Removing electricity key meter

whittboy

I am currently in the process of buying a house, I noticed when I was viewing it that it has a key meter for the electricity which I will want to have removed. I was just wondering if anybody knew if this is easy and if it will cost me anything?

Thanks

brewerdave

Tell your solicitor that you want it removed as a condition of the sale before exchange/completion. Then it costs you nothing!!!

Joyful

If you move into a property with a prepayment meter the supplier will wish to run a credit check on you or you may have to pay a security deposit.

If the PP meter was fitted for the current owners debt they may not allow them to change it back.

If you are stuck with it make sure you advise the current supplier at least 3 days before you move in so they can send you a key to reset the meter.

advantix

If you have a current property you are paying an energy supplier for and you have a good standing with them (ie no debt, always paid ontime etc) then they MAY change it for free if you let them supply the new property. Some suppliers will change the meter if you have purchased the property regardless of what the meter was installed for (they may want to see proof of ownership first). As stated above there may be a charge, a credit check and may also insist on monthly DD payment

angeelu

I have been in a similar situation having moved into a house in January this year with a prepayment meter from EOn. They wanted to charge £50 to change. Today I called EDF and they will currently change the meter for free, however you have to be a customer with them for one month, therefore that's what I'm doing.

adprob

brewerdave wrote: »

Tell your solicitor that you want it removed as a condition of the sale before exchange/completion. Then it costs you nothing!!!

This may not work as the supplier might refuse to remove for the current occupiers, due to debt / previous history.

The suppliers will also probably run a credit check on you but seeing as you are getting a mortgage this shouldn't be a problem.

cajef

We moved into a property last year which had prepayment key meters for both gas and electric, we had been with our previous supplier for over eight years, we contacted them, they arranged transfer to them and then replaced the meters for us free of charge.

tori.k

Powergen wanted to charge me for removing a inherited meter, EDF did it for free

whittboy

Thanks for all the responses,

I've never had an account with a utility supplier before, Ive always shared houses and had the bills in flatmates names. A credit check shouldnt be a problem though.

I assumed that all these company's would be fighting for my business, apparently not though and were almost at contract signing so its a bit late to get the seller to do it.

Ill give Eon a shout I guess

thanks again