Refused second generation SMART meter

synapse123

I previously had a first generation SMART meter installed by EON.
I then moved to EDF and the SMART function was disabled so became a normal meter.
I have E7.
When I asked EDF to move me from E7 to normal rate they said they would have to change my meter and would consider installing a newer-type SMART meter.
They rang me back saying they could not install a SMART meter but can install a normal manual meter! They say this was a business decision.
I would like to know where I stand. I thought it was a Government-backed decision to install SMART meters for everyone.
I have put in a complaint but I feel I will get nowhere as it appears a cost-cutting exercise.
Can I escalate case to the Ombudsman?
 Thanks

Gerry1

Smart meters are NOT compulsory.  You're no worse off, it's just that your shiny toy doesn't work any more and you'll have to keep reading the meters for the time being, just as you did before.

Going dumb is a nationwide problem affecting millions of meters, so the Ombudsman won't be interested in making a special ruling just for you, especially as EDF have already offered you a workaround.

Presumably you are giving EDF the day and night readings, so I can't understand why they can't just bill them at the same single rate the way that many other companies will.

Try switching to a smaller company such as Neon Reef who will do just that (at least for conventional meters) and will probably be a lot cheaper as well.

Mister_G

I thought that the OP was with EDF??

Gerry1

Phat phingered with TLAs !

synapse123

If EDF are going to the trouble of installing new manual meters why not kill two birds with one stone and fit SMART ones?
I can't understand why they can't ask me for a totaliser of the E7 and day rate together.
If I have manual meters installed there weren't clear whether the GAS will be manual too.
Is it worth moving to British Gas see if they can install SMART meters?

MWT

synapse123 said:

If I have manual meters installed there weren't clear whether the GAS will be manual too.

The smart gas meters are dependent on the comms hub which is connected to the smart electricity meter so if the smart electric meter goes then the gas meter would go dumb even if it isn't replaced.