TL;DR
EDF has confirmed a promotion offering eligible customers up to £80 in free electricity for installing a smart meter and signing up to a time-of-use tariff. The credit is applied to the customer's account after the installation completes.
EDF has confirmed details of an £80 smart meter installation promotion, which credits eligible customers' accounts with up to £80 of free electricity in exchange for installing a smart meter and signing up to a time-of-use tariff. The credit lands once the smart meter is installed and the new tariff is active.
How the EDF offer works
The promotion is open to existing EDF dual-fuel and electricity-only customers who do not yet have a working smart meter. The credit is applied to the customer's electricity account after the smart meter has been installed and the time-of-use tariff is active.
EDF's time-of-use tariff prices electricity by half-hour period, with peak hours typically between 4pm and 7pm and lower rates outside those hours. Customers with electric vehicles or smart heating systems are the typical winners on this kind of tariff.
Eligibility and what the £80 covers
Eligibility requires being a current EDF customer with no working smart meter installed at the supply address. New customers can switch into EDF and qualify after the standard switch process completes, although the timing can affect when the credit lands.
The £80 credit reduces future electricity bills rather than being paid as cash. Customers in credit on their account can request a partial refund of any surplus, subject to EDF's standard refund rules.
How a time-of-use tariff differs from the cap
Standard variable tariffs charge the same unit rate for electricity at any time of day. Time-of-use tariffs vary the rate by half-hour period, with peak hours considerably more expensive than the cap and off-peak rates considerably cheaper.
Customers who can shift consumption to off-peak periods, such as EV charging overnight or running washing machines outside peak hours, can save against the price cap. Customers who cannot shift consumption may pay more on time-of-use tariffs than on the cap.
Smart meter installation in practice
Smart meters are installed by an EDF engineer at an appointment booked through the customer's online account. Installation typically takes around two hours per meter, with the engineer fitting the new meter, demonstrating the in-home display and ensuring the device is communicating with EDF.
Smart meters of generation two (SMETS2) are the current installation standard. Older SMETS1 meters can sometimes lose smart functionality after a switch but most are now operating in smart mode through the Data Communications Company network.
How to take up the offer
Customers can register interest through their EDF online account or app, which then guides them through the eligibility check and the appointment booking. EDF's customer service line on 0333 200 5100 can also process the application.
Comparison sites operated under Ofgem's accreditation, including the Citizens Advice energy comparison tool, can help customers weigh the EDF offer against fixed-rate tariffs from other suppliers. The total annual cost rather than the headline credit is the figure to focus on.
Key facts
- Credit is up to £80 in free electricity.
- Open to existing EDF customers without a working smart meter.
- Time-of-use tariff signup required.
- Smart meter installation takes around two hours.
- Customer service line is 0333 200 5100.
FAQ
Who qualifies for the EDF £80 offer?
Existing EDF customers without a working smart meter who agree to install one and sign up to the time-of-use tariff. New customers can join EDF and qualify after the standard switch process completes.
Is the £80 paid as cash?
No, it is applied as a credit against future electricity bills. Customers in credit on their account can request a partial refund of any surplus under EDF's refund rules.
How does the time-of-use tariff work?
Electricity is charged at different rates throughout the day, with peak hours typically 4pm to 7pm more expensive and off-peak hours cheaper. Customers who can shift consumption to off-peak periods see the biggest savings.
How long does the smart meter installation take?
Around two hours per meter. An EDF engineer fits the meter, demonstrates the in-home display and ensures the device is communicating. Generation two SMETS2 meters are the installation standard.
