EDF - new tariff with compulsory smart meter ... possibly

[Deleted User]

Just looking at a new EDF tariff. Their most popular tariff, and the cheapest for me, has this condition well hidden in the full T&C document: SIGNING UP FOR THIS TARIFF MEANS YOU AGREE TO: Having a Smart meter installed by us, when we’re installing them in your area.


I checked back with EDF and they told me that despite this condition I can reject a smart meter. Any views on this? Thanks.

wavelets

johnsmith1890 wrote: »

Just looking at a new EDF tariff. Their most popular tariff, and the cheapest for me, has this condition well hidden in the full T&C document: SIGNING UP FOR THIS TARIFF MEANS YOU AGREE TO: Having a Smart meter installed by us, when we’re installing them in your area.


I checked back with EDF and they told me that despite this condition I can reject a smart meter. Any views on this? Thanks.

There is no obligation for you to have a smart meter fitted.

The supplier may not allow you to continue on a tariff, if a term of that tariff states that you agree to have a smart meter installed by them, and you don't.

[Deleted User]

wavelets wrote: »

There is no obligation for you to have a smart meter fitted.

The supplier may not allow you to continue on a tariff, if a term of that tariff states that you agree to have a smart meter installed by them, and you don't.

Problem is - potentially - the tariff in question is the one that most of their customers will be on. It seems like they are trying to pull a fast one here by, in effect, making it compulsory to have these meters if you want a good deal.

wavelets

johnsmith1890 wrote: »

Problem is - potentially - the tariff in question is the one that most of their customers will be on. It seems like they are trying to pull a fast one here by, in effect, making it compulsory to have these meters if you want a good deal.

Most customers of EDF will be on their standard variable tariff.
I don't think that term is included in that tariff

To clarify,
about 40% of EDF customers are on the standard variable tariff - the remainder will be spread out over a range of tariffs, many of which will not be available to new applicants.

[Deleted User]

wavelets wrote: »

Most customers of EDF will be on their standard variable tariff.
I don't think that term is included in that tariff

To clarify,
about 40% of EDF customers are on the standard variable tariff - the remainder will be spread out over a range of tariffs, many of which will not be available to new applicants.

Thanks, yes. I'm thinking it will be their most popular tariff for people not on the standard. There are some details about the EDF (and BG) approach here:


https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-5653137/A-111-penalty-refuse-smart-meter.html


I signed up earlier today, but I'm just informing them that I don't accept this condition ….. and on the LiveChat they just told me I can reject a smart and stay on the tariff. Anyone believe this? :rotfl:

wavelets

johnsmith1890 wrote: »

Thanks, yes. I'm thinking it will be their most popular tariff for people not on the standard. There are some details about the EDF (and BG) approach here:


https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-5653137/A-111-penalty-refuse-smart-meter.html


I signed up earlier today, but I'm just informing them that I don't accept this condition ….. and on the LiveChat they just told me I can reject a smart and stay on the tariff. Anyone believe this? :rotfl:

The article you link to was written April 2018
I don't think any tariffs that were available in April 2018 or earlier that contained this term would be available to new applicants today.

Regarding live chat, well that's the issue ... you usually have no evidence.
Get them to put anything you may seek to rely upon later in writing.

[Deleted User]

wavelets wrote: »

The article you link to was written April 2018
I don't think any tariffs that were available in April 2018 or earlier that contained this term would be available to new applicants today.

Regarding live chat, well that's the issue ... you usually have no evidence.
Get them to put anything you may seek to rely upon later in writing.

It was available to me as a present customer. It's the EasyOnline Mar2020 tariff. For the live chat you can email yourself a copy of the chat. I did so. They also told me that they have no current plans to install smart meters in my area. So I'll stick with this the cheapest tariff they have. If it came to the push, I'd refuse the smart meter and take it from there. Only possible issue is that the tariff comes with a £60 early exit penalty, but the tariff only lasts 13 months, so it's probably not going to be an issue.