Forced to have smart meter

[Dodie66]

We’ve just had a letter from SSE saying that we have to have a smart meter. They are phasing out the radio network that our off peak meter used by next year. It says all companies are doing the same and we have no choice. Also it say we won’t be able to stay on our protected tariff and we will be moved to a suitable one. Anyone else had a letter from their electricity supplier.?

im with Eon next but previously Eon and they have been trying to get me to have a smart meter for 3 yrs,they have never dropped my fixed deal (had 3 over the last yrs) which was condition i had one

i did get a letter a few weeks ago but did not really read it maybe it said the same but i just binned it,i will continue to ignore till they do otherwise

sorry not much help😃

I think if you had read the letter you would have seen that the radio network that runs the meters is being closed down in March 23 It says if we don’t arrange for a new meter our heating system will be cut of next March so we have to call and arrange for them to fit a new one. There is no choice

Sse just forced me to have a meter. Went from been £300 in credit to £250 in debt overnight even though our old meter readings had been up to date. 🤷‍♀️ Think they’ve inputted an incorrect final meter reading but we never took a photo of the old meter on the last day so can’t prove it and have basically lost £550.

Switch. They only help these companies, not you. So they can see when peak usage times are so eventually we'll be charged for using at peak rate.

Scottish Power tried this with us but have given up.

I might be wrong but you cannot be forced to have a smart meter if you don't want one. There must be other options available. Our energy company keeps pestering us but we just keep saying no

I think it’s March 2023

so yes ignore the letters if you like but as of that date regardless of your supplier your meter won’t work correctly

Pretty good summary here, with a link to the rules set by giv the energy companies have to advise by...
www.smartme.co.uk/customer-rights.html#:~:text=But%20there%20will%20not%20be,reasonable%20steps%20to%20reach%20everyone.

So looks like they can if your existing meter is at life end, so assuming that's true... But worth checking out the rules about whether they can also force you onto a new tariff etc.
Make sure you take proof of your readings and shop around. Though energy prices are high all over they still differ in kWh prices and daily standing charge so depending on how you use your energy some will be worse for you then others

It’s not that the meter is at it’s life end it’s because they are switching off the radio network that the meters use. You cant avoid having a smart meter and if you don’t get one you won’t get your heating

wont be able to afford heating at this rate anyway😊😊