Can't switch elec supplier because of economy 7 meter type!?

jamie304

I recently moved into a flat and tried to move from the existing supplier npower to Scottish Power. We are currently on economy 7 and have storage heaters.


However Scottish Power said they can't accept us as customers because our meter type is not compatible with their pricing arrangements.

When I queried this I was told we "would need to change to an economy 7 meter with a time code switch 811" but that this might not be economic for us given our heating system type.

What does this mean - I didn't realise there were different types of economy 7. How would our heating on a meter without a time code switch 811 be cheaper than on economy 7 with a time code switch 811.

Would we be able to switch supplier at all without changing our meter :huh:

Premier_2

I guess they are referring to the Meter Timeswitch Code (MTC)

This can be identified from your MPAN or supply number as shown on your existing bills. e.g. in the example below it is 111



More information on MTCs can be found here:

http://www.mrasco.com/ewcommon/tools/download.ashx?docId=1252

Essentially if the MTC is not in the region 800-999 (or 500-509), then a new supplier will have difficulty in identifying what type of meter you have, hence why they probably wish to change it.

If you are certain you are on E7 tariff now, then you should be able to directly compare that to E7 from any other supplier in terms of cost, but they may need a new meter to be installed.