EDF Simply Fixed Direct 1Yr Feb26v2 and Smart Meters

Swipe

Smart meter not required at the point of switching. AFAIK, all EDF recent fixes have had the you must agree to a SM within 3 months clause.

northmoor

And again, on further digging on the Internet, I've found a PDF copy of the Simply Fixed terms and conditions, which don't mention having to fit a compulsory meter. Unfortunately I cant post the PDF copy so I've taken screenshots to illustrate it.














I'm going to call them directly on Monday to see what the confusion is between these T&Cs and the ones I've been sent and I'll put up what they say.

QrizB

That particular set of T&C is from 2019.

bristolleedsfan

Swipe said:

. AFAIK, all EDF recent fixes have had the you must agree to a SM within 3 months clause.

https://x.com/edfenergy/status/1860968223782400277

Simply Fixed Direct 1yr Jan26.

@edfenergy

Good morning! No, this tariff does not require a smart meter. Thanks, 

8:46 AM · Nov 25, 2024

northmoor

QrizB said:

That particular set of T&C is from 2019.

Is it?, thanks

mmmmikey

bristolleedsfan said:

Swipe said:

. AFAIK, all EDF recent fixes have had the you must agree to a SM within 3 months clause.

https://x.com/edfenergy/status/1860968223782400277

Simply Fixed Direct 1yr Jan26.

@edfenergy

Good morning! No, this tariff does not require a smart meter. Thanks, 

8:46 AM · Nov 25, 2024

I think the situation is that "this tariff does not require a smart meter" means you can switch to this tariff if you don't yet have a smart meter installed - i.e. there is nothing specific in the T's and C's for this tariff that require you to have a smart meter. That doesn't remove the supplier's obligation to fit a smart meter, it just means that they can't use this tariff as a lever to persuade you. It doesn't remove the other reasons fo fitting a smart meter - for example if your meter is past it's certification date or faulty it will be replaced with a smart meter.

EssexHebridean

amcg100 said:

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. If you are intending to not pay your bills, then you are correct, the supplier can change you to pre pay via a smart meter,however, this follows exactly the same process as with a traditional meter - it is not something they just do because they feel like it.  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. They need the court involvement regardless of meter type. You are correct though - a smart meter would meanIt would be done remotely rather than stranger forcing entry to your property - personally I would imagine most people would fine that preferable, but there you go! It is worth bearing in mind that energy suppliers are working to government targets to get everyone on smart meters true and I suspect they make money in the process you suspect wrong, I believe which is why there are so many salespeople selling the damn things there are literally no salespeople “selling” smart meters. If someone is offering to sell you a smart meter then close the door, put the phone down or walk away, this is a scam.. My advice would be to avoid the smart meter for as long as possible your advice is poor - this is a money saving forum and there is no question that smart meters do save people money, at least until there are robust consumer protections in place. There are already robust consumer protections in place - suggesting otherwise is scaremongering.

See comments in bold to address the above.  An awful lot of misinformation and scaremongering there - and there is really no place for this sort of deliberate attempt to frighten the vulnerable here. 

Driving fear around prepayment is an interesting one these days - as prepay is now actually CHEAPER than the standard credit tariffs. 

The first three sentences there are only a problem for someone who fails to pay for the energy they use and then doubles down by failing to engage with the supplier - ie someone who is deliberately choosing to use energy and not pay for it. As said, the procedures for dealing with this st the suppliers end are the same regardless of meter type up to the point of the actual change being made - at which point the smart meters do makes it less traumatic and less invasive.  

Advantages of smart meters - 
- they are easier to read for many people, not least as so long as the IHD works they can often even be read from there. 

- no requirement to remember to send readings to the supplier for accurate billing - this can avoid overcharging or indeed and often worse undercharging with a subsequent catch-up - both of these can drive people into financial hardship.
- access to a wide range of tariffs which can then save savvy consumers money - people regularly report hundreds of pounds saved on energy bills due to this
- an ability to see at a glance via the IHD if something is reporting a lot of energy use unexpectedly. As a result of people having IHD’s we have see them track down immersion heaters running at the wrong time or when they should not be at all, elderly appliances using a LOT more energy than a newer replacement would, a freezer door left open and even silly things like being able to track down old fashioned high energy lightbulbs and change them for LED low energy replacements, making a saving particularly in high use areas. It would also mean that someone might realise faster when a high drain appliance like an oven had been left on.
- for those with the appropriate heating set up and cabling in place, the ability to switch easily to and from Economy 7 if needed - with a smart meter there are folk who go to a standard single rate tariff in the warmer months, and switch back to E7 for winter, for example. Far easier with a smart meter than with a traditional one.

Things that don’t change with a smart meter
- take regular readings at intervals that suit you (ideally monthly, but quarterly is sufficient) to check against your billing for accuracy.

HmmmMSE

That's my Twitter thread @northmoor Keep reading for the full conversation. EDF have said it's not required, but as I've said reading the weasel words in the T&Cs it looks like they could do anything anyway! They and the T&C's say you don't need a smart meter for this tariff, so I've gone along with that.

A shame that everything these days feels like a trap - doesn't make for an easy life

BlueonBlue

I recently moved from a EDF tracker tariff to a EDF 1yr Jan fixed tariff .
Both at the time were similar costs as im a low user but if I ever decided to move provider the newer fixed tariff has no fees.

As far as the new smart meter being fitted goes I have changed the fitting date 3 times into the future with no issues ie. kicking the can down the road .
My boiler engineer said avoid a smart meter for as long as poss he didnt say why at all and I dont really care to lose half a day dealing with this at pres but spring  would be a far better time.

The old gas meter does need replacing according to its date stamp but is still working fine .
This would be quite disruptive to replace .

EssexHebridean

Meter changes aren’t generally particularly disruptive - aside obviously from needing to be there for the short period of time while it happens but these days with WFH being more commonplace even that isn’t particularly problematic for a lot of people to manage.