trying to get a double pole isolation switch fitted, no reply from EON - worth changing supplier??

shaz4473

Hi , wondering if anyone can advise on this?   I am currently with Eon next for electric and gas and my work have a salary sacrifice scheme for electric vehicles through Octopus and my car is due middle of June.

I am in the process of the home charger application through Octopus as the deal at the time included them fitting a home charger.  It has been put on hold just now as they have advised that I need a double pole isolation switch fitted.

I contacted the DNO last week (Scottish and Southern Electric) and they have advised that it is my supplier, EON next, that needs to carry out the work.   I have phoned them, 45 mins and still on hold, I have emailed them twice with no response at all.   

Previously Octopus said to wait until I get my car to then change over to them for my electric and gas but I am wondering if I should do this now and request them to fit the switch and then change tarriff onto the electric car related one once I have my car?

Can anyone advise if they have been in a similar position OR have had Octopus fit an isolation switch recently and advise of the cost OR have had EON next do the job and let me know how it went / cost etc

Not sure what to do, any advice is extremely appreciated

Verdigris

I can't give you an answer, I'm afraid, as I'm in a similar situation. I have changed from E.on to Octopus and have requested a smart meter from the latter. I had assumed they'd fit a double pole switch at the same time as the smart meter, as any new supply fitted in at least the last 2 decades has one as standard.

Having said that, the switch comes after the meter and the general rule is the DNO is responsible for anything before the meter, the supplier is responsible for the meter itself and the custom is responsible for anything downstream of the meter. BUT you can only safely fit the switch with the co-operation of eiither the DNO or supplier. It's a mystery (to me, at least)

I shall watch your progress with interest. I hope things go smoothly for you.

MWT

Verdigris said:

I can't give you an answer, I'm afraid, as I'm in a similar situation. I have changed from E.on to Octopus and have requested a smart meter from the latter. I had assumed they'd fit a double pole switch at the same time as the smart meter, as any new supply fitted in at least the last 2 decades has one as standard..

I would suggest you make it a specific request to fit the isolation switch at the same time as the smart meter, otherwise it is left for the engineer to do it or not on the day.

Octopus do not charge for it when it is done at the same time as the meter, no idea if they charge for it as a separate service.

MWT

shaz4473 said:

Previously Octopus said to wait until I get my car to then change over to them for my electric and gas but I am wondering if I should do this now and request them to fit the switch and then change tarriff onto the electric car related one once I have my car?

Do you currently have a smart meter?

If not then as per my previous reply, request it to be done at the same time.

No idea if it is a chargeable service at other times.

Verdigris

MWT said:

Verdigris said:

I can't give you an answer, I'm afraid, as I'm in a similar situation. I have changed from E.on to Octopus and have requested a smart meter from the latter. I had assumed they'd fit a double pole switch at the same time as the smart meter, as any new supply fitted in at least the last 2 decades has one as standard..

I would suggest you make it a specific request to fit the isolation switch at the same time as the smart meter, otherwise it is left for the engineer to do it or not on the day.

Octopus do not charge for it when it is done at the same time as the meter, no idea if they charge for it as a separate service.

My transfer to Octopus hasn't quite completed but I shall make enquiries re getting the switch fitted, once my account is open.

Verdigris

My transfer to Octopus hasn't quite completed

But it has now!

MWT

Verdigris said:

My transfer to Octopus hasn't quite completed

But it has now!

Welcome to Octopus!

shaz4473

I forgot to add in my post that I already have a smart meter that was installed by a previous energy supplier so I can't go down that route of it being done at the same time but handy info for others that are in a similar situation

[Deleted User]

Verdigris said:

MWT said:

Verdigris said:

I can't give you an answer, I'm afraid, as I'm in a similar situation. I have changed from E.on to Octopus and have requested a smart meter from the latter. I had assumed they'd fit a double pole switch at the same time as the smart meter, as any new supply fitted in at least the last 2 decades has one as standard..

I would suggest you make it a specific request to fit the isolation switch at the same time as the smart meter, otherwise it is left for the engineer to do it or not on the day.

Octopus do not charge for it when it is done at the same time as the meter, no idea if they charge for it as a separate service.

My transfer to Octopus hasn't quite completed but I shall make enquiries re getting the switch fitted, once my account is open.

It has always been Octopus’ policy to fit isolation switches when fitting smart meters. I had my electricity SMETS2 meter changed 14 months ago due to a Powerwall 2/meter incompatibility issue. The old SMETS2 meter along with the 18 month old isolation switch were thrown into the back of the van, and a new meter; new tails and a new isolation switch were fitted.

MWT

[Deleted User] said:

It has always been Octopus’ policy to fit isolation switches when fitting smart meters. I had my electricity SMETS2 meter changed 14 months ago due to a Powerwall 2/meter incompatibility issue. The old SMETS2 meter along with the 18 month old isolation switch were thrown into the back of the van, and a new meter; new tails and a new isolation switch were fitted.

That is still somewhat dependent on the engineer on the day.

My first Octopus smart meter install did not get an isolator switch, I made sure it was on the work-order for the replacement when I needed a change for the same reason as yours.

Verdigris

[Deleted User] said:

Verdigris said:

MWT said:

Verdigris said:

I can't give you an answer, I'm afraid, as I'm in a similar situation. I have changed from E.on to Octopus and have requested a smart meter from the latter. I had assumed they'd fit a double pole switch at the same time as the smart meter, as any new supply fitted in at least the last 2 decades has one as standard..

I would suggest you make it a specific request to fit the isolation switch at the same time as the smart meter, otherwise it is left for the engineer to do it or not on the day.

Octopus do not charge for it when it is done at the same time as the meter, no idea if they charge for it as a separate service.

My transfer to Octopus hasn't quite completed but I shall make enquiries re getting the switch fitted, once my account is open.

It has always been Octopus’ policy to fit isolation switches when fitting smart meters. I had my electricity SMETS2 meter changed 14 months ago due to a Powerwall 2/meter incompatibility issue. The old SMETS2 meter along with the 18 month old isolation switch were thrown into the back of the van, and a new meter; new tails and a new isolation switch were fitted.

Thanks, that's good to know.