Questions about electric Pre-Payment meters

WLITC

Okay, we have just moved into a property (renting) this weekend only to discover that the electric is on a pre-pay meter with British Gas. I've never really used pre-pay before and have to say I’m annoyed because it’s a bit of a hassle. However, all the flats in the building are pre-pay (Gas is thankfully with Npower on a normal meter though) and therefore I'm not sure the landlord would be open (if its possible) to switch to a non-pre paid meter.

Assuming for what ever reason we have to stick with pre-pay I have a few questions :-

1. Should I really be bothered? I’ve heard they are more expensive, is this actually true?
2. If they more expensive, is it really enough to be of concern.

To top up the current meter is a little peg type thing that you take into a shop with a Pay Point sign and they charge it up and then put back in the machine.

3. Will I need a new peg type thing to charge up if I switch? And also, do Pay Point charge up for all service providers as I was hoping to switch if possible to Ebico.

BexTech

I'd just call up British gas and tell them you want a pre-payment meter, the meter isn't the property of your landlord, so don't worry about them.

astonsmummy

you might get charged if u want to switch meters, i just put £20 on my 'key' which lasts about a month, not sure if there is price difference or not but to me it's easier.

You can switch at any time the company u switch to will send a new key

BexTech

Some providers might charge if you haven't been with them for a while, British gas didn't charge to switch meters, plus the address would have been with them for awhile. Powergen the last I heard wanted to charge to switch out meters unless being with them for 3 months at least.

Yes, you can switch anytime and a new key will be sent.

Pre-payment meters are nasty, and too much hassle, three times we've moved into homes with them, but every time got the swapped out for proper meters for free.

WLITC

when someone new moves into a property that has an electric pre-pay meter, do you normally let the company know? I ask because I know the landlord has informed the gas company and the council that we have moved in and to bill us, but I'm wondering whether there is a need or if he's likely to have done the same for the electric, even if its a pre-pay meter. I'm assuming that if he hasn't or doesn't need to, then I can immediately contact an alternative company and get them to take over the pre-pay meter? Yes?