicely and catch the TW guy on a good day, then TW will replace your old 1" pipe with a new blue 25mm pipe.