EDF Threat re Smart Meter Installation

inspectorperez

Currently on a 2 year "Simply Online" tariff which expires on 31 December 2022. Was quite relaxed about this in the context of current tariff increases etc and prepared to bite the bullet from 1 January 2023.

That was until I received an email from EDF yesterday containing the thinly disguised threat that if I fail to organise an appointment to have smart meters installed for dual fuel, they may give 30 days notice to transfer me on to a deemed tariff!.

They indicate that this possibility is contained within the terms and conditions of my contract. Having now eventually located these T&Cs on the EDF website, it would appear this is indeed correct.

Looking back when I switched to EDF in December 2020 through Uswitch process, there is absolutely no mention of this requirement in the literature and promotional material which was made available during the transition. I have reviewed all the relevant emails/communications from both Uswitch and EDF to confirm this.

Just wondering if any other EDF customers have had this same issue and has anyone been moved on to a deemed tariff for refusing to have a smart meter installed?

I am not by the way attempting to start up a debate about the merits or otherwise of smart meters!

Curiousgirl1

When you signed up you will have ticked a box that asked if you agreed with the T’s & C’s. You have said that part if the deal of the tariff is having smart meters fitted is in there so don’t really think you can argue against it. 

[Deleted User]

Suppliers are required by Ofgem to meet smart meter targets based on the size of their customer base. Rather than move towards legally mandated smart meters, Ofgem is encouraging suppliers to offer tariffs linked to the installation of a smart meter. By signing up to your tariff, you agreed to the terms and conditions that came with it. If you are hoping that the supplier is just trying to ‘frighten’ you into accepting a smart meter, and if you say no it will just back off, you may well be disappointed.

Phones4Chris

inspectorperez said:

....................

I am not by the way attempting to start up a debate about the merits or otherwise of smart meters!

Well, leaving aside some of the "otherwise" of smart meters that have regularly been raised around here. there is one pitfall it seems, if you currently have an E7 (ie. two rate) meter with switching for any storage heating etc. Some suppliers eg. BG it has come to light, don't currently support the 5 terminal smart meters that could/should be fitted if you go "smart". It could turn out to be a case of going "stupid" if your choice of suppliers is consequently limited. I haven't had time to look yet, but if this isn't a discussion that hasn't been had yet, it needs to be!

Curiousgirl1

Phones4Chris said:

inspectorperez said:

....................

I am not by the way attempting to start up a debate about the merits or otherwise of smart meters!

Well, leaving aside some of the "otherwise" of smart meters that have regularly been raised around here. there is one pitfall it seems, if you currently have an E7 (ie. two rate) meter with switching for any storage heating etc. Some suppliers eg. BG it has come to light, don't currently support the 5 terminal smart meters that could/should be fitted if you go "smart". It could turn out to be a case of going "stupid" if your choice of suppliers is consequently limited. I haven't had time to look yet, but if this isn't a discussion that hasn't been had yet, it needs to be!

Not sure why this is relevant, OP doesn’t mention they have an e7 meter & they’re with EDF who do support e7 smart anyway 

[Deleted User]

Can I just ask why you don’t want a meter? You haven’t stated that you don’t but you seem very keen to find a way not to have one.

Phones4Chris

Curiousgirl1 said:

Phones4Chris said:

inspectorperez said:

....................

I am not by the way attempting to start up a debate about the merits or otherwise of smart meters!

Well, leaving aside some of the "otherwise" of smart meters that have regularly been raised around here. there is one pitfall it seems, if you currently have an E7 (ie. two rate) meter with switching for any storage heating etc. Some suppliers eg. BG it has come to light, don't currently support the 5 terminal smart meters that could/should be fitted if you go "smart". It could turn out to be a case of going "stupid" if your choice of suppliers is consequently limited. I haven't had time to look yet, but if this isn't a discussion that hasn't been had yet, it needs to be!

Not sure why this is relevant, OP doesn’t mention they have an e7 meter & they’re with EDF who do support e7 smart anyway 

If the O/P is thinking of changing supplier, it could be VERY relevant. I picked up on a comment, I wasn't aware that were weren't allowed to reply!

[Deleted User]

Hi,

how can it be a 'threat' if it's in the T&Cs that you agreed to?

Curiousgirl1

Phones4Chris said:

Curiousgirl1 said:

Phones4Chris said:

inspectorperez said:

....................

I am not by the way attempting to start up a debate about the merits or otherwise of smart meters!

Well, leaving aside some of the "otherwise" of smart meters that have regularly been raised around here. there is one pitfall it seems, if you currently have an E7 (ie. two rate) meter with switching for any storage heating etc. Some suppliers eg. BG it has come to light, don't currently support the 5 terminal smart meters that could/should be fitted if you go "smart". It could turn out to be a case of going "stupid" if your choice of suppliers is consequently limited. I haven't had time to look yet, but if this isn't a discussion that hasn't been had yet, it needs to be!

Not sure why this is relevant, OP doesn’t mention they have an e7 meter & they’re with EDF who do support e7 smart anyway 

If the O/P is thinking of changing supplier, it could be VERY relevant. I picked up on a comment, I wasn't aware that were weren't allowed to reply!

Why would you not be allowed to reply? 

Brie

The OP said

Looking back when I switched to EDF in December 2020 through Uswitch process, there is absolutely no mention of this requirement in the literature and promotional material which was made available during the transition. I have reviewed all the relevant emails/communications from both Uswitch and EDF to confirm this.

and so to me this means that they did NOT sign up to T&Cs that said they had to have a smart meter.  That said I know many companies will add a line to their bills or online to mention a change to their T&Cs and that it will be deemed you have accepted the changes by continuing to use their service.   Tricksy but not necessarily illegal I guess.

EssexHebridean

OP, if in doubt ask the supplier for a copy of the T’s and C’s that applied on the date you signed up to the tariff. You should have a copy with the original “paperwork” email, but if you no longer have that then a reasonable request should be met. Chances are there will have been changes to the T’s and C’s between then, and now, and those changes may or may not include the clause relating to smart metering requirements.