If you get your energy from EDF, then you may have heard about their efforts to roll out smart meters to all their customers.
If you don’t have a smart meter yet but are keen to learn more about what to expect from the process, then we’ve got the answers you need – read on to find out more!
What Does a Smart Meter Do?
A smart meter is a next-generation meter device that measures your energy usage and then transmits your readings via a central network, helping EDF to keep on top of your usage rather than having to estimate your bills. EDF smart meter installation also comes with an in-home meter display that gives you access to a wealth of information about your energy usage. EDF customers have been invited to arrange their smart meter installation without delay.
EDF’s Role in the Smart Meter Change Over
As one of Britain’s leading energy suppliers, EDF has been offering smart meters since they first came to the market. To date, EDF has been part of achieving nearly 30 million smart meter installations in the UK, along with the other major energy suppliers.
Moving Forward with An EDF Smart Meter
Lots of consumers are reporting that they are being told by their energy supplier that they need to arrange a smart meter installation as a matter of urgency, but this is not the case. In fact, you do not have to have a smart meter installed at all if you don’t want to. Every household can decide how they want to proceed, and if you choose to skip having a smart meter now, you can still change your mind in the future.
If you do decide to go ahead with a smart meter installation, all you need to do is head over to your EDF account page and sign up for an appointment at a date that is convenient to you. Most EDF smart meter appointments will be scheduled within 30 days, and you can choose between a morning, afternoon, or all-day appointment slot.
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What to Expect on Installation Day
When your installation day arrives, you will need to make sure that you have completely cleared the area around your meters, as the engineer will not proceed otherwise. You will get a two-hour slot in which to expect the installer, and then your engineer will call you when they are around half an hour away.
When they arrive, the engineer will turn off the gas and electricity supply as they install the new meter. This will not take too long, but it is an essential part of keeping everyone safe as the new installation takes place. Once the meters have been fully replaced, the engineer will set up your new home display unit before explaining how everything works. After that, they will answer any questions you have before leaving.
The Cost of Installing New Smart Meters
If you are worried about affording new smart meters, you will be pleased to learn that the service is being provided completely free of charge to all UK residents. This includes the smart meter units and the entire cost of installation, meaning that you will pay nothing. In addition, if EDF is unable to complete your installation on the date you booked due to an error on their part, they will offer you a credit on your bill as compensation.
Why Smart Meters Are a Great Choice
If you are still undecided about whether you want to get a smart meter or not, look at the following benefits to help you decide:
- Clear Overview of Your Energy Use – with the EDF home display, you will be able to see how much energy you are using at any given time, as well as be able to look back over the previous usage to look for any specific trends in your usage habits.
- Automatic Meter Readings – rather than having to share your meter readings or arrange a meter reading appointment, your new smart meter will upload your readings monthly, daily, or half-hourly, depending on what is best for you.
- Helping You Budget Better – with clear access to your usage overview, you will be able to budget for your energy use and even find ways to cut down on your expenditure to help make your monthly payments lower.
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How to Read EDF Meters
After your installation has been completed, your engineer will show you how to use everything before they leave. However, if you have forgotten how to read your meter, we’ve shared the steps you need to follow here. First, press the green button twice to get to the menu. Next, scroll through until you get to ‘Rate 01 Act Imp’ or ‘Total Act Import’ as this will give you the meter reading you need. Should you have a two-rate tariff, you just scroll down once more to get to the second reading which will show as ‘Rate 02 Act Imp’ or ‘Total Act Import 2’.
How to Top Up EDF Meters
As new smart meters can be used for prepayment or credit accounts, you can choose the option that works best for you. If you go for a prepayment solution you will be able to top up your account in several new ways – phone, text, online and even via a dedicated app. Simply put in your payment details, choose manual or automatic top ups and look forward to never running out of energy at the worst possible time again!
Problems with Smart Meters
Smart meters are generally very easy to use and operate, but there is one area that may cause you a problem if you have one of the original SMETS 1 meters. These meters were designed to only work with your chosen supplier, meaning that if you switch, it will go ‘dumb’ and not send your meter readings automatically. This problem has been resolved for new customers as the SMETS 2 meter is now being used for all installations and works via a central network that all suppliers can link into. If you do have an older SMETS 1 meter, then you’ll be pleased to know that a nationwide upgrade campaign is in place, providing you with a remote upgrade. Once your unit gets upgraded, EDF will send you a notification or letter to confirm.
The only other problem that EDF customers are flagging is that their home display units are stopping working after a few months of use, resulting in a blank screen. If this happens to you, simply contact EDF to request a replacement. However, be aware that if your display is over a year old, then you may need to pay for a replacement.
Make Your Smart Meter Decision Today
If you are ready to make savings on your monthly bills and want to get a smart meter, then it’s time to head to the EDF website and make your booking. Once you have had your new smart meter installation, why not think about checking the energy efficiency of your other appliances and replacing them when needed? Take a look at all our energy-saving advice to find out more!