Changing from prepayment to direct debit

natley

I have been on a prepayment meter for both G+E for past 6 years. Scottish hydro are now no longer the cheapest. I am wanting to change not only how I pay for my G+E but the meter too. Went onto Scottish Power filled in the form only to be told to phone a premium rate number as it's not possible to quote online:mad
I then tried Scottish Gas and they gave me a quote for pre payment :mad:
Is it impossible to change tariffs? Will it cost money to change the meters?

Nada666

There are plenty of tariffs from suppliers with prepayment options. Nearly every supplier has one. There are, however, not many fixes or cheapest tariffs on prepayment. Have a look on a comparison site. Make sure you select the 'show all tariffs' option - do not leave it at 'only show tariffs we can switch you to'. Go through with prepayment meter as your option then go through again with monthly direct debit to compare.

For an average annual consumption the best prices on prepayment are around £1325 to £1425. The best prices for credit meter on direct debit are £1100 to £1150. So you can easily save more than £200 per year. Even if you are charged £60 to change each meter the payback will be well within one year.

footyguy

natley wrote: »

I have been on a prepayment meter for both G+E for past 6 years. Scottish hydro are now no longer the cheapest. I am wanting to change not only how I pay for my G+E but the meter too. Went onto Scottish Power filled in the form only to be told to phone a premium rate number as it's not possible to quote online:mad
I then tried Scottish Gas and they gave me a quote for pre payment :mad:
Is it impossible to change tariffs? Will it cost money to change the meters?

Scottish Power have a freephone number on their website.
You should be able to get an indication of cost by using that number

Just looked at the British Gas website (same as Scottish Gas) and they also have a range of freephone numbers for you to pick from.

:cool:

footyguy

Or you could read the MSE article for hints & tips

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

:cool:

SwanJon

You need to do the two things separately.
Either change the meter (follow above link), then choose a new supplier once the new meter is in.
Or change supplier and ask your new supplier to change the meter once you join them.

datlex

Be aware some utility companies credit check you. Some want quite a high rating even if you have no debt with them and could afford the payments.

If you are with Scottish Power do you pay online or top up at shops at the mo. If you pay on line they will be able to tell you have a bank account for example.

I had a prepaid meter when I moved in here. I now have credit meters. It is definitely cheaper on a credit meter even with the same company. I choose to stay with British Gas- not the cheapest, but I'm not aware of any others that offer monthly billing. For example my current balances are -£6 on the elec and +£22 on the gas. No nasty surprises.