Pre-payment or credit meter for Phoenix Gas?

Possom

I was reading the Phoenix Gas website about changing to gas and noticed on the page:
http://phoenixnaturalgas.com/get-connected/request-your-connection/

it states, "Your home will either be fitted with a pre-payment or credit meter".

If the customer has the option of either, would anyone here have any advice on the benefits of either?

Thanks

donnac2558

I have what is called the Easy Saver Card, which means I go to a Paypoint shop and pay money in. When the bill comes the money is already off my bill. I do not have to stand outside typing numbers in the box. But you have to use it and may sure regular payment or you end up with a big bill to clear in one go.

A friend has pre-payment meter which works the same was as an electric type one. You go buy and input the number to add credit to your gas. This one the gas can run out and stop until you put credit in.

Possom

Thanks for this.

I know with electricity suppliers they charge a different amount per unit dependent upon the system someone has eg KeyPad or direct debit.

I wonder if Phoenix also charges different amounts per unit dependent upon which system is used?

bigsy

Possom wrote: »

Thanks for this.

I know with electricity suppliers they charge a different amount per unit dependent upon the system someone has eg KeyPad or direct debit.

I wonder if Phoenix also charges different amounts per unit dependent upon which system is used?

Phoenix connect you to the network but do not supply domestic gas - you have to look to Airtricity (who took over the Phoenix domestic supply business) or firmus for this.

This Consumer Council table lists the current prices:

http://www.consumercouncil.org.uk/images/uploads/languages/Gas_comparison_table_15_December.pdf

Prices vary depending on whether you are PAYG, direct debit etc.

donnac2558

Firmus where recently on the news as they had been over charging some customers and under charging others, this had been going on for quite some time it seems.

Possom

If a customer pays using the direct debit method, does a meter reader read come around to read the gas meter located outside the house, or is the customer expected to read the meter and then inform the supplier of the reading?

bigsy

donnac2558 wrote: »

Firmus where recently on the news as they had been over charging some customers and under charging others, this had been going on for quite some time it seems.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-30483370

This was business customers, not domestic.

bigsy

Possom wrote: »

If a customer pays using the direct debit method, does a meter reader read come around to read the gas meter located outside the house, or is the customer expected to read the meter and then inform the supplier of the reading?

I'm with firmus on their cheapest online direct debit tariff. I get an email every three months with a reminder to submit a meter reading within 5 days; the meter is also read by them at least once per year. There is more info at http://www.firmusenergy.co.uk/for_home_belfast.aspx?dataid=525135

I don't know what Airtricity do.

x12yhp

We get stiffed on direct debit. Basically we have an empty apartment which uses practically zero gas. But we still end up paying 40 odd a quarter of standing charge.

donnac2558

bigsy wrote: »

I'm with firmus on their cheapest online direct debit tariff. I get an email every three months with a reminder to submit a meter reading within 5 days; the meter is also read by them at least once per year. There is more info at http://www.firmusenergy.co.uk/for_home_belfast.aspx?dataid=525135

I don't know what Airtricity do.

Airtricity come round and read the meter. Well everyone in the street I lived whether direct debit or card he reads them all every quarter.