Smart Meters and Tariffs

Buster47

Our current dual fuel contract ends shortly and we have been looking at various new tariff options. One thing that is quite noticeable is that what appear to be good deals require you to have Smart Meters installed and that presents a problem.
Where we live in our immediate surrounding area, approx 1/2 mile, there is a signal black spot which will not allow information to flow.
If we were to choose a tariff that requires them to be fitted, they come along and install them, then find that they do not have the information for billing where does that leave us ? Having read some Forum members horror stories it is something that we could do without but why should we miss out on cheaper tariffs through no fault of our own.
In the past we have submitted a meter reading on line every month to make sure we do not under/over pay.
Any sensible comments would be greatly appreciated.

Verdigris

As I understand it you still get the cheap rate even if the smart meter can't communicate. You'll just have to submit readings yourself. Eventually the black spots will be eliminated. At the moment suppliers are under the cosh to meet smart meter installation targets to avoid heavy fines from the regulator.

milgo

Your thinking is correct.  If you have smart meters installed and the provider cannot read them remotely then this is no fault of your own so you cannot be penalized.

Gerry1

Sounds like you haven't done a whole of the market search, and probably haven't compared separate suppliers either.  The smaller suppliers seldom insist on smart meters.