Next Drive. Not eligible for a smart meter.

  • Symon's Avatar
    Level 5
    Update if anyone's interested.
    • I spoke to customer service asking to move to the EV tariff. She said that my property isn't eligible for a smart meter, but that's not my fault, so they'll put me on the tariff anyway. I don't think that will work, but the 'drive' team are going to call me.
    • I then told her that the neighbour has a smart meter, so she's going to talk to the 'smart' team and get them to reassess the situation.
    • Finally, I said I was concerned that the > 25-year-old meter might be inaccurate, and she said they would replace it even if I can't have a smart meter.

    Watch this space for further updates, and once again, thank you to everyone who's taken the time to reply to me.
    Eon customer, electricity only.
  • WizzyWigg's Avatar
    Level 87
    Afternoon @Symon Thank you for the update.
    It sounds positive. 🤞
    I think we'd all like to know why your property is not eligible considering your neighbour's is 🤔.
    Glad to hear that your old meter is being considered for replacement.
    Have a good weekend.
  • Symon's Avatar
    Level 5
    Chaps,

    Latest update. After the telephone call to CS, they finally emailed me back after a week had passed.

    EOn :- "to be on the EV tariff you need to have a smart meter and because of the signal where you live a smart meter wouldn't be able to communicate with us."

    Me :- "Then how come my next door neighbour who also is a customer of yours has a smart meter that works fine. I've found that the smart meters use the Telefonica/O2 network, and my house has good coverage indoors and outdoors on that network."

    EON :- "I have asked the smart team to review this and there is no way that a smart meter would function at your property unfortunately,"

    Me:- "I've discovered that I have a legal right to a smart meter. Let me spell this out to you.

    1) My next door neighbour has a smart meter. He is an Eon customer. We're in the same postcode.
    2) I have 'good' indoor and outdoor O2 coverage.
    3) My existing meter is over 25 years old and I want it replaced.

    Even if there is a problem with reception, then you can fit an additional antenna.

    * I also attached photos of the O2 coverage map for my postcode and a link to the BBC Panorama program that was on last Monday about smart meters. "It is a legal requirement, the government says, for suppliers to make sure smart meters are working and it expects suppliers to “resolve all issues at a much faster pace”.

    "I want to speak to someone more senior."


    EOn (Different person) :- "I have sent a refresh to our system to see if the coverage checker updates."

    EOn today :- "I can now book in an appointment for you to get upgraded to a smart meter."

    I have a feeling that the first email correspondent was a bot. The second person got it sorted out. I guess you have to keep on and on until they cave in. It took about 3 days from "no way" to "book an appointment".

    I'll let you all know what happens next.

    Cheers, Symon.
  • meldrewreborn's Avatar
    Level 91
    @Symon

    Well done! So far so good. Information is power and it seems the forum has provided you with information to help you get your desired result.

    I would press your engineer to fit a 4g compatible comms hub ( see @geoffers post above) as it will save a future upgrade and should avoid any possible 2g/3g communication problems. .
    Current Eon Next customer, ex EDF, Zog and Symbio. Don't think dual fuel saves money and don't like smart meters. Chronologically Gifted. If I offend let me know by private message, but I’ll continue to express my opinions nonetheless.
  • WizzyWigg's Avatar
    Level 87
    @Symon
    Sounding very positive. Thanks for the update 👍.