National grid meter reading (safe, bill, estimated)

[kisp624]

Last week, a guy from National Grid rang my bell to read the meter. I thought it was suspicious as I have a smart meter and no one has ever asked to read my meter. When I got my bill today, I was surprised to see that it was an estimated bill which is much higher and last year and it has a date for my next meter reading. Anyone else have a similar experience? Obviously I will call tomorrow. Just want to know what I’m missing here. Thanks.

[mathjak107]

it says

Do they still come to read smart meters?
Whilst you no longer need to submit monthly readings once you've had a smart meter installed, we still need to send out a meter reader who'll visit roughly every 2 years. This is a industry-wide requirement and means we'll check not only the reading but also that the meter is safe and functioning as it should

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by mathjak107

it says

Do they still come to read smart meters?
Whilst you no longer need to submit monthly readings once you've had a smart meter installed, we still need to send out a meter reader who'll visit roughly every 2 years. This is a industry-wide requirement and means we'll check not only the reading but also that the meter is safe and functioning as it should

In addition, if there is a sudden big drop in consumption, they will go out to check and make sure it's still transmitting the actual readings on the meter. Most water and gas smart meters operate by a battery that lasts only about 10 years. Smart electric meters have battery backup to retain the reading in the vent of a power outage. That provides an opportunity for problems that have to be looked at.

[kisp624]

Thanks. I called and they said that the battery may need to be replaced. They also said that unlike PSEG, they still send out meter readers each month and if they can’t remotely get a reading, they ring your bell.