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Hello and welcome to the cunningly named the Martin Lewis podcast.

I do wonder what that's going to be about.

And this is a special winter-flavoured, best-of-question time pod,

where podcast producer Matt has picked his favourite questions

that you've asked me since we

started the podcast in September. In this episode, you asked me, can I refuse a smart meter? Is paying

via PayPal a bigger risk? Should I keep cash under the mattress? Should you invest in gold?

And will my new husband need to pay for my daughter's uni?

I'm looking forward to listening.

Play the theme tune. Okay, Martin, so first question we've got here is from June. Okay, Martin, so first question we've got here is from June.

And June says, in the past, I have always declined the offer of a smart meter, primarily

because of the poor reputation.

I've been contacted twice by Octopus, which is my energy provider for both gas and electric,

stating that my electricity meter has passed its certification date

and that by law they are required to replace it.

This is in connection with the Electricity Act 1989.

I do not, under any circumstances, want a smart meter fitted.

Can I legally and lawfully refuse?

It appears to me that the softly, softly approach of offering smart

meters has now been replaced with a more pressurised tactic. I eagerly await your response.

Okay, so let's tackle this in two. First of all, smart meters, are they worth having? I am generally

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