Pre payment meter

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi csi666

Thought I'd pop on with a bit of information about changing prepayment meters.

csi666 wrote: »

Hi All

I found out today that the rented house I will me moving into in September is fitted with a pre payment meter.

This was a surprise, I got an email from my chosen energy supplier (GB Energy Supply) this morning saying they couldn't find my MPAN and MPRN numbers. I rang the current supplier (eon) who told me that it was a pre payment meter.

I absolutely don't want this. I know it's been the case previously that it worked out more expensive and don't know if this is still true however it's still far more convenient than just sending a reading every now and then.

I have spoken with my estate agent who is going to contact the landlord and ask if they are willing to allow us to have a credit meter fitted. I have also checked my tenancy agreement which states that a charge will be made if I allow the electricity or gas at the property to become disconnected - there is no mention of changing meter types.

The estate agent said she doesn't see that there would be a problem but that it is something she needed to check with the landlord.

All going well they will say it's fine to have the pre payment meter changed for a credit meter, however I need to know what to do if they say we have to stick with pre payment? Do I have the right to insist on changing the meter to a credit meter?

Thanks in advance for your help.

As advised, we're happy to change prepayment meters for credit meters free of charge provided an external credit check is passed and there's no outstanding debt on the meter (this won't apply to you as you've not moved in yet). You do, though, need to have an account in your name at the property before the meter exchange can be arranged. Let us know as soon as you take over responsibility in September and we'll set an account up for you. We've a Home Moves team who'll be happy to help with this. Alternatively, you can tell us all the details online using the Home Moves form on our website.

Once the account's open, talk to our specialist Prepayment Team. They look after requests to change meters to credit. There's more information, including contact details, on our website.

csi666 wrote: »

That's perfect then. Eon said they would only change the meter if I was going to stay with them, however I wanted to research the process of having the meter changed in a rental property before going through with anything with them. I assumed they would put me on a fixed length contract with an exit fee however if they could put me on the standard tarrif then I will get them to change it and then switch over to GB.

Thanks.

Sorry you were told this. As others have said, there's no need to stay with us once the meter has been changed. You do need to be our customer whilst the meter exchange goes through but after that you're free to switch supplier.

You're also free to choose the tariff you go on whilst the switch goes through. As you're going to switch immediately, it's best to go on our standard tariff (Energy Plan). Prices are virtually the same as the prepayment tariff and there's no exit fee for changing supplier. At the moment, switches go through in about two and a half weeks so you shouldn't be on this tariff for too long. Ask for this when you talk to us about changing the meter.

csi666 wrote: »

That sounds great - will have to look into getting one of these fitted instead.

We're not doing this type of Smart Meter at the moment.

Hope this is of interest csi666 and best wishes for the move next month.

Malc