Can I refuse a smart meter? Can I refuse one if im behind on my bill?

mac.d

3876samf wrote: »

Problem is they wont let me go on direct debit now as I got too far behind with my bill. So do I have to use a smart pre payment meter now?

Or can I go direct debit? (If I refuse the smart meter)?

If you are in debt and can't pay it off, the energy company has a right to install a pre-payment meter to recover the money you owe them. You've already said they won't let you pay by direct debit because you are behind on your bills, refusing a smart meter won't make any difference. You could try to get them to set up a weekly payment plan to pay your debt off in instalments. So for example, you could pay £30 per week, £20 for the cost of your electric, and £10 towards the debt.

Is there such thing as a pre payment meter that isnt smart doesn't send the radiation and personal infromation?

There was talk of those who didn't want smart meters being able to have the smart meter installed but the comms hub removed from it. However, I don't think that would be the case with a pre-payment meter. So the best way of avoiding a smart meter, would be to pay off your debt asap.

Unfortunately for you, there will come a time when you won't be able to avoid having a smart meter. So it might be a good idea to read up on what information the suppliers actually collect, and if there are any more health concerns about a smart meter compared to use of a mobile phone, or wi-fi in your home.

AndyCF

mac.d wrote: »

There was talk of those who didn't want smart meters being able to have the smart meter installed but the comms hub removed from it. However, I don't think that would be the case with a pre-payment meter. So the best way of avoiding a smart meter, would be to pay off your debt asap.

It can be done, but it would most likely involve the following scenario:

1. Have said Smart fitted anyway if they refused to fit a legacy token meter. Best to try as hard as sensibly possible to get the token one fitted at this stage as its far easier and cheaper.

2. Find another supplier who will take the debt on and be willing to fit a legacy meter in exchange (expect to pay about £150 for this exchange privilege) not as added to the debt either, as in pay first!

"2" can be a problem as the only time I looked into this for a neighbour a few months back (but it was this year) there was no debt involved. Not many suppliers are willing to play ball with this though but as I say it *can* be done, just!

silverwhistle

Why would any supplier be willing to take on a customer with debt like this? (Plus we don't know how large this debt is.) Presumably because such customers are not switched on enough to pay anything than their most expensive tariff?

AndyCF

We don't know how large the debt is.

Generally speaking (if I am up to date, someone correct me here if needed please) :

If the new supplier *agrees* to take the client on, then the electric debt can be up to £500. As far as I am aware the old supplier cannot really 'refuse' the switch if its < £500 , but this depends as I say on the 'new' supplier willing to accept it.

The new supplier might insist on a prepayment meter rather than a credit meter (could be smart maybe not - ask first!) if you move to them with an existing debt. This is fair enough in my opinion as that way they can be reasonably assured of getting the money.