Just moved into my house

Judata

I've just got my keys to my house.
The electricity has a payment key with economy energy. The box with a key in it, is to high, I can't reach it
The Gas, I think is billed and its with scottish gas.

I don't know what tariffs they are both on.
I've never had a payment key before.

I've no idea what to do, is having a key card good?
How do I reach this key box when I can't go up ladders?
How do I find these options on comparison sites, when I don't know anything about them, no bills etc

molerat

Is there a reason why you cannot access the key meter ? Anything that places you in the vulnerable customer category should be taken into account by the supplier when requesting a meter change / move.

You need to contact the suppliers and register with them. Do not sign up to any tie in until you have had a chance to figure out your options. Using a key left in the premises will add funds to the previous tenant's account.

Key card energy is generally 30 - 50% (maybe more with some suppliers) dearer than monthly direct debit

CashStrapped

Hello, Welcome

1) Ok the first thing to do is establish your current supplier. You will be in a deemed contract with whoever is supplying you already. Ring them, clarify they are the existing supplier and set-up your own energy account, give meter readings and get your own key sent in the post. Do both meters have keys?

2) Do not use (or try not to use )the existing key/s. This is because they may have a debt on them. A proportion of any top up you make to the key would be used to pay off someone else's debt. You make a top up on-line or in a local shop.

3) While you are on the phone to your energy supplier setting up your account and getting new keys sent out, explain your mobility issues (I assume it is a mobility issue and not just a fear of ladders). Request a credit meter gets fitted (traditional meter) or even better for your situation, a smart meter (this would mean you will not have to read the meter). Economy energy may be too small a company to offer a meter switch free of charge, but we will come to that later.

4) Is the gas a key meter? If not, ring up that supplier too and set-up your own account and give the meter readings too. Ask if that can be switched to a smart meter if you feel it is hard to access.

5) It is also a good idea to take a photo of the meter readings so you have evidence of what they were when you moved in. On the key meters you have to go through the different screens until you get a KWH reading.
If you cannot reach it you may have to get someone to assist you. Instructions of the menu options are usually on the meter.

6) One you get to the stage where you have rung both suppliers, set-up your account/s, getting new keys sent out where applicable, find out what tariff you are currently on you can then look at making a tariff comparison online.

7) I usually use energyhelpline.com. Follow the instructions. Type in your existing tariff and preferred payment method. For usage figures I would suggest using typical low user figures which are about 9000kwh gas and 3000kwh electric. That will at least give you an idea.

8)Due to your mobility issues, smart meters may be best for the hard to reach meter at lest. Not all companies support them or offer them free however. Some companies (usually the larger companies) offer free meter exchanges (in fact I think most are free now). Some companies like edf do not do a credit check when assessing you for a credit meter, so you may want to keep that in mind.

Once you have compared tariffs, and think you have found one cheaper than that which you are on, apply and the transfer should take 4-6 weeks.

You may want to switch to a company which provides smart meters in both cases. For this reason switching to a good tariff (but may be not the best tariff) may be advisable. Before switching to your chosen provider, ring them and ask about their smart meter options and if they support them.

footyguy

Judata wrote: »

I've just got my keys to my house.
The electricity has a payment key with economy energy. The box with a key in it, is to high, I can't reach it
The Gas, I think is billed and its with scottish gas.

I don't know what tariffs they are both on.
I've never had a payment key before.

I've no idea what to do, is having a key card good?
How do I reach this key box when I can't go up ladders?
How do I find these options on comparison sites, when I don't know anything about them, no bills etc

Until you contact the suppliers, you will be on the suppliers most expensive variable rate tariff (although there's not usually much choice for those with a PPM)

Speak to the supplier if you have issues with accessing the PPM

How do you go about changing a light bulb? (ceiling fitted) :huh: