Scottish Power saying I MUST get a smart meter - really?

stottie_2

I was previously with Yorkshire Energy but got shifted over to Scottish Power after YE went bust. I wasn't best pleased as I've had terrible service from Scottish Power in the past (double billing for the same address, threatening baliffs, hour-long waits on the phone to speak to someone then getting cut off, that kind of stuff) but I can't find a better deal on Cheap Energy Club.

I've had an email this afternoon saying that they need to change our meter to a smart meter, that they're obligated to install smart meters in their customers' homes and that I need to book an appointment *today*. 

I don't trust SP to bill me correctly when *I* give them the readings, I definitely don't trust them to install a smart meter properly and I'm annoyed by the heavy-handed wording in the email. Do I really have to do it?

Carrot007

Read the small print. It will say *if you want to stay of your half decent tarrif.

To be fair my second smart meter was SPOW. Though yes they did messu p both the accoutn opening and getting the smart meter working. But as long as you use the online chat and don't just ring they tend to sort it out.

My third smart meter is dumb again since I moved to BGAS. Such is. I care not about them.

I will say though SPOW did get one bad read from the smart meter. Though on their web site there is 2 ways to give a customer read only one still works with a smart meter. If they have fixed that "error" then asgain you would need to online chat. but photos get them to see sense.

Bacman

The default Energy Exclusive tariff we got when Scottish took over YE accounts does not need smart meter, only if you change to a different tariff.

stottie_2

I checked the small print and there's no obligation to take a smart meter on my tariff. I've had another unnecessarily heavy-handed email from them over the weekend, can't say it's making me feel any happier about SP or more inclined to allow them to change our meter. I've been reading up on my rights and I'm relieved that they can't force me.

rayfelpham

Also previously with YE and received emails from SP " We need to change your meter".
The link in their email does not work. I contact them and they reply with a phone number,  I ring this number and get a recorded message stating 'our office is now closed, our office hours are 8:30 to 5pm (or whatever)' at 2:30 in the afternoon on a weekday !.
I book an appointment through my account.
Scottish Power then ring me repeatedly and text me (on a Sunday twice at 8 am and today at 7:30 am) to remind me of the meter change appointment. I had previously asked them not to use this number.
Lowry Beck arrive and will not replace the meters as I have SMES1 meters (British Gas - installed in 2011 before I lived here).. 
Did Scottish Power think before they sent out their first emails ?. Well we know the answer to that.
'Customer Service' - Scottish power do not know what it means.

Vegastare

I would suggest you tell them you wont accept the contractor they use.  See reviews on Lowry Beck.  

abxbsk

I too was a switch from YE.  Scottish Power have sent me requests on a weekly basis to have a smart meter installed.  I've had emails, texts and a letter in the post.  I have now started a switch to Green, good job really because the current Energy Exclusive tariff ends on the 1st July 2021 and goes up by £200 a year!!

[Deleted User]

stottie_2 said:

I've had an email this afternoon saying that they need to change our meter to a smart meter, that they're obligated to install smart meters in their customers' homes and that I need to book an appointment *today*. 

Suppliers are continually pushing BEIS to make smart meters mandatory; however, BEIS is content that a carrot rather than stick approach is enough for the moment. BEIS did agree last year that smart meters can be fitted when existing meters are deemed end-of-life as suppliers already have a legal right to enter a property in these circumstances.