Changing from Key to Direct Debit

Alex_UK_2

I checked the FAQ but didn't see anything about switching from key electric to direct debit. Which is what I want to do because I heard, and believe it's cheaper. I did a compare the market search.

We moved in and the flat (2 bedroom) had a electric key with NPower, the landlords didn't even know the previous tenant had it installed. He called NPower after I mentioned we wanted to switch, they said it might cost £60 to switch it over (Even tho landlord said, wait we didn't even know it went in!). They then said it *might* cost £60 to remove. He then said (NPower) switching might not be cheaper and said cheapest will probably be a deal, direct debit for 2 years minimum or something. They also said they send someone to interview you...?! I assume because the last tenant might of been bad with payments they put IN the Key to make them pay..

When he told me all that it sounded like NPower didn't like the idea of switching us to Direct Debit because.. maybe they make more money from the Electric Key system?

Total per year for our electric on Key is roughly £1,200. Oldish building, not much insulation, or central heating. It isn't really cold but we leave a heater on all the time in winter. (Small oil heater).

I did a quick comparison site thing, but we're using a Key and got confused..

My question is, what do I do next? Ring NPower and say, yeah switch me to Direct Debit, put me with...

Any advice is appreciated!

macman

PPM's cost the same as the supplier's Standard tariff, so maybe 4-6% more than an online discount tariff on fixed monthly DD.
The typical cost to switch is £60 per meter.
Did you obtain your own key fron NPower? If not, you may be paying someone else's debt.

Wywth

Alex_UK wrote: »

I checked the FAQ but didn't see anything about switching from key electric to direct debit. ...

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/switch-prepaid-gas-electricity

Alex_UK_2

macman wrote: »

PPM's cost the same as the supplier's Standard tariff, so maybe 4-6% more than an online discount tariff on fixed monthly DD.
The typical cost to switch is £60 per meter.
Did you obtain your own key fron NPower? If not, you may be paying someone else's debt.

We got the key and registered with them. I think they had trouble with previous owner not paying, so they put in the key.

Atidi

macman wrote: »

PPM's cost the same as the supplier's Standard tariff, so maybe 4-6% more than an online discount tariff on fixed monthly DD....

I don't think that is entirely correct.

Yes PPMs charge about the same as a suppliers standard tariff. (on a pay quarterly by cash/cheque basis)

However Martin suggests a consumer on a credit meter could save about £250 on a typical £1200 annual bill - thats over 20% saving.

Ok, that may also involve a change of supplier ... but I see tariffs from the same supplier that would vary my annual cost by a lot more than just 4-6%

Alex_UK_2

Is it best to ask them to *just* to remove the key meter, and then switch to whoever is cheapest? (might even be NPower)

t0rt0ise

If Npower are going to charge you to change the meter, you might want to call other suppliers and see who will change it for free, then move to them and get it changed. Then you can move again to the cheapest supplier or stay as you like.