Best way to get rid of prepayment meter?

factoryworker

gemmabe wrote: »

Is that invitation open to me? I definitely canNOT afford tea at Claridges myself, but am happy to drink the tea and scoff *ahem* the scones in return for your being able to delight in my good dress sense and tight pockets.

that sounds like an indecent proposal; rarely lost for words so i'll keep typing and hope my blushes abate and sense restores.....seriously, no, because i haven't besmirched you; I'm not in a position to have 'Tea' at Claridges ordinarily/budget wise, but potentially i have besmirchid Swanjoy, so i would pay the price for a loose (false) tongue.

That said someone with 'good dress sense and tight pockets' (?) sounds attractive and i may find myself making a indecent proposal......i've never been on a dating sight....just learnt don't need to....just be wrong and/or contreversial on the gas and electricity forum and offers will flow quicker than voltage to your meter!!!!

factoryworker

gemmabe wrote: »

You know, if this were down to me - i.e. it was me that had to have the prepayment meter fitted - I would have no problem dealing with the consequences. It is just the fact that I am being penalised by the previous tenant having the prepay meter installed that bothers me really. If there had been a credit account previous then I wouldn't be having any of this hassle.

There are definitely improvements to be made.

that is the crux of it, and if i may say so, why so many people have posted to offer solutions along with your positive rather than 'its their fault' attitude


there are numerous rules/requirements/fees that don't stand scrutiny to common sense, and there are a lot of people on this forum that want to change that, including employees of energy companys, but are not empowered to do so officialy; until change happens posters will advise and circumvente.....

factoryworker

gemmabe wrote: »

Thanks, SwanJon!

Yes I have thought of doing that but will I not be in the same position with another supplier re. the credit check?

I do want rid of the meter but there is no way whatsoever I can afford to pay a £300 deposit if it comes to it...especially considering my usage is really low anyway - I live alone, etc.

i think what Swanjon was suggesting was cancelling immediately and then going online though a cashback website to exactly the same supplier; i.e £30-£110 quid for nothing and same supply...v.good advice

gemmabe

factoryworker wrote: »

i think what Swanjon was suggesting was cancelling immediately and then going online though a cashback website to exactly the same supplier; i.e £30-£110 quid for nothing and same supply...v.good advice

Yes, that's a point. Just have to check no cancellation charge on the new plan I order (for if I want to switch to another supplier) but worth a try. Of course, they may not honour the cashback but we will see.

factoryworker

gemmabe wrote: »

Yes, that's a point. Just have to check no cancellation charge on the new plan I order (for if I want to switch to another supplier) but worth a try. Of course, they may not honour the cashback but we will see.

yes check, but my advice, UNTIL you have you meter exchanged is to stay on suppliers standard rate (or no ties rate) until exchanged-you will still cashback, maybe less, but get your meter sorted thats the priority, once thats done go back and pick the best deal with cashback (don't let cashback dictate the deal) ; once your totally sorted, and on the best tarif, maybe you will be able to afford tea at claridges on the savings (still reccomend a rich footballer though...)

gemmabe

factoryworker wrote: »

yes check, but my advice, UNTIL you have you meter exchanged is to stay on suppliers standard rate (or no ties rate) until exchanged-you will still cashback, maybe less, but get your meter sorted thats the priority, once thats done go back and pick the best deal with cashback (don't let cashback dictate the deal) ; once your totally sorted, and on the best tarif, maybe you will be able to afford tea at claridges on the savings (still reccomend a rich footballer though...)

Thanks. Poncey, overpaid football players don't really float my boat though. I prefer to earn my own money, fair and square

Not worried about the cashback for now; want the meter exchanged and then I can switch. Just a bit concerned about the credit check but we will see.

E.ON_Company_Representative:_Helena

factoryworker wrote: »

are we sure certain about that- would quarterly bill payment not be acceptable?; runs contrary to OFGEM guidelines regarding restricting choice; would appreciate clarification

Hi factoryworker,

Under some circumstances you would be able to pay quarterly, but this would depend on the credit check and E.ON may also require a security deposit.

Most customers that are changing to credit meters want to pay by the monthly Direct Debit method, but we have a department that will deal with pre-payment to credit exchanges and they will look at each account individually.

Helena.

gemmabe

Hi all

Just a quick update!

I have now cancelled my order with British Gas and am switching to Southern Electric who have assured me that:

1) They will replace the meter free of charge as soon as they have taken over my supply
2) There is no minimum contract term
3) If I fail the credit check I can then either pay £150 security deposit or just make sure I pay by monthly direct debit

Just spoke to British Gas to cancel and they told me the £300 security deposit would not apply if I paid by monthly direct debit anyway :rolleyes:. Oh well, at least Southern Electric will change the meter straight away, and hopefully they won't harrass me with sales calls like BG have been doing :rolleyes:

Thanks for all the advice :money:

davethorp

Amazingly the easiest supplier to get a prepayment meter switched to credit has been missed by the recommendations on here.

EDF energy will remove a prepayment meter for free with no credit check after you have been with them for a month. They've just removed mine.

As long as southern electric dont charge a deposit if you pay by monthly DD there's not much point in the OP cancelling the switch though but its there for future reference

LilacPixie

Interesting thread. I am possibly buying a new home as a private sale. It has pre payment meters which I hate with a passion. I called my current supplier (been with for 23 months monthly DD, in credit) to ask if it is possibly to sycronise moving in date with change over of meters and was told I would have to stay prepayment for 12+months before they would do it despite perfect credit score and an exemplary payment history with them. Helena can you confirm that this is your companies policy?

It's good to know other suppliers will switch over meter with no minimum period,looks like Eon will be losing me as a customer which is ashameas they are the cheapest in my area based on current usage