Changing from DD to prepayment meter

g4fne

I've been with Eon for many years as a DD customer, but i'm back peddling it seems (as i'm sure many are) in terms of keeping on top of the costs. No doubt partly due to being at home all day (i'm my wifes carer) but my monthly outgoing is at breaking point & today i've been informed they need to increase my DD by 30%. I'm £110 in arrears for both elec & gas. I'm not necessarily doubting the costs (i submit meter reading every month online) but for the 2 of us in a 2bedroom bunglalow, time has come to confront head on.

So i'm seriously considering a "pay as i go" type meter. Problem is i know very little about them & would need to be able to top up from interernet as i'm a full time carer at home


How easy is it to change from DD payments to a prepayment meter for gas & electricity ??

Can i top up the prepayment cards online ??

Any general advice appreciated

E.ON_Company_Representative

Hi g4fne,

Prepayment and standard prices per unit are almost like for like, however going on to prepayment would mean you would lose the Direct Debit discount we currently give you.

This will be an even higher amount of discount you could lose if you are currently on a tariff like FixOnline or SaveOnline, these two tariffs offer discounts of around 20% (some higher).

This may not be the best option for you. Depending on the circumstances, I’d think you’d be better off with the current set up, this currently allows you to have a constant supply of energy, with no concerns of the energy not being available.

We currently don’t offer the facility to top up prepayment meters via the internet.

When discussing the increase to the Direct Debit, was it mentioned how long the repayment of the £110 is covering?

The new Direct Debit figure could be less if the arrears are spread over a longer time frame.

On a side note, are we aware of the situation in the property, have we been informed of any vulnerability? If not or if you are unsure let us know so we can make sure you are receiving all the services available.

The best way to reduce this monthly Direct Debit is to spread the arrears over a longer period and try and be as efficient as possible, we can help you with this.

Brian

C_Mababejive

Monthly budget schemes often land people deep in debt by creep. If you are in a marginal position,as you seem to be,better to arrest that growing debt now. Maybe you need to have a look at Ebico or if they wont allow you to transfer,get the PP meter in now. At least you will arrest further debt whilst it is still manageable and then maybe try to switch suppliers?

g4fne

E.ON_Company_Representative:_Brian wrote: »

Hi g4fne,

Prepayment and standard prices per unit are almost like for like, however going on to prepayment would mean you would lose the Direct Debit discount we currently give you.

This will be an even higher amount of discount you could lose if you are currently on a tariff like FixOnline or SaveOnline, these two tariffs offer discounts of around 20% (some higher).

This may not be the best option for you. Depending on the circumstances, I’d think you’d be better off with the current set up, this currently allows you to have a constant supply of energy, with no concerns of the energy not being available.

We currently don’t offer the facility to top up prepayment meters via the internet.

When discussing the increase to the Direct Debit, was it mentioned how long the repayment of the £110 is covering?

The new Direct Debit figure could be less if the arrears are spread over a longer time frame.

On a side note, are we aware of the situation in the property, have we been informed of any vulnerability? If not or if you are unsure let us know so we can make sure you are receiving all the services available.

The best way to reduce this monthly Direct Debit is to spread the arrears over a longer period and try and be as efficient as possible, we can help you with this.

Brian

I have spoken with EON today on a couple of occasions & i am being told that the current £90 that i have been paying for last 12months hasnt covered & needs to increased to £127 per month.
All well & good if i thought this would solve the problem long term, but last year when i increased to £90 i was told this would be a safe amount.
I cant abide debt like this. Due to circumstances i have a very fixed income so to try & find £37 extra a month is a huge task, this for me is my main concern & the fact that i could find myself in a similar situation again next year.
I have been offered no other options from Eon.

I am on energyonline for gas & electrics .... is there a better tarrif ??

E.ON_Company_Representative

Hi g4fne,

I realise it can be difficult to find extra amounts for these increases. I only suggested these options as the overall cost to you for your energy will be less with your credit meter and Direct Debit, rather than prepayment.

As I said before, how long are the arrears spread over? The new Direct Debit amount may be able to be reduced further. :think:

If you email me on the address on the left I’ll take a look and see if I can help. I’ll review your tariff as well.

Brian

g4fne

E.ON_Company_Representative:_Brian wrote: »

Hi g4fne,

I realise it can be difficult to find extra amounts for these increases. I only suggested these options as the overall cost to you for your energy will be less with your credit meter and Direct Debit, rather than prepayment.

As I said before, how long are the arrears spread over? The new Direct Debit amount may be able to be reduced further. :think:

If you email me on the address on the left I’ll take a look and see if I can help. I’ll review your tariff as well.

Brian

Email sent Brian

Premier_2

g4fne wrote: »

... but last year when i increased to £90 i was told this would be a safe amount...

I'm sure you realised when they informed you of this that it would only remain 'safe' as long as (a) the supplier did not increase prices and (b) you did not increase consumption.

The good news is that prices did not increase over the past 12 months, but due to severe cold weather, I suspect your consumption did.

You can keep an eye on consumption by regularly taking meter readings.

You should be able to obtain prepayment meters if that is what you really want (unless your gas is via an IGT which may prohibit a PPM), but ultimately, as explained, you will pay more for the same amount of energy that way.

Joyful

If you are struggling now remember the difference with a PP meter would be putting a lot of money in now and less in Summer. At least with a DD you can spread equally over 12 months.

g4fne

Thanks for all the responses. I have since had a phone call from E.ON Company Representative: Brian & a compromise found :)

E.ON_Company_Representative

Hi g4fne,

Really glad we got things sorted for you! :beer:

Brian