Changing from key meter back to normal meter

HeadouttheSand_2

Hi all

After getting into some financial difficulties we reluctantly agreed to our electricity supplier installing a key meter for our electricity to help us pay off the debt we had accrued.

We paid off the debt over a year ago and yesterday I called the supplier to ask them to switch the meter back to a normal one so we could hopefully reduce our monthly outlay on electric.

To cut a long story short they said they would only do it after a credit check which (due to our history) we failed. I found this discriminatory because if we moved into another property and that had a standard meter, they would accept us without a credit score.

24hrs later I am still waiting for the call back from a manager to explain their actions. Has anyone else experienced the same? Or any information that I should be aware of to challenge the decision?

Does anyone have any experience of changing supplier and getting a standard meter installed - having had a key meter previously??

iammumtoone

Why do you think changing back would reduce your outlay? If you have paid off all the debt you should be on the standard tariff which should be the same as metered supply. I believe you can get a slight discount by paying by direct debit but its not much and to me the convenience of a pay as you go far out weighs this.

If you really want to change have you tried to switch supplier, they might be more willing to change the meter for you if they get your business.

Joyful

Most other suppliers will do a credit check too.

Nada666

If you are no longer a risk why not just get the credit meters installed? It is very simple to have meters replaced. I suspect what you mean is that you do not want to pay to have them changed and have the inconvenience of paying a deposit. It is understandable when those not responsible have a gripe but it's a bit much when those who triggered the installation of prepayment meters act all offended and outraged, too.

admania

Hi There

Why don't you switch over to EDF, once with them they'll exchange your meter for free, no credit scores required )

Adam

Richie-from-the-Boro

admania wrote: »

Hi There

Why don't you switch over to EDF, once with them they'll exchange your meter for free, no credit scores required )

Adam

Are you sure EDF do not do credit checks ?

Once we have received your signed contract (this includes contracts sent through the internet or agreed over the phone), we will look to carry out a credit check and decide whether the type of tariff and payment arrangements you have chosen are correct. If the information you provide under the contract is not complete, correct or clear, we may still begin your supply but only on terms that we consider to be the most appropriate for your situation. If there is a problem with your credit check, or the type of tariff or payment arrangements you have chosen, we will try to solve the problem with you if possible. If we cannot solve the problem, we will tell you and your contract will end automatically on that date

admania

they haven't done a credit check on anyone for about 2 years now, check the prepay section here and you'll see that for yourself.

admania

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

That info down on the page in regards to EDF is correct

macman

Since a credit meter grants you potentially unlimited credit, it's not surprising that they took this view given your poor credit score. A returnable 12m deposit is often requested in such circumstances.
You'll save maybe 6% on a credit meter, is it worth the cost of a meter change at about £60?

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

I can only echo the above...if you find credit checks discriminatory, don't apply for credit!

HeadouttheSand_2

Nada666 wrote: »

If you are no longer a risk why not just get the credit meters installed? It is very simple to have meters replaced. I suspect what you mean is that you do not want to pay to have them changed and have the inconvenience of paying a deposit. It is understandable when those not responsible have a gripe but it's a bit much when those who triggered the installation of prepayment meters act all offended and outraged, too.

No mention of a deposit for a credit meter was mentioned by the supplier. I; offended by the fact that am I not being treated fairly. As I said in the post - the supplier will not remove a credit meter if I moved home with one already installed.

admania wrote: »

they haven't done a credit check on anyone for about 2 years now, check the prepay section here and you'll see that for yourself.

Thanks for the advice on EDF, i will look into that

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays wrote: »

I can only echo the above...if you find credit checks discriminatory, don't apply for credit!

I dont find credit checks discriminatory, I found the fact that I could move to a new home next month and if it had a standard meter they would set me up on that tariff without a check discriminatory. Because I am in the same home they "had" to run a check.