We’ve started installing smart meters in our members’ homes.
In August 2018, we announced that we’d be rolling out smart meters by the end of the year. Unfortunately, industry-wide software complications meant we had to delay our smart meter roll out until January 2019.
You’ve waited patiently while we ironed out the creases to make sure our new second generation smart meters are working as they should. So thanks for sitting tight.
Lots of you are keen to know how and when you can have a smart meter installed. We’ve done our very best to answer your questions here.
If anything has been left unanswered, please do join the discussion below.
“I’ve signed up to the smart meter waiting list. When will I get my smart meter installed?”
If you’re on the smart meter waiting list and eligible for an installation, you should hear from us before Easter 2019.
Eligibility and the exact time we get in touch will depend on a few factors including:
- Engineer availability in your area
- Smart meter signal coverage
Right now we’re prioritising people on the waiting list, as they’ve shown an active interest. But we’ll be quickly increasing the number of installations in the coming months.
“I’m not on the smart meter waiting list, can I still join?”
Yes! There’s a quick form to complete if you’d like to join the smart meter waiting list. When we’re ready to start installing in your area you’ll be the first to know.
“How do I book a smart meter installation?”
If you’ve joined the waiting list, we’ll double check that there are engineers available in your area and that there’s smart meter signal coverage.
If everything looks good, we’ll send you an email with a link to book your installation.
You’ll be able to select a date and time for the engineer to arrive. Once the engineer does arrive, the installation takes around 2 hours, and someone over the age of 18 will need to be home in that time.
“Someone I know has been invited to book an installation, and they’re not on the waiting list. How come?”
We want as many people as possible to get the benefits a smart meter can bring. Some areas of the country have a good signal, and engineers available, but not many people on the waiting list. To make the most of the opportunity, we’re inviting people who perhaps didn’t know there was a list to get a smart meter installed.
“If I’ve joined the smart tariff, can I switch back to the vari-fair?”
Yes. If you’ve signed up for our beta smart tariff, you can switch back to our vari-fair tariff at any point, even if you’ve had a smart meter installed.
You’ll need to drop an email to hello@bulb.co.uk or call us on 0300 30 30 635 between 9am and 6pm on weekdays.
It will take up to two weeks to switch you back to the vari-fair tariff. But we’ll make sure you’re not overcharged during this period.
The smart tariff is a 3-rate tariff that reflects the demands of the grid. It works especially well for electric vehicle owners and is helping people to save by changing the way they use energy throughout the day. You can sign up to the smart tariff or find out more.
“What type of smart meter will you be installing?”
We’re installing EDMI and Landis+Gyr second-generation smart meters.
The engineer will replace your current meters and will offer you an In-Home Display (IHD). The IHD is a small screen that sits in your house. It gives you near real-time data which can help you track how much energy you’re using and how much it costs. Many people have found that by getting a better understanding of how much appliances cost to run, they can reduce their bills.