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 👍.
  • Symon's Avatar
    Level 5
    This morning's update. My installation appointment has been booked for next week. I've asked the guy to confirm that the new meter is appropriate for the EV drive tariff.
    I'll also push for a 4G meter, but I'll take what I can get at this point. The 3G coverage is fine here. I'll make sure that they don't fit a 2G unit, although we do still have good 2G coverage for now. I expect that won't last long.

    If anyone is in a similar position, then this website seemed to help push my case that my property was suitable for a smart meter.

    O2 coverage checker.

    One thing that I did which I haven't mentioned was that I asked EDF to give me a quote based on my address on the day that EOn offered installation. I don't know if this was connected or just coincidence. The BBC Panorama program was a lucky break as well.

    BBC Panorama on Smart Meters

    Thanks again to everyone who took the time and effort to reply to my posts on here. You have all been a big help. If you have any tips for what to do during the installation, then I'd appreciate that.

    Cheers, Symon.
  • Symon's Avatar
    Level 5

    Installation complete.
    Now I await the confirmation that they've switched my tariff. It can take 5 working days, apparently. The journey continues.
    Best, Symon.