Just moved in, best option now?

karlm

Hiya All,

I have just moved into a rental property.

Both the gas and electric are on prepayment meters with southern electric.

Obviously we dont have any idea of our consumption yet but surely i would be better switching to DD payments anyway?

Its a one bed flat with Gas Central heating and water. Electric Cooker.

Its just me and my GF here i do work from home so need to count that in to.

What plan would you recommend?

Thanks for all the help

Karl

Neil_Jones

Use national averages initially - 16,500kWh for gas, 3,300kWh for electricity. After a year you'll know what your average usage is.
You can't pay by direct debit on a prepayment meter. They'll have to be swapped out for credit meters before this option comes available. If you don't have good credit history meter swapping will almost certainly be chargable, if they'll be swapped out at all by your existing supplier.

karlm

Hiya,

Thanks for the reply.

Yep thats what i meant i thought that if i change supplier they would change the meter back is this not correct?

Thanks

Neil_Jones

karlm wrote: »

Yep thats what i meant i thought that if i change supplier they would change the meter back is this not correct?

Nope. When you change supplier all that changes is the name on the communications from them and the prices. Everything else stays the same, including the meter. It'll get reset through the key for the new prices but it wouldn't be swapped out just for a provider move.

As I said previously, if you want to pay the supplier by direct debit, the meters would need to be changed by the supplier. Those you have now involve regular trips to the local Paypoint outlet to charge them up.

macman

If you want to change to PPM's you may or may not be charged for the work (Usually around £50 per meter). and you may be asked for a first year deposit against the credit meter, dependng on the results of the credit check.
PPM's cost no more than the supplier's Standard tariff.

karlm

Hiya,

Thanks for the reply.

Ah that sucks about having to pay to have them removed as they were there when we moved in.

Would it still work out cheaper via direct debit?

thanks

Karl

macman

But there is a cost to have them changed, you knew they were there when you took on the tenancy...
As already explained, credit meters are only cheaper if you use an online or discounted tariff, standard tariff is the same cost. DD is optional on a credit meter.
You may not have to pay for a meter change, it depends on the supplier.
You'll also need to check with your LL about changing them.

karlm

They never used to be here the past tentant ran up some debt and had to have them installed.

Spoke to british gas they will remove them once i have been with them for 28 days.

Thanks

Karl

macman wrote: »

But there is a cost to have them changed, you knew they were there when you took on the tenancy...
As already explained, credit meters are only cheaper if you use an online or discounted tariff, standard tariff is the same cost. DD is optional on a credit meter.
You may not have to pay for a meter change, it depends on the supplier.
You'll also need to check with your LL about changing them.