Confronted with gas/elec meter for first time!

7sefton

Hi everyone

I've just moved into a tiny flat and realise that the gas and electricity are both on pre-paid meters. I've never lived anywhere with pre-pay before, and although I've read the leaflet that was left in the flat (so know how to physically top up etc), I'm still unclear on the following:

- is pre-pay generally more expensive, and therefore best to ask the supplier to switch onto regular bills?

- are suppliers happy to let customers switch away from pre-pay: how hard is it with credit checks etc?

- in a very small flat with minimal usage (eg no heating on, just one light in one room on, one shower a day, no gas use in kitchen) how much roughly would this cost? Is it pennies or pounds every day?

Thanks!

flashg67

It is generally more expensive, but still worth comparing tariffs.

Nothing to stop you applying for a credit meter - some suppliers may ask for an up front deposit if your credit status isn't good.

Is the flat yours? If rented, check with your landlord/agent before having the meters changed.

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

Some suppliers charge for a meter change, so maybe switch the prepay account to one that doesn't charge first, then apply for a credit meter, if you decide to do it?

ic

Whatever you do, don't just carry on with the cards left behind by the previous residents. Its quite possible that they have a debt on the cards, which you would be paying off (some of the top up goes towards the debt, the rest on paying for usage). Get in touch with the supplier to arrange your account.

[Deleted User]

use a 1000 units of electricity on a prepay and you pay £140 .On my fixed deal with BG for the same 1000 units I will pay £80..these are BG rates..14.2 p kwh for prepayment/standard variable against the latest BG collective at 8.0 p kwhr.(dual fuel direct debit )
OP first things first, get rid of the money sucking prepayment meters and don t get involved in Ovo or Utilita s smart prepayment meters where you can actually pay their prepay rates by direct debit.Scot Power will want over £200 per meter to exchange prepay for credit, whilst EDF may do it for free.Eon will credit check credit meter customers as will BG before moving a prepay.