EDF Threat re Smart Meter Installation

[Deleted User]

Brie said:

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.

A simple search of the tariff terms and conditions reveals this:

• Due to COVID-19 the following term does not apply as we have temporarily suspended all smart installation and smart appointment bookings until further notice.

That if you do not have a smart meter you agree to have one fitted. You can arrange to have a smart meter installed by visiting edfenergy. com/getsmart or by calling us on 0333 200 5104.

If you do not have a smart meter installed within 3 months of being supplied on the Simply Online tariff your contract will come to an end and you will be charged an early exit fee of £35 per fuel. We will then continue to supply you on our deemed contract scheme until:-

- you enter into a new contract with us (in which case we will cancel your exit fee) or

- you change supplier.

It would seem that the smart meter requirement has been linked to this particular tariff for sometime. Suppliers cannot change contract terms and conditions on a whim. SLC 24 allows for a Mutual Variation of contract: the key part being that the two parties have to agree to the variation. Moreover, USwitch plays no part in the contract process: it is just a referral agent. Often the contract detail is contained in a PDF that many people rarely bother to open/read.

All that said, a legally-qualified person may have an opinion on the Covid caveat re smart meters for a contract entered into in December 2020.

Ultrasonic

What is the concern about getting a smart meter here? For the vast majority of people just having the smart meter fitted is the best thing to do rather than unnecessarily stressing about anything being 'threatened'.

GingerTim

Ultrasonic said:

What is the concern about getting a smart meter here? For the vast majority of people just having the smart meter fitted is the best thing to do rather than unnecessarily stressing about anything being 'threatened'.

Presumably they don't want The Man knowing when they are making some toast.

Verdigris

I, for one, look forward to the day when smart meter refuseniks pay through the nose, so that I can have cheaper TOU tariffs.

Grumpy_chap

inspectorperez said:

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 with EDF on the deemed tariff (former GNE transferee) and I do agree that the EDF communications take a very threatening tone with regard to having a smart meter.  I don't trust EDF so don't want them touching anything in my home.

inspectorperez

Out of 15 replies to my post, four have actually provided helpful answers for which I am most grateful!

Since my post, I have discovered several interesting comments on EDF Facebook related pages which describe a similar position to myself and it is reassuring to know that other customers are asking the same questions as myself.

inspectorperez

Update to this thread for completeness following my complaint to EDF.

"......please be assured none of our tariffs require you to have a smart meter fitted......your tariff will not be withdrawn if you choose not to have a smart meter fitted......"

So full marks to EDF for dealing with my complaint promptly and I am now reassured that I can complete my current fixed contract to its termination date.

Have to say mind that the assurance given does seem to conflict with T&C extracts posted on this thread by other forumites!