Do I need a smart meter fitting in order to get a variable direct debit set up?

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kurtvonnkurtvonn Forumite
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Just coming to end of fixed rate with Eon Next and have asked can they put me on variable direct debit. They're saying they can do it if I have actual meter readings but obvs for this will need smart meter fitting.

Anyone on a variable direct debit based on their own meter readings? If so who with? I'm in the nort west of England.

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  • edited 25 February at 1:30PM
    frugalmacdugalfrugalmacdugal Forumite
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    edited 25 February at 1:30PM
    Hi,
    no, you don't need a smart meter, you just need to read your own meter for an actual meter reading.
    They will want an actual reading before they can give you a bill, but will usually email you to provide a reading.
    Y'all take care now.
  • pseudodoxpseudodox Forumite
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    I am in NW England and recently moved to EDF because they offer monthly whole billing.  Not on a smart meter - they just either ask me to submit readings (which I do once per month, usually before they have even reminded me) or they reserve the option of setting a default Fixed DD amount which they can take if you do not submit readings any perticular month.  This amount will of course eventually get reconciled next time you have an accurate bill based on readings.

    Even if I do eventually move to a smart meter I shall still take my own regular readings and enter into my spreadsheet to then compare with any bills generated. Is it easy to access your meters?  If so then no necessity for smart ones unless you want them.  I have no issue reading mine as they are in a position I walk past everyday so I do note them more often than the required once per month for submission.
  • PdmanPdman Forumite
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    I was on Shell's variable DD for years with dumb meters. I just gave them monthly readings.
  • pochasepochase Forumite
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    You don't need them, it just saves you from submitting the required monthly reading.

    But you should be doing that anyway no matter what payment form.
  • MsttyMstty Forumite
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    The customer service person you have spoken to us wrong, point that out and be forceful in what you want and raise a complaint if they refuse.
    Energy Provider Eon Next v18 2 year fixed ends April 2024 
    Energy Used Electricity only. Hoping to get down to 6000 kWh a year. 2022 worked out at 6234 kWh a year in a 4/5 bedroom detached house EPC high B. Designed not retro-fitted ASHP Mitsubishi Ecodan, under floor heating ground floor, radiators 1st floor. Multi-fuel burner in lounge.

    Dyslexia sufferer don't be too harsh if I get things a bit topsy turdy.
  • edited 25 February at 5:29PM
    frugalmacdugalfrugalmacdugal Forumite
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    edited 25 February at 5:29PM
    Hi,
    kurtvonn said:
    Just coming to end of fixed rate with Eon Next and have asked can they put me on variable direct debit. They're saying they can do it if I have actual meter readings but obvs for this will need smart meter fitting.
    Mstty said:
    The customer service person you have spoken to us wrong, point that out and be forceful in what you want and raise a complaint if they refuse.
    as I understood it, the c/s didn't say OP would need a smart meter, only that actual readings would be needed.
    The OP has taken that to mean a smart meter, but usually on VDD supplier asks for an actual meter reading before providing bill.
    Y'all take care now.
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