British Gas is installing key meters after taking over tenancy - bad credit rating?

legal_immigrant

Hi
I read lil bit through here and got my first problem/question solved - apparently pay as you go meters are not more expensive than DD payments (small % discount excluded). That's fine.

But I'd like to know what prompt them to install the key meters after my simple call that I'm a new tenant.
I found out that the previous tenant was with BG both electricity and gas and that was being paid quarterly. I would be more than happy to continue that arrangement should the bills be reasonable.
However after asking me few questions like my previous address and whether I receive any benefits (I don't I work part time) I was informed that they can only propose the key meter based supply for me?

Not too bothered atm but perhaps there's something wrong with my credit rating (shouldn't be any reasons for that to my knowledge - I've lived studied and worked in London ever since I arrived here from Poland - 10 years ago - and never claimed any benefits or was in financial troubles that could have left some trace?). I have a student debt so perhaps that's the problem.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts regarding the credit rating issue as well as the meter installation (it's gonna be in April so perhaps there's time to undo it)
Thanks in advance
Adam

SwanJon

Sounds like it is to do with extending you credit (3 months worth of use before the bill).
Did they go through a credit check with you?

Yes they are the same price as paying quarterly, but DD/online is cheaper and you won't be able to do that. Would you be prepared to change to DD?

I don't think they can force them on you (without a warrant, usually following a debt), try calling back to see if there is another option.

That said, many people prefer the prepayment meters as they can control their spending - especially if they don't want to pay by DD.

Wywth

legal_immigrant wrote: »

Hi
I read lil bit through here and got my first problem/question solved - apparently pay as you go meters are not more expensive than DD payments (small % discount excluded). That's fine.

But I'd like to know what prompt them to install the key meters after my simple call that I'm a new tenant.
I found out that the previous tenant was with BG both electricity and gas and that was being paid quarterly. I would be more than happy to continue that arrangement should the bills be reasonable.
However after asking me few questions like my previous address and whether I receive any benefits (I don't I work part time) I was informed that they can only propose the key meter based supply for me?

Not too bothered atm but perhaps there's something wrong with my credit rating (shouldn't be any reasons for that to my knowledge - I've lived studied and worked in London ever since I arrived here from Poland - 10 years ago - and never claimed any benefits or was in financial troubles that could have left some trace?). I have a student debt so perhaps that's the problem.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts regarding the credit rating issue as well as the meter installation (it's gonna be in April so perhaps there's time to undo it)
Thanks in advance
Adam

Why don't you ask them?
Better than any of us trying to second-guess the reason.

legal_immigrant

Wywth you're probably right. I think I'll let them go ahead - it sounds like a good idea to see what/when I'm paying for with pay as you go meters.
Thanks for your advice guys.

chanz4

SwanJon wrote: »

Sounds like it is to do with extending you credit (3 months worth of use before the bill).
Did they go through a credit check with you?

Yes they are the same price as paying quarterly, but DD/online is cheaper and you won't be able to do that. Would you be prepared to change to DD?

I don't think they can force them on you (without a warrant, usually following a debt), try calling back to see if there is another option.

That said, many people prefer the prepayment meters as they can control their spending - especially if they don't want to pay by DD.

They have a right to refuse to supply or to fit a pre-pay.

SwanJon

As it is a move in, they already supply the customer (deemed contract).
I'm under the impression that to remove supply or fit a prepay without the customers permission they would need a warrant. I can't see a warrant being granted without a debt or safety issue, and there is neither here yet.
The nature of the industry is that for an existing supplier to 'refuse supply' is incredibly awkward and rare - they need to pass the supply onto another supplier.

bengal-stripe

legal_immigrant wrote: »

However after asking me few questions like my previous address and whether I receive any benefits (I don't I work part time) I was informed that they can only propose the key meter based supply for me?

Don't they usually ask for a deposit if they have no track record for a new subscriber?

They did in my case (admittedly twenty years ago), the deposit was refunded some twelve months later.

spacey2012

Try one of the other many suppliers.
It is not unknown for them to claw back previous debts or previous users via these meters.

macman

They're not PAYG meters; They're pre pay (PPM's). Subtle difference.

chanz4

SwanJon wrote: »

As it is a move in, they already supply the customer (deemed contract).
I'm under the impression that to remove supply or fit a prepay without the customers permission they would need a warrant. I can't see a warrant being granted without a debt or safety issue, and there is neither here yet.
The nature of the industry is that for an existing supplier to 'refuse supply' is incredibly awkward and rare - they need to pass the supply onto another supplier.

Its an option, they can make the supply shipperless. You also have to take into account they can apply for a warrant to access their meter without debt its just applied for under a different rights of entry

Fire_Fox

They obviously don't want to offer you credit. Have you had any form of credit before in the UK - mobile phone contracts, overdraft facility, credit card? Were you registered to vote at your old address - I believe EU citizens can vote here - were your bank statements going to the same address? It's may be you pretty much don't have a credit rating, neither good nor bad just none. Student loans company stuff doesn't go on your credit file AFAIK.
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/credit-rating-credit-score

Your landlord may be mightily p1ssed off if you let a keymeter be fitted, IMO bring it to their attention or offer to pay a lump sum (security deposit) up front to the supplier.
http://www.britishgas.co.uk/pdf/waytopay.pdf