Advice/Input needed - Scottish Power: Pay as you go

Cryptix

Hi Everyone,

I've recently purchased and moved into my first house in the last quarter of 2010 and I need some advice or feedback from the good forumites here.

When asked before the purchase went through, the previous owner had told me that the gas and electric was metered, but failed to mention anything about the card and key pay as you go system until the purchase had gone through and I went to collect the keys.

Everytime I've phoned up the provider of both (Scottish Power) they've not given me any choice other than to pay £152 to take the card sytem off the gas, and a further substantial charge to take the key system off the electric, even when I've pleaded and complained! I didn't want this system, yet it's looking like I'm going to have to pick up the bill as a new customer of theirs to take this off. And since they've hiked their prices for the winter it's costing me around £60 for 2 and a half weeks worth of gas, I now haven't got the money spare to do this with the rest of my bills.

I just wanted to know if this is the norm? Or if there's anything I can do about it? I've been trying to get through to citizens advice, but working a 6 day week makes it very hard!

Any feedback, input or advice is very much appreciated.

Thank you,

Phil

Tupperware_Queen

If I were you I'd ring round some suppliers and see if they will change you to standard credit meters for free, or for a reasonable price. Because you have no previous record of good bill paying at a previous address, they may want to credit check you, or ask you to pay a deposit. I have been told that BG will do it for free, but you'll have to see. The prices SP are quoting are astronomical - I beleive the usual cost is about £50 a meter.

According to U switch, you can check what you would save by switching, so you can see how long it would take to recoup the cost of switching meters. For me it would be about 4 months.

When you find a supplier who will do it for reasonable cost, you will need to switch to their prepayment system first, then get the meters changed.

I have just done this myself, I changed from prepay BG to EOn(I was with them at old house, so they did it for free)

hope this helps

cmace2

I have this problem with an electric meter so rung round a few companies: NPower won't take it out until you have been with them for 12 months. Southern Electric charge £52 to take out, will not waiver the fee but may give you some credit to put on the meter. Eon will take out after you have been with them for 3 months. They said they would not charge if the meter was not put in by you, it is normally £50 to take out. British Gas do not charge but it takes about 6 weeks to sort out. EDF energy do not charge but you have to be with them for 28 days before they can take it out. Not sure about the gas meter sorry.

Cryptix

Wow! Thank you both for the replies! I was under the impression you couldn't change while on pay as you go, that is fantastic news.

I'll get on to hunting round for the best deal - thanks again!