When I switch - Who Reads The Meters?

sparksfly

Hello everyone,

I've decided (at last) to switch from British Gas and Npower to a dual fuel supplier.

I haven't yet decided which one to go to, as I've read that price changes might be announced in the next few weeks.

I've been looking at various supplier packages- in particular EDF, Npower and EON. They all offer online deals with the ability to 'Manage your account online'.
Does this mean that I have to take ALL my own meter readings and email them. The suppliers websites seem rather vague about the responsibilities for online customers.

I still want paper bills and a visit from a meter reader.
Is the online facility simply an option on a 'standard' account that offers voucher rewards etc?

Thanks in advance

lemontart

you should take mtr readings yourself as you will be asked for them by new supplier once you start with them and old supplier will need closing readings also write them down and keep info safe

sparksfly

Thanks lemontart,

Sorry if I wasn't clear, but I meant all FUTURE gas/electric meter readings (every quarter etc), not just the readings when I make the switch.


Thanks

seven-day-weekend

You will, at least with EON, have your meter read every so often, but it is also advisable to take it yourself and enter it online so that you don't get estimated bills. I do mine once a month.

You can print off the bills that appear online if you want a paper bill.

Pink_fluff

As far as I know they will still come and read your meter. I think elec/gas comp's have to read meters once every 2 years. As far as managing your account online... I thought the whole point of that was so you didn't get paper bills?!

sparksfly

No, Pink_fluff, the 'whole point' is to save me money!

As I said in my original post -
'Is the online facility simply an option on a 'standard' account that offers voucher rewards etc?'

Pink_fluff

Sorry

Yes I believe you can get the normal standard account. But I know with my supplier, if you manage your account online you don't get any vouchers etc..

owain.davies

I think the simple answer you're looking for is that the online account managment is an additional feature. It won't affect them coming round to read your meter, as it's a legal requirement for them to do so (although if you're submitting regular reads they may reduce the frequency)

In return for submitting your reads, they may reward you (Nectar points from EDF for instance), but more importantly, it means you'll be getting an accurate, not an estimate, bill every time.