Help me get off prepay meter

Ingah

I live with my partner's family at this moment (have been for a while), and plan to do so for at least the next few years. I have noticed that they could really do with an extra few quid, and i've decided a good way to help them would be to get them off a prepay meter, onto the cheapest DD online deal i can.

They've been on this prepay meter for years, with SWALEC, because they had some problems with debt a few years ago when one of her parents lost their job. They are the nicest people you can find though, and i want to help them, as they've helped me more than anyone else ever has.

Of course, due to their debts, their credit histories aren't good, and probably not good enough to get the credit meter in their own names. However, mine is very good, and i'd figured if i took over the gas and electricity, in my name i could use my credit to get them a cheap online deal in my name, paid from my bank, and could take it out of the money i give them to cover what i cost them each week. They're happy with this.

However, i've been on energyhelpline and it seems there is no option to move to a credit meter on the site when you put in you're currently on a prepay meter. So i'm not sure how to deal with this, as i'm essentially planning to be a "new customer", but i want to compare and get the best deal possible, and have a credit meter installed. I've read the MSE article, but it doesn't really tell you what to do in this circumstance.

I figured surely someone's been in this sort of situation before (perhaps just moved in somewhere with a prepay meter and wants to go on the cheapest credit meter deal, ASAP?)

Phil_GT

i would phone the supplier of choice, tell them you've taken over the property utilities and ask them to put the bills into your name

also ask them to put you on a credit meter, however some companies will ask you to pay a lump sum up front as a gaurentee you wont run a huge bill up and split, however i think you do get this back after a while.

worth a shot

Alioth

Hey. There's a lot of information on here, just do a search. I'm on prepayment meter in my rented flat due to previous tenants. The way to get rid of it is to phone the energy company and ask for it to be removed. Depending on the company, they may charge you a fee, a deposit, or do a credit check. If the energy company does not agree to remove the meter (or wants you to pay), the best option would be to switch to pay as you go with British Gas, who do remove meters for free after a credit check (don't mention this when you're switching ). In my case, BG didn't remove it because I wasn't on the electoral roll (just moved in) and now I need to wait 6 months before I'm allowed a credit check again.
Good luck!

Edit: So probably if you do take over the bills you need to make sure that you're on the electoral roll as well.

chanz4

Some companys may also ask for a tennancy agreement, and may check with the issuer. If council becarefull as they may acuse them of subletting

fallenxiii

Hi,

I know this forum is long dead but if Ingah managed to get off the prepayment meter I'd be interested know the outcome and at what cost!

Thanks

Jack

GiraffePC

The most likely company to allow this is Ebico as it's part of its ethos.
I've been with Ebico for a few years (went there due to prices: no standing charge or front-end loading).
Just used Energyhelpline to compare prices and if I switch I can save -£13 p.a! Not good. EDF's is even worse. For a heavy user, other tariffs might be better but for me, paying atm ~£410 p.a., Ebico is the cheapest.
https://www.ebico.org.uk/