gas and electric switch

julie_walton

I have a pay as you go meter with British Gas for my gas and electricity. I am not in arrears with them, but I work from home as a childminder and it is costing me at least £50 in gas alone every week at the moment. Ive asked them if I can swap to a normal meter and receive bills. They replied that I would find quarterly bills to be the same as pay as you go. Also they said they would need to check my credit rating. I have a CCJ (thanks to my ex--long story). So it seems I have to stay on my pre payment meters. Any advice most appreciated. I realise that with my CCJ I am considered a high risk, but because of this I have a super high rate mortgage, super high rate loan and now super expensive gas and electricity.

Premier_2

julie_walton wrote: »

I have a pay as you go meter with British Gas for my gas and electricity. I am not in arrears with them, but I work from home as a childminder and it is costing me at least £50 in gas alone every week at the moment. Ive asked them if I can swap to a normal meter and receive bills. They replied that I would find quarterly bills to be the same as pay as you go. Also they said they would need to check my credit rating. I have a CCJ (thanks to my ex--long story). So it seems I have to stay on my pre payment meters. Any advice most appreciated. I realise that with my CCJ I am considered a high risk, but because of this I have a super high rate mortgage, super high rate loan and now super expensive gas and electricity.

As you are not in arrears, use a comparison site to ensure you are on the best deals for your gas & electric.

You should not remain with a supplier who is charging you more than needs be. Pre-payment meters are usually charged the same as or even less than standard credit meter tariffs.

t0rt0ise

Trouble is British Gas probably are the cheapest just at the moment. It's good to check every so often though. I know what prepayment meters are like and they are expensive because the standard charge they are similar to is expensive compared with other tariffs. Seems like you are stuck with them though.

macman

As stated, it costs you no more than Standard tariff.
If you are spending £50 pw on gas then something is amiss-sugest you monitor your actual kWh consumption because that is the issue-not the price per unit.
You may be offered a credit meter, but they might want an initial deposit of around £200 for the first 12m.
Monthly DD's are a better way to manage your bills than a quarterly billing.