So, I’ve gotten emails and letters from British Gas since around 6-ish months now, if not longer that my gas meter is supposed to be too old and needs replacing. They KNOW I don’t want a smart meter as I communicated this clearly and they noted this in their system.

But, companies being companies of greed and control, British Gas (BG) want to force smart meters on people. I have both gas and electric meters with BG. Smart meters can be controlled remotely and gives utility companies more power than the people using it.

They tried already to force smart electric meter on me, but I kept refusing. I did need a new electric meter 2 years ago as the screen just went blank after a short power-cut. On the phone with BG I was told from a computer script that the smart meter is free, but if I want the same old type electric meter I’d have to pay £120 or something like that, cannot remember the amount, maybe it was even £80,cannont remember.

I persisted to have my old meter and said I’d pay a £1000 for it if I needed to and to please stop trying to force smart meters on me!

I got my old type meter installed and didn’t have to pay a penny for it. End of story. For now

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As a general rule of thumb, if companies want to give us something for free, and especially if they are persistent, it is NEVER for the benefit of the customer, but ALWAYS for the company.

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Tattoo this on your brain!

Further down some of the issues. It has to do with control, market research on when people use how much of energy etc. etc.

I did some research on WHY utility companies are so penetrant to get people smart meters. At the time the Tories were in power and even though it is NOT law to force smart meters on people, they did give companies targets to reach to install smart readers (by 2030). So, utility companies constantly bombard customers with emails and letters to install smart meters. And they become really creative in their wordings.

British Gas started to send emails and also letters that I supposedly need a new gas meter. Bullsh!t

I keep ignoring these emails and letters, because there is no way to respond to them. It’s always a one-way conversation. They sent these via “no-reply” email addresses and if I want to communicate with BG, I’d need to find their official address or “book” an installation I never agreed to. But I just do it like I do with the TV License threat letters, and that is, to NOT respond. I do NOT watch any live TV nor BBC, I don’t need a licence, but responding to TV Licence would increase the harassment as it is about SELLING something to people who don’t need it.

Same with British Gas, they now changed their wordings AND say while they’re at it, they will also change my electric meter. Oh, no you won’t.

The psychological wording is made in bold by them, at the bottom, mentioning the law. But this is typical fear mongering.

I submit my gas meter reading every month. It’s correct, never had an issue. But BG words it in a way that it might not be correct reading and make a safety issue out of it where there is none.

Again, there is NO law that people have to get smart meters! So, they word it to make it sound like law and safety issues.

Fnck ’em!

Note, I NEVER had a “surprise” bill. The reasons they give is so clearly sales-pitchy.

Latest email from British Gas:

“Your gas meter is reaching the end of its working life. Replacing yours now keeps your readings accurate, avoids surprise bills and means we can take care of any safety issues before they become a problem.

We’ll also replace your electricity meter at the same time. Getting them both upgraded in one go, so it’s one less thing to think about in the future.

We’re required by law to make sure all meters are safe and accurate.“

End of email quote.

So, they try and try and try … Always pay attention to the wording and the psychology behind it.

Some searching will find WHY they try to force smart meters on people. I am also tired of things being called “smart” to fool people.

Be smart and refuse gaslighting by greedy corporations.

New British Gas ‘mandatory’ rule slammed and customers say ‘not a chance’

Quote from a tweet in the article:

“Hey British Gas, maybe more people would want a smart meter if suppliers like you actually fixed them when they were broken? Instead customers are being overcharged then fobbed off with ridiculous excuses.”

And from the Government:

Tough new rules force suppliers to fix faulty smart meters

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So, these smart readers don’t work properly, and repairs take forever and people get overcharge. Now it makes sense why they are so persistent! And most people fall for the emails and letters.

Further, BG forced pre-paid meters into homes of people who couldn’t pay the bills. BG now pay £20 million compensation:

BBC: British Gas pays £20m over prepayment meter force-fitting scandal

The Guardian: British Gas faces record £112m settlement over prepayment meter scandal

Redress to customers for force-fitting devices in homes includes £20m penalty and £70m of debt write-offs.

Money Saving Expert: Can I refuse a smart meter?

Upfront, I also don’t like how Money Saving Expert is making “force” in capitals while they should make “can’t” in capitals. Fear mongering is a powerful tool to keep people coming back for more!

Quote: “The Government is aiming for all homes in England, Scotland and Wales to have a smart meter by the end of 2030. Under current rules, suppliers can’t FORCE you to get a smart meter, but if your current traditional meter is approaching the end of its life, you may not have a choice…”

And THIS is why British Gas says my meter approaches the end of its life. Bullcrap, they just try to use anything they can to force smart meters on people. The government set the target BUT didn’t make it law! So utility companies try every trick in the book, in my case, my meter is supposed to be at the end of its life.

No it’s not. Those things are built to last long, like the Centennial Light Bulb in California burning since 125 years (from 1901 on).

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In the 1920’s various light bulb companies got together and formed the “Phoebus Cartel“. In a nutshell, they lowered the life-span of light bulbs from 2500 hours to 1000 and raised the prices to make more money.

Quote from Wiki: “The cartel lowered operational costs and worked to standardize the life expectancy of light bulbs at 1,000 hours (down from 2,500 hours), while raising prices without fear of competition. The reduction in lifespan has been cited as an example of planned obsolescence.”

And of course, this is standard practice now with all items, that’s why my average rucksack doesn’t last more than 6 months etc.

So, these smart meters are to control and remotely change things on meters in people’s homes and especially collecting data.

Express: Smart meter warning as British Gas and Octopus Energy make big change “Some people are concerned about the collection and storage of data, as smart meters can track specific energy usage patterns.”

etc. etc. etc.

I will make it as hard as possible for British Gas to force their meters on me. And even if they find a legal way to force a gas meter on me, the electric meter was already replaced 2 or 3 years ago, so the “usage” lie won’t work there.

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I worked at Pret A Manger and survived systemic workplace bullying during bereavement that involved HR, the top leadership, HQ and even the now “retired” former CEO Clive Schlee. Schlee has been appointed CEO of itsu in 2024 by Julian Metcalfe who gave him the CEO spot at Pret many years ago.
I declined 4 settlement offers if I am silent about my ordeal. But I rather speak out to help others. For an overview of important blog entries of my experience with Pret, please visit “My Ordeal with Pret A Manger”. The little arrow to the right next to each heading will lead directly to the post.
An incomplete list on what other Pret staff say about Pret’s bullying environment: Caught in the Act Bullying at Pret and What shop MANAGERS & HQ staff say about Pret incl. CEO Pano Christou.
I tell my story for the first time verbally in below audio player interview on a podcast by The Adam Paradox, and wrote two articles in the Scottish Left Review as well as mentioned by the BBC.

Please also see the MEDIA page for more on my work with the press.

NEW LinkTree.

Thank you for reading/listening.

©2017 – Present: expret.org

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A recent Interview on a Grief Podcast based in Seattle, WA, USA:

(Please be aware if the player shows 0:00 and 0:00 on both sides, just press play anyway)

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