Hi Malcolm, thank you for your review! We currently do not use smart meters however, this is in process for us to be able to do so won't be much longer. We do not increase your tariff if you're on a fixed rate deal. This means the rates remain the same throughout the contract and when you are within your renewal period, we will email you renewal offers. The rates only increase or decrease if you are on a variable rate tariff. If you're payments are not enough to cover your usage, they maybe increased to help cover your usage and prevent the account falling into any deficit. If you have any concerns or queries, please do call us on 03455 577878, email us at help@utilitypoint.co.uk or use our online chat facility via our website. Thank you, Utility Point.