Ridiculous

somerset_jools

Hi,
Just want to warn others about British Gas charges if you "try" to change your pre-pay meters to credit meters.
Was apporached by Sainsburys Energy/ British Gas a few months ago re- switching, l said l'd change if l could go on to a credit meter as l no longer have weekly cash available to feed the meters. They said yes after l'd changed to British Gas pre-pay meters first, then after a month l could request credit meters.
So yesterday l rang to set this up as its been a good couple of months since l swopped supplier.
However, because my credit score wasnt to their liking they said l would have to pay deposits on the new credit meters.......£300 for the gas one and a further £200 for an electric one. Told them there was no way l can pay that. So am stuck with pre-pay meters which l am going to struggle to keep topped up during the winter months.
What else can l do?? Any help gratefully recieved. :eek:

echoecho_2

I suspect not that much. If you kick up enough of a fuss you may get someone who has the authority to bypass the credit score requirements.

If you feel you have been missold follow their complaints procedure which is available at https://www.britishgas.co.uk/complaints

It details what you can do if you are unhappy with the response you receive.

macman

Any account requiring credit may require you to pass a credit check, did you not know that your credit ref might be less than satisfactory?

Cardew

By going to a credit meter BG(or any utility company) are giving you credit that potentially could amount to several hundred pounds.

Whilst your situation is understood, BG are hardly being 'ridiculous' in taking the same precautions as any other commercial firm.

bengasman

somerset_jools wrote: »

So am stuck with pre-pay meters which l am going to struggle to keep topped up during the winter months.
What else can l do?? Any help gratefully recieved. :eek:

You've got to pay what you use one way or the other. Racking up a debt on a credit meter is not exactly the brightest way of solving shortage of funds.
The obvious thing to do, is to run a tighter budget and ditch those things you don't really need like your mobile, cable tv, booze, fags, junk food, and buy lest costly items for what you do need like food and clothes.