How do i get a prepayment removed for free?

NewMat

mrdee0 wrote:

Do let us know how you got on. I too want to have a normal meter. I moved in a few months ago and it came with prepayment. I changed to ebico prepay as they dont charge any standing charge. But then realised its a bitmore complicated as the meter HAS to charge the standing charge and ebico will refund the money quarterly as well as any refund on the tariff as the meter can only charge a few standard rates.
Its too much for me to work out how much im spending etc and dont want to chase over refunds etc.

Apparently ebico will charge about £50 for a normal meters to be put in (maybe more depending onthe work required).

So im looking for a supplier who will swop me to a normal meter. Ive excellent credit rating etc so no probs paying bills on time.

I've been in a very similar situation - just moved into a house with prepayment metres for both gas and electric. We switched to Southern Electric on moving in and as soon as the new account was up and running I was able to make appointments to get both metres changed - no hassle and no charge. I did however confirm all this before I arranged the switch.

Rainmaker123

Having worked in the industry at the time changing suppliers first came into being the rule of thumb IIRC was anyone could change from prepayment to D1/D7/D9 (ordinary meter) providing

1. As mentioned above there must be no debt outstanding on the pre payment meter.

2. Some/Most/All suppliers will credit check you - if you have a poor payment record or don't meet the criteria you may/will need to pay a deposit and/or take direct debit out.

3. One supplier (BG) used to delay change for a month. I came across this when I bought a house with a prepayment meter. Complaint went to OFGEM/Energy Watch (So called manager on call centre refused to change meter when I said I would have to look at another supplier - lets say the meter was changed pretty quickly after that). But beware of dirty tactics. Also BG will use the month rule if they didn't supply you earlier - for the record my previous house was 100% electric and although I had been a BG customer 5 years earlier their computer system didn't have my records (I paid my bills promptly).

Advice would be don't change supplier prior to meter being changed. Reason is much confusion takes place if you do.

Also the Pre Payment v post payment debate. If you are disciplined, take regular readings etc - you will not be caught out. But for some people the pre payment meter is better - it is more expensive however (compared with MDD)