British Gas now requiring smart meters with new tariffs

chrisw99

I check every month to see if there are any new cheaper tariffs I can switch to, and I've just noticed there are now a couple of new ones that would save me £200 a year.

But reading the T&Cs I've noticed this bit...

If you are eligible for smart meters and don’t already have them (either for both fuels or just one fuel), by signing up to this tariff you agree you’ll book a smart meter installation
appointment within 3 months and be at home for the appointment.

If you don't get the appointment done within 3 months, they automatically switch you back to the standard expensive tariff.

I've resisted smart meters so far (purely because everywhere I read people seem to be dead against them), but now it's looking like I can't switch to a cheaper tariff without it. Are they really that bad?

r2015

Are they really that bad?

In what way?

chrisw99

r2015 wrote: »

In what way?

well that's what I'm asking - I've just had a skim through some of the posts on here, and most people seem to be against them, the people for them are certainly in the minority.

The reason I've resisted so far is due to having to take valuable time off work to be in, and due to the amount of sorting out in the room under the stairs to provide them the access they'd need. It takes me at least 30 mins to plough through the pile of junk under the stairs just to physically see the meters to be able to read them!

Quentin

There are other suppliers than BG!


If you don't like a contract's ts + cs don't agree them!

chrisw99

Quentin wrote: »

There are other suppliers than BG!


If you don't like a contract's ts + cs don't agree them!

Yes, I know, I'm on £80 exit fees till March 2019. I normally just switch within BG every few months, there's always been a cheaper one comes along, this is the first time they've forced the smart meter installation.

Having said that, this is from the T&Cs as to what happens if you don't get one installed...


If you are eligible for smart meters, and don’t already have them and don’t book an appointment for installation (where you are at the appointment or arrange for an alternative person to be at the appointment) within 3 months of coming on supply or switching to this tariff, we may contact you and give you 30 days to choose a different tariff. If you don’t choose a different tariff or don’t book a smart meter appointment after we have contacted you, we’ll switch your tariff to a similar tariff (which doesn’t require a smart meter) which we have available for you at the
time.

Similar tariff - maybe it's not that bad to just refuse one anyway.

AndyPK

if its going to save you £200 then its worth having.


Would be best to wait till next year though.

chrisw99

AndyPK wrote: »

if its going to save you £200 then its worth having.


Would be best to wait till next year though.

Why wait? Surely a cheaper tariff would be better now before the winter months come in? (the £80 exit fee only applies if I switch from BG, not to another BG tariff).

waamo

They aren't forcing you to get a smart meter. They are giving you options. The cheap tariffs are based on having a smart meter. No one is forcing you to switch to these smart meter tariffs.

I've always found BG's "cheap" tariffs rather expensive. When you are able to just switch to a none BG supplier. Save money and stick to a "dumb" meter.

I really don't know why people stick with expensive suppliers.

AndyPK

Better meters are planned to be available at end of year.
will probably be late Though.

Yeah switch now for good rate over winter

unforeseen

So you have to book an appointment for install within 3 months. This is where the wonders of the English language comes in. I don't read that as having to have it installed within 3 months but just arrange an appointment. Just ring them up within the 3 month period and tell them that you want it installed in January 2025.

It may not be what they meant but where there is ambiguity then the consumers interpretation wins, so I believe.

Bigphil1474

OP, from what I've read, the main problem with smart meters is that they are only smart while you are with the supplier that fitted it. If you switch away, then they become dumb. If you stay with BG anyway, then it wouldn't matter to you, plus saving £200 would be worth it IMO. Having said that, I'd be surprised if it actually saves you £200 - check whether that saving is against what you pay now, or what you'd pay if you went on to their variable rate in March for the remainder of your contract. I left BG years ago, and not seen a price reason to go back.
I agree with your main point though - they appear to be saying you can only have this super deal if you have a smart meter installed, which is where the other companies may go if the govt. keep pushing smart meter installation or look to fine energy companies some time in the future. I'm holding out for smart meters that stay smart meters.