Cheap Prepay Gas & Elec Article

Exeter63

Currently my electric is 16.86 per unit, and gas is 4.76

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

The cheapest DD tariff in my area has elec at 12.7p and gas at 3.5p. You haven't factored in the standing charge that you'll also pay, to do a real comparison you'll need to put your consumption data into a price comp site.

Ferrety_2

I've just bought a house with a prepay meter supplied by British Gas and immediately made an appointment to have it changed for a standard meter. The appointment time was 12-5 so I had to take a day off work.

I had a phone call at 3.30pm to say they wouldn't be showing up. For this they would pay me £22 and would rebook the appointment in 2 week's time.

I am in the last few weeks of a notice period at my job and had outstanding holiday which my company wanted to pay me for rather than taking it. This means that not only was it extremely awkward to book a day's leave, but I have now lost payment for that day needlessly. British Gas's £22 falls well short of the money I've lost, not to mention having to remain on expensive tariffs for weeks longer.

I made a complaint to which they are yet to reply (6 days and counting). I have no confidence the engineer will show up for the next appointment either.

Would it work out better to switch to a supplier with better customer care and then get the meter changed by them? I wish Ebico changed them for free as I've found them brilliant to deal with in the past.

vivih

I called E-on to try and change my prepay to a normal meter. I was told they would call me back shortly as they had to do a credit check. They did call back quickly, but said I had not passed and couldn't change the meter. When I asked why he said he didn't know. I then registered with Experian and found my credit rating is 996 (the highest rating you can get is 999!!). I can only think that as I have payments set up with in-house depts (but with a different company name) for a couple of creditors, it's showing as me not making payments to the initial creditors and this is what E-on have looked at (I have since amended credit report to ask for this to be considered). I was then told I could try again in 3 months, but I can't see the point: nothing on my credit report is going to be different. Seriously considering switching now.
:mad:

tambam

I have just realised that my key electric meter (which ran out a while ago) is still giving me electricity even though I am not topping up. I looked at the meter and it has no readings on it (maybe battery is gone). but it never stopped giving out electric. What is my legal position on the electric I have been using and what is the best step. I am technically a key meter customer (not billed) so it should have stopped right. Am I liable for what I have been using.

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

tambam wrote: »

I have just realised that my key electric meter (which ran out a while ago) is still giving me electricity even though I am not topping up. I looked at the meter and it has no readings on it (maybe battery is gone). but it never stopped giving out electric. What is my legal position on the electric I have been using and what is the best step. I am technically a key meter customer (not billed) so it should have stopped right. Am I liable for what I have been using.

Yes you're liable. You've consumed a product, you'll have to pay for it.

How they'll work it out we don't know for sure, if the supplier has a decent amount of consumption history for you they should be able to make an accurate estimation.

How long has the meter not been working?

tambam

Thanks Bluebirdman
Um, maybe about 8 months. I've been away travelling and then it just dropped off my radar so I'm not really sure. I am now wondering if I say something or just do nothing.....

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

tambam wrote: »

Thanks Bluebirdman
Um, maybe about 8 months. I've been away travelling and then it just dropped off my radar so I'm not really sure. I am now wondering if I say something or just do nothing.....

It's entirely up to you. They will find out eventually, it's your call how difficult you make it for yourself really. They have to read the meter once every 2 years, so there will probably be a visit at some point in the next 16 months.

bumperbargains

I have just changed my PPM for a credit meter for free at NPower, saving over a hundred pounds. I have been a customer there for a number of years and not had a debt to pay off so this may have worked in my favour. However, credit to the chap who dealt with my request, it was quick, pleasant and straightforward. Having only reminding him (gently) that it was discretionary and my loyalty should be considered it was duly confirmed and job done!
Anyone else tried this recently?

Tigbits

Just achieved something I didn't think possible in relation to pre-pay meters. Success entirely due to this website so I thought it only good and proper to share and say thanks.

I am (soon to be was!) an N-Power prepay customer for both gas and electricity since having the meter change forced on me four years ago when I hit a mental 'low' and got into arrears on everything. Have had clear 'lecky since 2012 but the £600 debt on gas was weighing me down. Called N-P today and was told in no uncertain terms that it was NOT Company policy to change any of their meters if there was any amount of debt attached £500 or otherwise, they would only do it for NEW customers. I argued that there were competitors out there who would be prepared to take me and my debt and change meters (provided I could get outstanding amount down to £500). Sorry 'computer says no'!! I asked if there was anyone else who would consider my case given that I regarded myself as a 'vulnerable' customer suffering from depression and anxiety over heating my home in the coming months. To say I heard the whites of their eyes is not an overstatement. Six minute wait while a Manager was consulted ..... and I had a date in my diary for both meters to be changed back to the credit variety with NO charge. Reason given..... 'in the light of the information you've just given us... yadda, yadda....'.

I agreed to enter (and must stick to) a payment plan circa £50 p/m to include debt and usage, but that's less than the £40ish a week I would otherwise have paid for gas credit in the cold months. I now have a choice of four tariffs reducing my unit price from £4.55 to £3.48 (with DD) saving me £150 per year. But more importantly, I now have choices which I didn't have before!

I would urge anyone who has similar worries not to be shy or embarrassed about owning up to mental/psychological issues. I got an almost instant u-turn on a non-negotiable N-Power company policy.

I am indebted to MSE for advice given under 'Utilities' and the slightly darker 'Mental Health' pages. Without this information, I would never have found the courage to challenge the Establishment. I still have a way to go, but I've made a start and am feeling great!