Moving home with Key Meter

tina_cameron_2

Hi,

I am due to move into my new property which is currently being supplied by scottish Power (Electric) Shottish Gas (Gas)

It currently has a Key Meter with the electric and i am looking to have this removed. I was looking to go with Scottish Power for their duel fuel monthly dd online energy 7 tariff.

They have advised me that i would have to pay £44 labour fee and £150 deposit (refundable after 1 year) is this correct, i don't see why i should be punished for someone else's decision to have a key meter. I have A+ credit history and have had no problems in my previous properties.

Thank you

Mynewt

This is a grwoing trend in the energy market, more so in the current economic climate. Scottish Power and some other providers do charge for the removal of the meter.

When someone comes to exchange your emter it isn't your supplier doing your work - it is an organsiation called a meter operator and they will invoice Scottish Power for the work - so they are basically passing their costs on to you for the work you have requested. Prepayment meters are a source of guarenteed payment, so moving from this to quarterly payment increases their risk hence the security deposit.

From SP perspective they're simply protecting their investment much the same as you might in a variety of different circumstances. They're not punishing you, just protecting thier own interests.

If you are keen on the tarriff you've research it looks like you'll have to foot the bill and security deposit (which you'll get back as, as you say you have a perfect credit history), otherwise you could look at seeing if other providers will arrange the work at no cost to yourself.

It might be possible depending on the availability of the tarriff for you to swap to a supplier get the meter exchanged free and then return to SP on the credit meter. The only snag would be if the tarriff you've looked into is taken off the market before you apply back to SP.

Premier_2

tina_cameron wrote: »

...They have advised me that i would have to pay £44 labour fee and £150 deposit (refundable after 1 year) is this correct, i don't see why i should be punished for someone else's decision to have a key meter. I have A+ credit history and have had no problems in my previous properties.

Thank you

You are not being punished; you are paying for work to carry out the change of meter you desire. (Not all suppliers pass this cost onto their customer though)

The £150 is a security deposit. It will be refunded (assuming bills are paid on time & in full) after 1 year, as you were informed, but did they also tell you they would be paying interest on the deposit?

That deposit is commercial decision the supplier has made when considering if and under what terms they will extend credit to you, even if you consider you have an A+ credit history.