Electric Key Meters and Renting...

rjs_252

Hi all,
I am due to start a new job this monday coming, and as part of that I'll be moving away from home to live in a flat of my own (though I'll be in a B&B for a few weeks whilst the kitchen is done at the flat). When viewing the flat I was told that the electricity is on a key meter and with there being the possibility of spending weeks each month away from my new home for site visits, this situation suits me fine. However, I am rather unsure about how much control I will have over my energy supplier when I move in and whether I need to arrange one before I get there.

Having read various threads on this site, I'm beginning to worry that I'll have no option but to use the supplier provided by my landlady which won't be very cheap (though from what I've read generally cheapness isn't something you associate with prepay meters anyway).

Is there any reassurance out there, or is it more of a case by case deal?

newlywed

We like having a key meter. No unexpected bills, can tell immediately if you're using too much electricity or gas as it runs out

If you are going to be away for some time, you will have to make sure you have enough on the meter to cover the standing charge and electricity for the fridge etc or else if it runs out - no fridge or freezer.

It's a bit annoying having to remember to check what's left on the meter (else it seems to run out when cooking (electric cooker) which is a bit irritating) but you do get used to it.

Our supplier doesn't make any extra charges for customers on prepayment but... you lose the discount given to direct debit customers as you can't do that.

Premier_2

To clarify, when you move in, you will need to accept the current supplier as you will want to turn a light on I guess. As soon as you use the supplier's energy, you'll have deemed supply contracts with them.

However, you can switch supplier. Use the comparsions sites in the resource bar above if you think you know what your expected consumption will be to check.

The landlady may have issues with you changing supplier, so check first, but the fact is as you pay the bills there's not much she can do about it and probably wont even know as long as you switch back to the current supplier before returning the property back to her at the end of the tenancy.