Help needed please

Merryn

Hi,
I'm new to forum though used the site often.
My problem is I take on tenancy of a new flat on Mon {26th Nov}
not moving in until 17th Dec.
I need an energy supplier but I'm not switching because I haven't had energy supplier for last 5 yrs {been living with/caring for relative}. There's lots of info on switching but I've no idea how to start from scratch or who with. I'll have gas and electric. Previous tenant had key meter which I don't want. Help needed please.
Thank you in advance:)

recoverydust

You may have to pay to have the key meter taken out, and if you are a tenant you may not be able to do that.
We just rang the current suppliers, gave meter readings and took it from there.

Merryn

Thank you recoverydust.
I'll find out who the supplyer is and ring on Monday.
The flat is owned by my local council and as I'm disabled and pretty much housebound {the reason I'm moving} I can't reach
the key meter or get out to put money on it.

recoverydust

In that case I think you have to raise this with your housing officer, there may be a way for the cost of moving the meter to be seen as an adaptation.

Fire_Fox

Ask the council to replace the key meter at their cost on the grounds you cannot reach it, you can see if the supplier will change it as you are disabled but they usually charge. Not sure if you can get 'no standing charge' tariffs for key meters but if you can get on one for the first couple of weeks whilst you are not living there.

Merryn

Thank you so much to all who answered, never been in this situation before. Appreciate your help

macman

You are in a deemed contract with the existing suppliers from day one. You can't switch until you have first registered with them.

undaunted

You will (assuming this is not the best supplier for you) in fact be "switching" once you move in as there is a supplier to the property at the moment (it's matterless you not having previously been a customer of anyone at another address).

I suggest you contact the exisiting supplier before you move in & see whether you can arrange to have the meter changed as you move in. Ensure you tell them that you are a disabled customer as I believe the supplier may then do so without charge or argument.

Even if they were to refuse some suppliers will change meters for free for all customers so bare this in mind when looking to negotiate a switch

advantix

EON will change key meters to credit meters for no charge, whether your rent or own, and even if you have only been in the property for 1 day. The only proviso is that you consent to and pass a credit check. Even so, with a disability and / or vulnerability in the property, if EON is the current supplier, i believe they will swap the meters free of charge even if you do not pass the credit check as if you are disabled and cannot access the meter 24 hours a day then you cannot have a prepayment meter. I'm sure a EON rep on this board would be able to clarify this

Wywth

Details on changing from a PPM to a credit meter from all of the major suppliers here:

http://www.moneysupermarket.com/c/news/how-to-switch-from-a-prepayment-energy-meter/0014939/

If the current meter location is not accessible to you, it should be possible to have it moved

Merryn

Many thanks to everyone.
My OT has taken up cudgels on my behalf.