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Switching to Credit Meter - delays

arism74
arism74 Posts: 58 Forumite
Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker
Hi there

I moved to this flat in the middle of August and within the first few days I made some phone calls in order to switch from a prepaid meter to a credit meter for both gas and electricity. I called EDF as it seemed to be the best provider for me according to comparison websites and the MSE website.

They sent me letters on the 16th of August saying that the switch from the previous provider to them would be 11 Sep (electricity) and 18 Sep (gas), then I need to stay with a credit meter for 28 days before I switch to a credit meter.

Wednesday (17/10) was 28 days after the second date, I called them and the earliest appointment they could give me was 8 November!

I'm literally counting the days before I switch to credit meter as I can tell that prepaid is more expensive by how often I have to top up (first time I'm on prepaid meter). I'm on low income these days and saving money is quite important.

I understand the first delays are quite common, but my question is, do I have the right to request that they give me a 'partial refund' for these additional three weeks? Something like, they provide an estimate of how much it would cost if I was on credit meter from 17/10 until 8/11 and refund the difference between that credit and how much I'll have paid until then?

Thank you for your time
Aris

Comments

  • Wywth
    Wywth Posts: 5,079 Forumite
    You have the right to request it
    They have the right to deny your request

    :)
  • chanz4
    chanz4 Posts: 11,057 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Xmas Saver!
    Simply no you dont, just like they dont have to give you a credit meter
    Don't put your trust into an Experian score - it is not a number any bank will ever use & it is generally a waste of money to purchase it. They are also selling you insurance you dont need.
  • macman
    macman Posts: 53,129 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    A PPM costs the same as the supplier's Standard tariff, so you'll save no more than 4-6%.
    No free lunch, and no free laptop ;)
  • Gavin_C
    Gavin_C Posts: 75 Forumite
    macman wrote: »
    A PPM costs the same as the supplier's Standard tariff, so you'll save no more than 4-6%.

    So are you suggesting, that in the myriad of tariffs some suppliers currently offer, none offer a saving to the consumer greater than 4-6% off the standard variable (expensive) tariff of that supplier?

    :huh:
  • Wywth
    Wywth Posts: 5,079 Forumite
    Gavin_C wrote: »
    So are you suggesting, that in the myriad of tariffs some suppliers currently offer, none offer a saving to the consumer greater than 4-6% off the standard variable (expensive) tariff of that supplier?

    :huh:

    No, that wouldn't be correct.

    Many suppliers typically offer 4-6% discount on any of their tariffs just for electing to pay monthly by DD (where this is an option).

    Of course there are much bigger savings to be had by switching to a more competitive tariff. The average consumer on a typical £1200-£1300 p.a standard tariff bill can usually get that down to about £900-£1000p.a. by using a comparison site
    So about 20% typical saving, it may be more. :)
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