Energy provider not sending bills, not using smart meters

anewman

My Mum is with Scottish Power. She saw on her bill mention of a cheaper tariff. It seems she has insisted on switching to it. She now gets no paper bills, and does not use the internet. They also stopped using her smart meters and she has difficulty reading the meters to provide readings. I'm concerned that estimated bills, and being unable to see bills, will store up problems for the future.

I told her she would probably be better off on a tariff where she gets paper bills and they can make use of the smart meters if she's struggling to read them, even if it costs a little more. Also highlighting that if she does not receive paper bills she has no way of knowing what cheaper tariffs are available. But I doubt she'll take any action. I live over 200 miles away so not in a position to be on hand to provide regular in-person assistance. I tried my best to coach her to read the meters herself when I visited recently (rather than just read them for her), but I suspect she might struggle with it. I'm struggling to know what the best thing to do is.

Is there perhaps a way to help someone who does not use the internet to find the cheapest provider that provides paper bills and will take readings using smart meters? Maybe even switch on their behalf?

Thanks.

Robin9

Have you got access to her online account ?
Register your Mum on the Priority Services Register 

niktheguru

You can register an online account for her and take charge of the account. It doesn't take 5 minutes and you can print out the pdf bills for her to look at.
You can always ask her provider to upgrade her smart meter. Does she have a smets 1 or 2 meter? You didn't make it clear if she has moved providers or just moved tariffs, if its just the latter there should be no reason why the smart meter isn't working. 

Robin9

You can also ask your mum for a letter to send SP authorising you to act on her behalf.