On Tuesday, 23 February 2021 at 12:49:17 UTC, Davidm wrote:
On Tue, 23 Feb 2021 12:33:32 +0000, Spike
wrote:
On 23/02/2021 11:07, Adrian Caspersz wrote:

Today's task.

Getting a pensioner off her standard rate tariff, doing it over the
phone. She tried, and got quickly flustered and annoyed.

Sticking point, all the fix rate deals from the current supplier require
a smartmeter fitted - which she doesn't want (scared of because of the
negative press).

Se we have to go shopping elsewhere. I'm bringing my laptop and may end
up being a proxy to the deals, running an email address account for her.

I really shouldn't have to. Covid and all.

Is there a switching specialist out there for this market?

Thinking, many internet-less folks will be in the same boat, and paying
full rate on standard tariffs.

Try Avro Energy, they don't mention smart meters in their T&Cs.

Phone
0330 0885 754
0800 6800 795
I've been with them for 4 years (even after searching alternatives
each year). You have to ask them about what new tariff they have for
next year, don't just accept their change to standard tariff.
Confirmed that they don't do smart meters yet, but have been warned by
whoever it is that's responsible for smart meter roll out.

Just as an aside to this discussion regards Smart meters. We booked an appointment to have my mothers meters converted to Smart ones as throughout the pandemic because of shielding I have not been able to read her meters and she continues to get estimated bills. On the day the engineer rang me to get instructions to access the flat. In the discussion regards the location of the meters which are electricity in an external box by the front door and gas in an external box at the back of the flat, he pointed out that the meters had to be within a certain distance of each other to communicate. He seemed 99% certain the distance would be to great although he had a meter to test communication and he would give it a go. I asked him if he could at least fit one meter but apparently if you have dual fuel you have to have both replaced. As my mother is 94 housebound and unable to walk, rather than go through a whole load of disruption when it was highly likely not result in an installation, I cancelled the appointment. So what happens now if companies insist on best tariffs for smart meter installs if you cannot have a smart meter through no fault of your own?

Richard