E-on are trying to force a Smart Meter on me....and they're making threats.

nictu

Hi,
I recently switched to E-On via Compare The Market.com. I received a text message today from E-On saying that "As part of your current tariff you agreed to have Smart Meters fitted." 
At no point during the switchover with Compare the Market, was it mentioned that I must have a smart meter to qualify for the E-On tariff. I did not agree to have a smart meter fitted.
The text message also says if I don't agree to have a smart meter then E-on may have to change my tariff and I could end up paying more.

I have read the terms & conditions they've sent me, the section regarding smart meters, and they seem straightforward to me. But again, they don't mention being forced to have a smart meter, but they do say:
"We may contact you at any time to offer you a Smart meter. We will arrange an appointment

with you for the installation of this. If you repeatedly refuse to allow us to install a Smart Meter, you

may not be eligible for our full range of products and services, which may include specific Smart

Meter tariffs which may be cheaper."

A few years ago I saw some youtube videos that certainly didn't recommend installing a smart meter, but this was a long time ago and things could have changed.

Now, I'm ok having a smart meter installed if it's not going to cause any problems. If it makes life easier then fine, I'll get one installed.

But this tactic of saying that I have agreed to something which I'm certain I didn't and then implying that I may be punished for not complying with their wishes, is frankly shocking.

So,  do any of you use a smart meter? Have you had any problems? Have you had any problems with E-On?

Help and advice is much appreciated, many thanks,
Nick.

bagand96

A lot of energy providers now offer exclusive smart meter tariffs.  It's likely that somewhere during the sign up process you agreed to the T&C's of the tariff, and if that included a requirement to take a smart meter then you either have a choice of going ahead with it or being moved to a non smart-meter tariff.

There are people on here that have reported they were able to make a smart meter installation booking, then cancel it and haven't heard back since if you feel particularly strongly about not having one.

elsien

I have a smart meter.
I have had no problems with it at all, and I’ve switched since having it. 
It doesn’t save me anything, despite the very misleading TV adverts, because I don’t need a meter to tell me that having the heating on full blast is going to cost me more. 

But it does save me crawling into a cupboard to get regular readings although I do check sometimes that the meter and the display still tally. 

Streaky_Bacon

What did the text message actually say? Did they ask you to book an installation. From what you have said so far, they have only repeated what is already in their Ts&Cs, that you agree to a smart meter and they could move you to a different tariff if you block installation.
I'm currently moving to EON (as part of a Sainsbury's tariff) and will be following a constant delay tactic, rather than an outright refusal.

akh43

My last provider wanted me to have a smart meter and I agreed, but when they came to fit there was not enough room in my electric cupboard to fit the smart meter as it was twice the size of my existing electric meter so the fitter said he would inform them and ask them to put a note on my record so I am not asked to do again in the future. 

On talking to the fitter he said ia smart meter probably wouldn't save me any money if I was already savvy, the meters are of more benefit to the energy companies as they can work out how much electric is needed in each area. The only benefit to the consumer is you no longer need to send energy readings.

The adverts no longer say they will save you money as they were pulled up for being misleading.

I was recently looking to sign up to the Sainsburys Energy (which is the same as Eon Next) and the tariff mentioned a smart meter so I contacted SE on facebook and explained I could not have a smart meter and the response was I was still eligible as not my fault I cannot get a smart meter.

Ultrasonic

I had the same experience when I switched to Eon something like 18 months ago. I was rather annoyed at being told I'd agreed to something I was sure I hadn't. However, a spot of Googling made me realise my concerns about having a Smart meter installed probably applied to older models so I has one fitted. I've had zero problems, including after switching to Pure Planet. It's also less hassle not having to submit meter readings, and it makes it easier to monitor energy consumption if you wish.

Keep_pedalling

Refusing or not being able to have a smart meter, prevents you signing up to some of the more innovative tariffs. I certainly would not be able to charge my EV at 5p pkWh without one.

bagand96

Is it Eon Next? When signing up they have the following on their quote page:



Obviously it may have been different when signing up through Comparethemarket, and that can't be replicated right now as they've stopped their energy comparisons.  But it's not exactly hidden there.

Verdigris

I'm ok having a smart meter installed if it's not going to cause any problems. If it makes life easier then fine, I'll get one installed.

Is the correct answer.

chewyluis

I think pretty much all Eon Next fixed tariffs require you to take a smart meter now. The terms are not hidden, if don't have one already they'll highlight the requirement during signup or renewal.

Verdigris

E.on use Morrison Group to fit their smart meters. Always very neatly done, so that is about the only good thing about E.on in my experience.