Switching from a pre payment meter

Sharon87

Was wondering if anyone could help. I've just moved house into a house share. 5 bedroom house it is. I'm now in charge of all bills, old housemates are about to move out, new ones moving in. The bill is in someone's name who hasn't lived here for at least 6 months.

We have an electric pre payment meter (EDF)
Gas is billed (EON)

I was wondering if I switch to pay by monthly Direct Debit will they need to fit a new meter and will they charge me?

I am looking at nPower's Sign Online 24 tariff, as it is quite cheap and I've used a similar tariff in my old house. Another option is one of the British Gas as they came out cheaper in comparison website.

According to a letter this house used almost 7000kwh in electric last year!! :eek: I'm hoping to cut that way back. Also it said it used 31000kwh for gas!

I've tried comparison websites but they wont let me compare going from pre payment to DD. I hate pre payment with a passion. I've had a good past in regard to previous energy suppliers, so they can trust I can pay my bills!

Just need some advice really...

E.ON_Company_Representative:_Helena

Hi Sharon87,

I just wanted to give you the E.ON info for removing PP meters.

If the meter had been installed to collect a debt that the customer had built up, it is unlikely this would be removed.

If the house is rented you will need to have lived there for 12 months before we would consider removing the meter.

You would also need to agree to an external credit check and pay your future bills by monthly Direct Debit.

If we agree to remove the meter we would charge just over £50 per meter.

If you need any more info, just ask.

Helena

Sharon87

Well looking back through the records that the housemates have kept. The pre payment meter has been there since 2006. So even if it was there for debt that would have been a very long time ago.

If I get my Landlord's permission (which I will obviously do anyway) and get him to write a letter, will this get round the 12 months? I have a good credit history, no defaults/late payments. I just need to transfer my new addresses and get on the electoral role at new place.

I just hate the incovenience of going out to top up the electric, I much prefer Direct Debit.

t0rt0ise

You could call British Gas and ask if they'd change the meter for you if you went with them. They changed mine for free last year. The other suppliers generally charge.

TIMMY85

British gas would change meter free about 28 days after the supply start date. Normal process would be, like Eon, to run a credit check. It may be required that you HAVE to pay by direct debit and you may need to pay a deposit which would be returned when you move out OR after 12 direct debit payments (if none have been missed)