EDF Simply Fixed Direct 1Yr Feb26v2 and Smart Meters

Carefulspender1

Hi everyone - I just wanted to check on here to see if anyone has taken up this EDF tariff and whether or not you've been told to install a smart meter as a condition. I first saw about the tariff on MSE's email where it stated 
"EDF Simply Fixed 1yr Feb26v2. 12mth fix. No smart meter needed, unless on prepay"
As a current customer of EDF, not on prepay, and without a smart meter, I took a look on my account and within the tariff details it states "Get a smart meter at no extra cost". I phoned EDF and unfortunately the lady I spoke to first of all said yes I need to have a smart meter and then no I didn't and that any requirement would be wiped off after 3 months. 
This hasn't given me much confidence in her answer so I was hoping someone on here without a smart meter has had experience of taking up this tariff. Any help welcomed!

Keep_pedalling

So what is wrong with having a smart meter?

Carefulspender1

Keep_pedalling said:

So what is wrong with having a smart meter?

Hi Keep pedalling - in the past I was first put off by the issues caused if you switched supplier and reports of them not working properly, issues if you moved house etc  so it's just a preference really, nothing sinister  

HmmmMSE

Hi Carespender1, did you go for this? I'm looking at the same tariff.
I 'think' it's safe for those that don't want a Smart Meter, such a shame the T&Cs etc. use weasley words so it's not clearer. Everything think at the moment feels like a trap!

bob2302

Carefulspender1 said:

Keep_pedalling said:

So what is wrong with having a smart meter?

Hi Keep pedalling - in the past I was first put off by the issues caused if you switched supplier and reports of them not working properly, issues if you moved house etc  so it's just a preference really, nothing sinister  

But you are basing a decision on misinformation. The only significant problem is that if you have E10 you might be switched to E7.

amcg100

I dont want to have a smart meter installed because it gives the energy supplier complete control. The supplier would be able to change you on to a prepayment system or even disconnect the supply with just a few clicks on their computer. With an ordinary meter, it is much more difficult for the supplier as they have to access your property and may need a court order to make these changes. It is worth bearing in mind that energy suppliers are working to government targets to get everyone on smart meters and I suspect they make money in the process which is why there are so many salespeople selling the damn things. My advice would be to avoid the smart meter for as long as possible, at least until there are robust consumer protections in place.

With the regard to the EDF situation, I am also an EDF customer currently on a variable tariff, and have avoided a contract because for a while there was a requirement to have a smart meter installed if you wanted a fixed term contract. I reviewed my situation today and noticed the EDF website was 'offering' a free instal of a smart meter if you take out a contract. I was interested in the 2 year fixed deal as this would reduce my costs and freeze my prices. As I was unsure of the smart meter situation I e-mailed them today ( 23/1/25) and asked the question. They replied promptly and assured me that none of thier current tariffs required a smart meter to be installed. I have filed the e- mail carefully away ( just in case ) Not acted yet, but will probably sign up for the 2 year fix tomorrow.

HmmmMSE

amcg100 said:

With the regard to the EDF situation, I am also an EDF customer currently on a variable tariff, and have avoided a contract because for a while there was a requirement to have a smart meter installed if you wanted a fixed term contract. I reviewed my situation today and noticed the EDF website was 'offering' a free instal of a smart meter if you take out a contract. I was interested in the 2 year fixed deal as this would reduce my costs and freeze my prices. As I was unsure of the smart meter situation I e-mailed them today ( 23/1/25) and asked the question. They replied promptly and assured me that none of thier current tariffs required a smart meter to be installed. I have filed the e- mail carefully away ( just in case ) Not acted yet, but will probably sign up for the 2 year fix tomorrow.

Good to hear. I've contacted them via Twitter and they have also confirmed a Smart Meter isn't a requirement. When you look at the small print it sort of looks like they could do anything they want though the way they have worded it!
I'm also intending to switch from the variable tariff - as Martin says!

HmmmMSE

I've just switched to this EDF tariff (Simply Fixed Direct 1Yr Feb26v2) and shall be shouting if there's a catch!

northmoor

I was also interested after seeing this on the ML weekly email

"EDF Simply Fixed 1yr Feb26v2. 12mth fix. No smart meter needed, unless on prepay. Dual fuel or elec-only | Monthly Direct Debit / cash / cheque or smart prepay".

So I got an online quote from them, which later appeared in my email. The quote itself didn't mention installing a compulsory smart meter; so far, so good, I thought.

Then I saw this thread and decided to have a deep dig in the principal terms and conditions that I'd been sent on a link in the same quote

www.edfenergy.com/energy-tariffs/tariff-terms

Scrolling down, I found this in the small print

Responsibilities, Access & Other terms that apply

3. Access and meters 

"3.f. Smart meters automatically send us your meter readings. As part of this contract, if you don’t already have a smart meter installed at your property, you agree to have one fitted. We will contact you to arrange an appointment for installation. If we do not receive a response from you, we will book you an appointment on your behalf and inform you of the date for your confirmation. If you repeatedly refuse to allow us to install a smart meter or do not respond to our attempts to contact you to arrange an appointment for installation, you may not be eligible for discounts, certain of our services, or smart meter tariffs, which may be cheaper."

So I'm a bit confused as to why HmmmMSE says that it's not required (having discussed it with EDF via a Twitter feed), when it says so plainly in their terms and conditions?

Qyburn

Could be worse, from Tomato's terms and conditions ...

"8.4 If You do not have a Smart Meter at Your Premises, We may install one for You. We will 

arrange an appointment with You for installation. If You repeatedly refuse to allow Us to 

install a Smart Meter, We may terminate Your Supply Contract immediately."

northmoor

However, on further investigation, I've now found this:




So now I really am confused?