Re: energy in UK

On 2025-04-17 13:36, Liz Tuddenham wrote:

Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
 [...]

I've heard rumors that some can also be used to disconnect power
(for non-payment) but think that would be hard in the volume
typically set aside for the meter (?)

 In the UK, that appeared to be the main reason the electricity compaines
rushed to install them; anyone who didn't pay or disputed their bill
could be threatened with being cut off without any necessity to gain
access to the premises.  Rather late in the day, this was made illegal
and the drive to fit 'smart' meters suddenly vanished.

Interesting. I didn't know that.
Probably all of Spain has smart meters now. But the reason was, AFAIK, that here the contract limits the current you can draw. For instance, a contract can say that you can draw 15A (3450W). The meter has the ability to switch off when you try to draw 16A for a time.
Previously, al houses had a limiter switch with a lead seal. People managed to bypass that switch. By passing the meter is harder, I have not seen it done.
--
Cheers, Carlos.