Could I Change the meter

espresso

scottishpower_company_representative wrote: »

espresso

It is true that in most cases a 2-rate meter can be swapped for a single-rate with no alteration to the consumer unit. However it is also true that some multi-rate meter installation require an additional consumer unit and therefore some work may be required. We try to offer advice and assistance on a wide range of topics and tailor it to an individual's circumstances which is why we have asked mtd-142128 for further details if they require assistance.

David

Your advice is incorrect and the OP would be silly to pay SP's fee to change tariff when other better suppliers do not charge this fee!

jaxkesa

espresso wrote: »

Your advice is incorrect and the OP would be silly to pay SP's fee to change tariff when other better suppliers do not charge this fee!

Do you happen to know which suppliers will change a meter for free or let you use a standard tariff? I know E.ON will let you use a standard tariff as I used to be with them.

espresso

jaxkesa wrote: »

Do you happen to know which suppliers will change a meter for free or let you use a standard tariff? I know E.ON will let you use a standard tariff as I used to be with them.

Basically if Scottish is in the company name they charge to change meters. The other companies don't and some (BG, E-ON, nPower and possibly others) will simply add night and day units together if the customer wishes to switch to a single rate tariff rather than stating that their pathetic billing system is incapable of doing this.

BG - No charge
EDF - No charge
E.ON - No charge
nPower - No charge
SP - Charge approx £50
SSE - Charge approx £50

Customers currently with companies that charge should obviously switch first and then request a change to a single rate tariff.

Wywth

espresso wrote: »

Basically if Scottish is in the company name they charge to change meters. The other companies don't and some (BG, E-ON, nPower and possibly others) will simply add night and day units together if the customer wishes to switch to a single rate tariff rather than stating that their pathetic billing system is incapable of doing this.

BG - No charge
EDF - No charge
E.ON - No charge
nPower - No charge
SP - Charge approx £50
SSE - Charge approx £50

Customers currently with companies that charge should obviously switch first and then request a change to a single rate tariff.

That's not what customer focus are reporting.

They say that there is usually a charge with British Gas (although in certain cases this can be avoided), and that SSE do not charge.

http://cfe.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/6364/~/charges-for-a-supplier-changing-a-single-rate-meter-for-a-multi-rate-meter-or

Also, reading this board, I glean that npower may or may not add readings (it may depend on the supply region?) and EDF will not add readings (but do not charge for a change of meter as you say)

espresso

I am glad to read that SSE do not charge to change single/multi-rate meters, however according to this site here they do charge £52 to swap to a credit meter.

You will also be charged £52 per meter. This is to reflect the costs SSE incurs for removal and installation.

[STRIKE]Scottish[/STRIKE] Spanish Power still seem to be the worst supplier in this respect, which goes hand in hand with their appalling customer service reported in various surveys and on this board.

A list of any meter change charges should really be contained in a Sticky and this could be regularly updated by members.

Wywth

espresso wrote: »

I am glad to read that SSE do not charge to change single/multi-rate meters, however according to this site here they do charge £52 to swap to a credit meter. ...

That's a different situation.

Yes SSE do charge to switch from a PPM to a credit meter ... but the OP does not have a PPM.

espresso

Basically Scottish Power penalise customers who wish to switch to the most suitable tariff for their needs, whereas most other suppliers don't.

The best option for the OP is obviously to leave Scottish Power ASAP for a supplier that values their customers and then switch to the best single rate tariff at no charge.

Wywth

espresso wrote: »

Basically Scottish Power penalise customers who wish to switch to the most suitable tariff for their needs, whereas most other suppliers don't.

The best option for the OP is obviously to leave Scottish Power ASAP for a supplier that values their customers and then switch to the best single rate tariff at no charge.

Basically if you are not a customer of Scottish Power (or British Gas, or any other supplier that levies a charge), then you are paying the cost of anyone wishing to change their meter whenever they want

As for what the best option would be for the OP, I cannot say as I do not have sufficient information to make that call (and I suspect you don't either )