Can I switch if I owe them money?

samtheman1k

Fencing-fanatic wrote: »

Hi

Thanks for the replies. I realise it is partly our fault and do expect to have to pay that money. I was just wondering if there was some way of switching whilst still paying them back over time.

Yes there is, pay what you own on a credit card, then pay the credit card back over as much time as you like...?

davidgmmafan

I've heard of this suggestion that the new supplier may be able to take on the debt but honestly believed it would only apply to a prepayment meter. Why would a company want to take on a credit customer with a debt? Its insane.

In terms of helping the OP the supplier can object if there is a balance owing. However I believe if the balance is disputed they can't do this. Also some suppliers systems are a bit naff and won't object where there is a Direct Debit in place. This isn't guaranteed to work but may be worth a shot.

If not go onto thier best tariff (online usually) if there are no tie ins, pay off the balance ASAP and switch to best deal later on with someone else.

roy_harper

British Gas will consider a debt of under £200 in some cases, not all.

If you find it slips your mind, you could get a key meter fitted, by the company you are with just now.
They come out and fit it and give you a key that you top up at a local paypoint. But the helpful bit is that they set the meter to take a small amount of the debt each week - can be as low as £3.95 per week.

The only thing is you'll be feeding the meter quite a bit over the winter months - which can be a pain, but at least you won't get into worrying trouble again.

t0rt0ise

Hooloovoo wrote: »

I was going to say this as well. I think even you are over estimating the time required. I would say it takes me less than one minute to jot down the meter readings and enter them online. I do this on the first of every month.

Well bully for you. You have no idea at all what the circumstances are for other people. Even the meter reader can't read my electric meter because he doesn't bring a ladder. I have to get ours for him and carry it down the three flights of narrow, bendy stairs and back up again. Takes more than a minute for little ol' me. Haha.. when the guy came to change the meter he said rather loudly "Jesus Christ" as he balanced precariously on the top of his step ladder. Just don't presume everyone is nimble and agile as you!

prosaver

t0rt0ise wrote: »

Well bully for you. You have no idea at all what the circumstances are for other people. Even the meter reader can't read my electric meter because he doesn't bring a ladder. I have to get ours for him and carry it down the three flights of narrow, bendy stairs and back up again. Takes more than a minute for little ol' me. Haha.. when the guy came to change the meter he said rather loudly "Jesus Christ" as he balanced precariously on the top of his step ladder. Just don't presume everyone is nimble and agile as you!

why dont you get him one off those kids periscopes :rotfl:

no seriously he could sue you if he falls...you supplying the ladder an all

davidgmmafan

I was aware you could switch with a prepayment meter with a debt of £200 of less, but have never seen it done on a credit meter. Doesn't seem like a very sound business plan to me

BTW if readings have been ignored and it went on for long enough the back billing policy may apply.

Hooloovoo

t0rt0ise wrote: »

Well bully for you. You have no idea at all what the circumstances are for other people. Even the meter reader can't read my electric meter because he doesn't bring a ladder. I have to get ours for him and carry it down the three flights of narrow, bendy stairs and back up again. Takes more than a minute for little ol' me. Haha.. when the guy came to change the meter he said rather loudly "Jesus Christ" as he balanced precariously on the top of his step ladder. Just don't presume everyone is nimble and agile as you!

My apologies for not expecting such silly and unusual circumstances.

prosaver is right ... you are on dodgy ground supplying him with a ladder. Which idiot installed a meter in such a daft location?

I maintain my original argument that for the majority of people it takes mere seconds to jot down a meter reading and enter it on a website once a month. I don't care how busy you are most people could do it while waiting for the kettle to boil.

t0rt0ise

prosaver wrote: »

no seriously he could sue you if he falls...you supplying the ladder an all

Probably some truth in that. I'll not offer to help next time and see what happens. I can supply my own readings but it will be interesting to see if they ever do read it themselves.

Hooloovoo

t0rt0ise wrote: »

Probably some truth in that. I'll not offer to help next time and see what happens. I can supply my own readings but it will be interesting to see if they ever do read it themselves.

I would imagine it's up to the householder to ensure the meter is in a position that they can read it without any special equipment.

t0rt0ise

Hooloovoo wrote: »

I would imagine it's up to the householder to ensure the meter is in a position that they can read it without any special equipment.

Oh great.. now you want me to pay hundreds to get the thing moved. I'm glad you're not making the rules.