How do you get pre pay gas and electric meters?

Sunny_Bear

Id like to think about having these put in, we rent so im not sure we would be allowed? Do you have to pay?

Also, they have extimated our electric and I think its way out, would I have to catch up first then get the meter? Im not sure how my land lord would feel about this though?

blind-as-a-bat_2

You dont need the landlords permision, no need for him to even know.

As for getting one fitted, they only used to fit them if you where in arears and could not pay. that may have changed

Any arreares are taken of at a pre-set amount, but be warned they will set that to what they want, thats if you have any arears to carry over that is

Sunny_Bear

Wouldn't the landlord have a fit if he found out though???

Bluebelle72

At the end of the day it's not the landlord that lives in the house so I don't think he would be able to protest, it would be based on what suits the tenant I reckon. If the tenant ever moved out the meters can always be removed again based on the fact that it was and is not the LL's bill. I must admit though, I don't know how but I know people who have got into debt whilst using a prepay meter, my son just moved into a flat and the debt on the meter was over £700 from the previous tenant how the hell a debt was accrued whilst on prepayment is beyond me espesially to that amount! :eek:

skylight

Its up to you, but the landlord would probably be chuffed as it will mean that there should be no bill when you leave for him to worry himself about. Its nothing to do with him, but may be an idea to run it past him first.

Are you sure you want meters? They are not the most cost effective option - most charge you a "rental" fee too, although Ebico are the best for PAYG meters as they charge one rate and no extras.

Bluebelle72

skylight wrote: »

Its up to you, but the landlord would probably be chuffed as it will mean that there should be no bill when you leave for him to worry himself about. Its nothing to do with him, but may be an idea to run it past him first.

Are you sure you want meters? They are not the most cost effective option - most charge you a "rental" fee too, although Ebico are the best for PAYG meters as they charge one rate and no extras.

I agree skylight, meters accrue a hire standing charge (I think) a bit ironic as they are usually used by people who otherwise can't find the money to pay a monthly bill. I had one myself for years when I was with a waster of a man (long story) and we were forever pressing the emergency buttons, we were literally living off the emergency credit!

skylight

PAYGs can still accrue debts if they are not updated with the correct unit charge. So if you have a old one then someone has to come round to change it and there could be many price changes before they get round to visiting!

Modern meters tend to be able to update the unit rate via the key when you top-up.

Oh - as to top-ups, there is a thread somewhere here that the top-up stations were starting to charge 25p per top-up, which is against the current rules (I cannot remember the topup company!) but it does indicate that perhaps the rules are changing as Asda was mentioned on the thread too.

Sunny_Bear

the thing is, we havent set up a direct debit since we moved in as they wanted silly amounts. Me ebing me havent saved any so now have a fairly large gas bill and a rediculously small eclectic bill as they have under estimated. In our last 2 houses we have had meters and its just nice not getting a horrible bill every 3 months.
I think i would need to tell the ll though.

Bluebelle72

Sunny_Bear wrote: »

the thing is, we havent set up a direct debit since we moved in as they wanted silly amounts. Me ebing me havent saved any so now have a fairly large gas bill and a rediculously small eclectic bill as they have under estimated. In our last 2 houses we have had meters and its just nice not getting a horrible bill every 3 months.
I think i would need to tell the ll though.

I would do what you thought was right sunny, if you got on ok with meters before then you will get on well again, the only prob is you will have the meter turned up to pay the debt. have you done/submitted your own reading? have they underestimated a lot?

blind-as-a-bat_2

skylight wrote: »

PAYGs can still accrue debts if they are not updated with the correct unit charge. So if you have a old one then someone has to come round to change it and there could be many price changes before they get round to visiting!

Modern meters tend to be able to update the unit rate via the key when you top-up.

Oh - as to top-ups, there is a thread somewhere here that the top-up stations were starting to charge 25p per top-up, which is against the current rules (I cannot remember the topup company!) but it does indicate that perhaps the rules are changing as Asda was mentioned on the thread too.

That has changed, to meet there liscence all providers must keep the metres up to date, if they dont they must write off any arrears. they must not allow you to get in arrears

As for extra costs, that varies, some providers dont charge extra, and as for unit price mine was lower than my mum's last time i checked, so may offset any 'extra charge' anyway

dreamcatcher73

When i was in arrears with BG with my electric they told me I had to pay to have a prepay meter fitted! Told them I'd just switch suppliers and suddenly they could do it for nothing..