Carmichael challenges EDF on imposed inferior tariffs for RTS customers

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today written to the Chief Executive Office of EDF Energy Simone Rossi, to raise concerns about letters written to EDF customers on RTS energy meters in the Northern Isles, who are being forced onto inferior tariffs.

In the letter Mr Carmichael highlighted correspondence received from multiple isles constituents showing that EDF was forcing them onto the more expensive “Standard Variable” tariff, while stating that “today’s smarter tariffs help you participate in the electricity system of the future – but to access them you’ll need a smart meter”. This is despite the fact that thousands of people on RTS meters in the isles have been unable to secure a smart meter due to the mismanagement of the RTS switch-off by the energy companies, and despite energy regulator Ofgem’s new requirement that “the licensee must take all reasonable steps to provide a tariff that leaves the consumer  ‘no worse off’ than their existing arrangement as a result of an RTS meter upgrade”.

Mr Carmichael has called on Mr Rossi to give an urgent response to the issues raised.

Mr Carmichael said:

“For EDF to force their RTS customers onto inferior energy tariffs is utterly unacceptable. It begins to appear as though EDF have pocketed the extension to the RTS deadline while using it as an excuse to bilk the very families they have failed.

“It is all the more galling that these letters talk about the opportunities of having access to smart meter tariffs when EDF – like the other energy companies – have left thousands of families unable to secure a smart meter due to their own fecklessness.

“Ofgem has stated that energy companies should give equivalent tariffs to RTS customers so that no one is left worse off as a result of switching. At best what EDF is doing goes against the spirit of that commitment – at worst it looks like an active attempt to evade the new rules. Ofgem and the government must come down hard on this sly behaviour.”