Outfox Energy SMETS1 Smart Meter Compatibility?

houndswitch

Hi all,

I'm in a property that has SMETS1 Smart Meters for both Gas and Electric - they were like that when we moved in. The people before us were with OVO, and I'm with Octopus. Both suppliers have been able to connect just fine to the SMETS1 meters and do the readings.

I want to switch to Outfox because they are much, much cheaper (about 13-14%) than the fix I'm on and I've got zero exit fees on Octopus. They've also said they'll pass on the £150 cut fully in April (compared to Fuse who don't pay the ECO charge and will pass on less of a saving).

I asked Outfox if they support SMETS1 Smart Meters. At first the agent said that it was very rare to gain connection to a SMETS1 meter, usually they're locked to the supplier that installed them (which from experience I know isn't true). I pressed them on this and they said the chance of connection was just lower.

I gave them my address and they said they should be able to connect - maybe - but it'd take 2-3 weeks to do so which would take me out of the Cooling Off period? That leaves me unable to cancel and stuck with manual readings and no real time data for 12 months.

So there's two questions here:

1. Is anybody with Outfox Energy successfully using SMETS1 Smart Meters to send them automatic readings?

2. If you're with Outfox, did it really take 2-3 weeks to connect to your smart meter?

Maybe a third question. Is it even worth going with Outfox? I've seen a few horror stories on this forum.

Thanks all!

Brie

If you are referring to a first generation Smart meter then yes Outfox can use them.  They've been able to connect to mine as have previous suppliers.   

When our gas meter died they were able to replace it within hours but only with a dumb meter as no smart ones were available.  They said the smart meter would be install asap, but definitely within about 6 weeks.  After 18 months I contacted them to ask when this was going to happen and they leapt into action.  I was then surprised when the chap showed up to the appointment and said that both meters would need to be replaced as the electric one was too old.  Whatever. 

We've been given an in home device which after a week is only registering the electric use as far as I can tell.  Then again I've always thought an IHD was a bit useless, I know that if I turn off the lights I'll save energy so what do I need this thing for?  

Customer service seems to be no worse or no better than others I've been with, other than Bulb who are no longer around.  They stunk.

sheffieldeagle

My dad has SMETS1 for both gas and electric but OTM were not able to connect just like every other provider except for Octopus and the original installer British Gas. I would take the nightmare stories with a pinch of salt. You will find such stories with all the suppliers. We've both been with OTM twice and not had any problems.

Cheers

JGB1955

Outfox can access my SMETS1 meter for both electricity and gas with no problem.  

matelodave

We dont have gas but OFTM can access my SMETS1 electricity meter (installed in 2017). It was up and running within 48 hours

Bendo

All SMETS1 meters should have been adopted by now. Those that haven't, suppliers should be replacing with new meters.

Scot_39

The OP can check if their smets1 has been adopted onto dcc

See link from


https://www.smartdcc.co.uk/our-smart-network/current-programmes/smets1-enrolment-and-adoption/

hareng

houndswitch said:

Maybe a third question. Is it even worth going with Outfox? I've seen a few horror stories on this forum.

The disgruntled ones that are not as savy as yourself.

HillStreetBlues

houndswitch said:

Maybe a third question. Is it even worth going with Outfox? I've seen a few horror stories on this forum.

I switched 6 months ago as they were cheapest. In Dec I decided to change the bank account for the DD.  Couldn't do it on-line.  Cancelled the old one then a little while after  phone them with new details. Come DD date nothing taken, called them as said they need to reactive it!,  a few days later got e-mails that both old & new bank have DD.  Ended up just cancelling  old bank one again. Will have to see what happens next month.
Even with that issue I would still have moved to OF because of the price.

QrizB

houndswitch said:

Maybe a third question. Is it even worth going with Outfox? I've seen a few horror stories on this forum.

I spent a few years with Outfox The Market in the previous decade. They were bare-bones but adequate.

I had more problems with BG than with OFTM!

houndswitch

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81834084#Comment_81834084

I checked this - my electric meter is only accessible by British Gas and Octopus. My gas meter says it should be "dumb" but I know Octopus is getting readings from it, so not sure what's going on there!