Switching to a prepayment meter? Advice please!

FAaron

I have been told by my supplier EDF that I need to switch to a prepayment meter. I have an arrears debt that is quite high, and I'm realistically unable to pay back the full fee within 24 months (their limit for a repayment plan) at the moment.

So they've told me I need to switch, so that the debt can be loaded onto the meter and I pay off a certain set amount each week.

My concern is this: would it cost me more in ongoing fees to use a prepayment meter? I haven't heard great things about them, I hear the standing charge is higher, and in my current situation I can't afford to pay more in ongoing fees.

I have recently been paying £40 a month as well as £10 in arrears, though I'm in a position to raise my arrears repayments now to £40 a month. My estimated annual consumption is 1,954 kWh, and I'm on EDF's Blue+Price Protection Feb19 tariff.

EDF tell me there is no other option aside from switching to a prepayment meter.

Does anyone have any advice on what I ought to do?

It would be much appreciated.

[Deleted User]

I would suggest you read the Citizens Advice Bureau help page
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/stop-your-energy-supplier-installing-a-prepayment-meter/

mustbemad

Do you owe EDF more than £500? If it's less than £500, you could try switching to a different company. If you check with a comparison site like the MSE cheap energy club you might find a supplier with lower prices as you are currently with one of the big 6!

If you owe more than £500 you won't be able to switch, if EDF insist on prepayment meters it's best to let them install them rather than them getting a warrant and ending up in even more debt once they slap there fees on 😓

Mbm x

[Deleted User]

Prepayment meter rates are now cheaper than standard/variable due to the current price cap on these meters.
They can only be beaten by the lowest fixed rate deals. If you were not on one of these ultra cheap fixed yearly deals , then moving to a prepayment meter would be better than your current rates
.Prepay smart meters are the future cheapest deals IMO once suppliers realise they are the most reliable meters , with advance payments for energy'
Do a comparison site search on Uswitch using prepay and credit meter edits to compare the two.. Nothing too much to fear from prepayment meters nowadays.

Anthony_C

This is good advice so please contact CAB asap.
Explain to EDF that you are actively seeking advice from CAB to resolve the matter, that you hope to payback the debt.
If you get a poor response, don't be bullied into prepayment meter, tell them you need more time to sort this, tell them you feel this is harassment.

Please keep us updated. Good luck

Anthony_C

What is your energy use gas, electric?

Can you take meter readings and post them here - daily readings would be helpful

Anthony_C

When you are in contact with EDF, have a notebook. Ask the name of who you are speaking to. Note the date and time. Write down what was discussed.

spiro

mustbemad wrote: »

Do you owe EDF more than £500? If it's less than £500, you could try switching to a different company. If you check with a comparison site like the MSE cheap energy club you might find a supplier with lower prices as you are currently with one of the big 6!

If you owe more than £500 you won't be able to switch, if EDF insist on prepayment meters it's best to let them install them rather than them getting a warrant and ending up in even more debt once they slap there fees on 😓

Mbm x

This only applies if the debt is being collected via a prepayment meter.