How do you get pre pay gas and electric meters?

Merlinexcalibur

Um all I would say in this direction, as everyone else has mostly covered most bases is I would check your tennancy agreement (most I have seen including my own have a clause for this for example; often there is a very good reason the landlord wants to keep the normal meters there hence why it's included) and FAIK (but you would need to check with whichever supplier you went with) you also have to pay to have them removed and retured to normal meters after leaving the property.

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. Ebico seem to offer a fair deal. Only other thing to say would be immensely careful about changing anything in your rented property without your LL's permission. It is always best to get this or run the idea by them for example. It is when you don't tell them problems arise. Just as a discretion. If you are renting through an estate agents for example, may be worrth you clarifying this first.

Just some things to think about more than anything. Not trying to put you off BTW just I can see potential sticky situations arising if you don't tell your LL what you are doing or ask to see how they felt about it.

Mister-D_3

Hi

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned but there is an alternative to prepayment meters which you may want to consider. This not only goes for fuel but are also available for phones and water companies.

For my gas and electricity I have requested plastic payment cards which when used in post office or paypoint allow me to pay towards my fuel bills. At the end of the three months I will have a reduced bill (as I have already paid most of it).

I chose these over prepayment meters because 1) no standing charge 2) no being left in the dark/cold if you run out of credit (and emergency credit) 3) I can choose to pay what I want every month (as long as I understand that I will still get a bill).

This may be an option if you dont have a debt with them and its a great way to budget.

yellowmonkey

Hi

I have used pre payment meters now for over 7 years and I think they are great. I know it probably costs more but as long as you allow enough in your budget for each month they are fine. No big quarterly billls anymore and it allows me to budget month to month.

Just my 2 pennys worth .

ym

lisamummytoarchieplusbump

Mister-D wrote: »

Hi

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned but there is an alternative to prepayment meters which you may want to consider. This not only goes for fuel but are also available for phones and water companies.

For my gas and electricity I have requested plastic payment cards which when used in post office or paypoint allow me to pay towards my fuel bills. At the end of the three months I will have a reduced bill (as I have already paid most of it).

I chose these over prepayment meters because 1) no standing charge 2) no being left in the dark/cold if you run out of credit (and emergency credit) 3) I can choose to pay what I want every month (as long as I understand that I will still get a bill).

This may be an option if you dont have a debt with them and its a great way to budget.

yeah ive got this to. as long as you top up with realistic amounts each week then when the bill comes they just take it out the pot.

as the company im with(EON) doesnt do a DD that is a constint price as it goes up and down in the summer and winter which i think is strange as companies i had been with before i had payed the same amount all year so it covered thought high use in winter and low in the summer. so this way it doesnt cost me any extra and i get to budget.

i used pre pay when i first got my flat (before kiddies) but was constintly looking at the meter and living on emergency. ok i did have my prioritities wrong in them days as i was young and out partying all the time. it was a case of no food in the cupboards but beer in the belly lol

but i do prefere this card as even if im haveing a tight month then i can always pay extra next month and not have to worry about big bills coming in or sitting in the dark

skylight

Not using a card, but I did the same with Eon and do the same now with Ebico (Southern). But instead of a card, I just pay an amount on the direct debit then "top-up" online each month. Well, over the winter period anyway so I don't get behind (Still am a touch!!)

lisamummytoarchieplusbump

hi skylight im doing the race for life aswell on the 14 june at basildon in memory of my mum.

well not so much of the racing maybe able to do a swift walk lol

skylight

lisamummytoarchieplusbump wrote: »

hi skylight im doing the race for life aswell on the 14 june at basildon in memory of my mum.

well not so much of the racing maybe able to do a swift walk lol

Same here. I don't think that I would be able to run with my mass, but as long as I am not last then it will be an achievement.

Although whats worrying me, is that my Mum, who has never run in her life, has joined a running club and is training. I just know that she is planning on running some and leaving me behind to embarass me! I have to buy some running shoes and practice I think.

I am not doing the run in memory of anyone, as I have been so lucky and fortunate not to have been affected.

Anyway - Lisa - best of luck for June!

magicgirl68

Scottish Power do a key thing that you top up. It automatically adjusts for any price increases (apparently!) so you can't run into arrears. If you have any old money o/s it clearly shows on the meter how much you have to pay towards that each week. Just don't ever, ever press the emergancy button, it's a downward spiral from there on!