changing energy supplier

kat4480

Hi, the LCD display on my electricity meter has malfunctioned, so I am unable to take a meter reading. Octopus are my supplier and they have refused to repair or replace the meter, saying I am obliged to have a smart meter fitted. I am unwilling to do this, so they have invited me to find a new supplier. So effectively I have no choice but to either have a smart meter, or to change to British Gas. However, if I change supplier I'm sure they would want to know an initial reading, as a baseline to start charging me from, but obviously I can't provide this as the meter is broken. Also how do I know a new supplier won't similarly refuse to replace or repair the meter and insist I have a smart meter?

QrizB

Edit: welcome back to the forum!

Hi, the LCD display on my electricity meter has malfunctioned, so I am unable to take a meter reading. Octopus are my supplier and they have refused to repair or replace the meter, saying I am obliged to have a smart meter fitted. I am unwilling to do this, so they have invited me to find a new supplier. So effectively I have no choice but to either have a smart meter, or to change to British Gas. However, if I change supplier I'm sure they would want to know an initial reading, as a baseline to start charging me from, but obviously I can't provide this as the meter is broken. Also how do I know a new supplier won't similarly refuse to replace or repair the meter and insist I have a smart meter?

Your meter is broken. You need a replacement.

All replacements are smart meters.

Your choice is to have a smart meter (by choice or by your supplier getting a warrant to enter and fit one) or to eventually be disconnected from the electricity network.

Which do you prefer?

la531983

OK, lets start from the beginning. Why dont you want a smart meter?

Clearly your current one is broken and needs swapping out.

Woodstok2000

The answer here, as this is a moneysaving forum, is to get a smart meter. You will save money.

QrizB

You will save money.

Or, at the very least, you will have new opportunities to save money.

Actually making a saving might need a couple of extra steps beyond getting the meter, eg. choosing a smart tariff.

Woodstok2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82047592#Comment_82047592

Good point.

I got a smart meter but didnt start saving money until I stopped using my tumble dryer to heat the house.

debitcardmayhem

British Gas or any supplier will want a functioning meter, therefore you need a new (smart one) or go without electricity.