Would love to switch providers but think my mater means i'm stuck with SP-Help!!!

Hairymonster

Hi,

I have tried before to switch energy providers but the companies I have tried to switch to have said that I cant because I have a meter that is specific to Scottish power(energy saver 2000 is what one of them said but it says Horstmann telemeter series 2A on it)

There is a sticker on it that does say Property of Scottish power Plc.

If this is true I cant help but feel this is very unfair and anti-competitive. I moved into my flat(new) 3 years ago so surely picking my own provider should be my right? I find it frustating that I cant change as I have said to Scottish power I am going to switch because there bills are too high(working out £50pm higher than comparison websites). They know that I cant switch so won't even try and match their competitors.

Any info appreciated.... I take it having a new meter installed would be expensive?

Terrylw1

Does it deliver 20 hours off peak by any chance?

I know there are other suppliers that can offer that but because its non standard, its not on comparison sites so you have to contact them.

Don't worry about the label, meters can be bought and sold between asset providers but they won't change them labels. Most suppliers contract the current asset provider anyway but that's all about rental & servicing and not your concern.

Hairymonster

I am unsure to be honest what tariff I am on; when I log in it says product: Standard; when i try to change it to discounted it says "you have entered an invalid product"

Scottish_Power

if you need any help or advice on your tariff or meter type please email me at [EMAIL="onlinecomplaints@scottishpower.com"]onlinecomplaints@scottishpower.com[/EMAIL]

thanks
lee-anne @ scottishpower

jalexa

Hairymonster wrote: »

...I cant help but feel this is very unfair and anti-competitive. I moved into my flat(new) 3 years ago so surely picking my own provider should be my right?

You do have a right but I assume the developer has chosen a type of heating and an appropriate type of metering for the installed heating system. It is not a gimme that a "standard" meter (and supplier choice) will prove cheaper. It is not expensive to get the meter changed if that is what you want to do but you may require to get an approved electrician to reconnect some of your circuits, which would certainly bump up the cost.

For starters take up the Scottish Power reps's offer to identify the metering type and tariff.

Terrylw1

Check what type of meter you have with the rep and then call other suppliers and see what they quote.

All suppliers can support every type of meter out there in terms of registration but they then choose to supply the products they want.

Its unfair and Ofgem should be doing something about...but now they will hide behind Smart metering where no decisions have even been made on things like this.

You could always rewire at your cost but you need yo determine whether you need the current meter first. You are likely in a cold region needing more off peak hours, but there may be other types of meters with sufficient heat bursts you can rewire to if meters like E7 will be worse.

Honestly, blame Ofgem as this issue has been known prior to privatisation.

Hairymonster

I have emailed