Should I have a payment meter installed or stick with monthly direct debits?

sewbocushions

Hi,
Sorry if this question has been asked loads of times before but I can't see a thread about it. My friend pays for all her gas and elec using a card that she tops up weekly. She says that although it is supposed to be slightly dearer paying that way she finds it better in the long run as she can keep track of all the gas and elec they use in their house. I'm wondering if I should adopt this method instead of paying monthly direct debits. What are everyone's views about it please, I'm wary as I don't won't to be paying even more??

bryanb

If you are a lowish user Ebico charge the same rate for all customers no matter how they pay, including prepayment meters. If not a low user they still charge the same but may not be the cheapest supplier.

KimYeovil

Do you not have access to your meters? If you want to keep track of your usage, why not just keep notes that way? A lot more flexible. Why not try that first (and, if necessary, see if you can cut usage 'voluntarily' when you choose rather than when the meter runs out.)

Unless you have a very low consumption or you do not have the discipline to maintain a buffer in your bank account to avoid charges then I can't see why you would want to change.

Can you explain more what you think the advantages would be?

sewbocushions

To be honest Kim I'm not really sure what the advantages would be! My friend said she saves money that way by keeping track of how much they use. She said she reads the meters a lot and keeps track of the usage in a note book. Maybe I'll just try your idea first although I do think we couldn't cut down much more than we do. I rarely put the hot water on (gas) and try to turn off lights and not use stand by etc but like most people our bills are horrendous. Thanks to you both for the tips.:beer: