Switching from a Prepayment Meter HELP!

Mc2_2

Hello

I've moved into a rented flat, and I wasn't told there was a prepayment meter. Apparently the previous tenants had it installed without telling the landlord. The landlord is fine that I get it changed back - but it's certainly not straight forward. What I'm surprised at is how expensive the meter is to run - it is electric only and no gas. iIt is a tiny flat with a night storage heater in the main room, and no heating in the bedrooms. I am using a dehumidifier though.

I called the energy provider who currently run the meter, and they said it would be a £66 charge to get it changed to a normal meter/direct debit, plus a £300 deposit while I'm in the property!
This - even though my credit rating is excellent.

So, after a bit of reading, I did a comparison, and found I could change to different provider. I've talked to a couple, and it seems I have to change the meter first to be run by them, and then later to direct debit.

The prepayment meter comparison I did today is wrong I was told by the energy provider I'm switching to - a stage 2 meter means it runs cheaper electric costs at night so the charges I'll be paying by switching to them are:
19.98 per KW daytime
7.56 night time
26p per day standing charge.

I'm going through a really stressful time in my life at the moment (husband left) and I have a very young child to care for. I'm finding I'm paying far more for electric than what I did in the large family home, running numerous gadgets - it's crazy!

Is there another way I can get rid of this meter quickly? I'm thinking that the switch I began today is hardly saving me any money, and I didn't ask if they'd charge me to go do direct debit - and they may be expensive, so what am I doing it for???

Any tips would be helpful

I

spiro

Firstly, I presume you have registered with the current supplier and aren't using the old tenants key otherwise you may be paying any debt they have.
Secondly, if you're comparing it to a house with gsh that's like comparing apples and oranges.
Finally the ppm tariff is typically the same as a pay on bill tariff.

SwanJon

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

The prepay meter will charge you the same as paying the bill when it arrives.
DD is cheaper, and spreads the cost, but don't expect bills to change by an order of magnitude.

If you do have night rates (aka economy 7, white meter) then to heat your home most efficiently you need to use night storage heaters.
Using electical heaters during the day is the most expensive way of heating your home.

(I've asusmed you only have electricity - tell me if I'm wrong)