Payment timing on Pre-pay meters

Honda2ner

Hi, I have pre-pay meters that I don't want changed as I plan to rent the house out in a few years time anyway.

The meters aren't smart (still needs a meter reader person to visit occasionally) so what would happen if I purchased extra gas and electric just before the prices are going to rise? Would that pay for a very large chunk of the more expensive power at the old lower price or is the pre-pay system smart enough to catch this and "backdate" the price increase on my next purchase?

Anybody have a clue?

Thanks.

eurmalian

The prices wouldn't change until you topped up again and I'm fairly sure they wouldn't backdate on the meter, however, your supplier may well spot what has been done and would then bill you for the difference if it was anything substantial. Potentially I think they could also charge extra for the investigation they've undergone as, while I'm no lawyer so not certain, I'd guess you would technically be committing fraud at that point. And if you've changed your purchase pattern to make several large top ups just before the price increase and then suddenly stopped completely, it would be hard to argue it was accidental...

spiro

When you top up you put £s on the meter not units. What happens the first time you vend after a price increase is that the new tariff will then apply to your meter so the number of units you get per pound will change. Also remember meters do have a maximum amount that can be held on them.

Not sure if the supplier would find/do anything when they issue your annual statement.