Prepayment meters

Marvel1

I currently bought a house with prepayment meters (gas and electric), which is what I wanted. But now I'm having doubts as whether this will cost more, as I heard that they charge rental or something.
Does anyone have experience of prepayment meters?

I haven't moved in yet, as currently decorating, but I have noticed that on Tuesday the electric was on 10p and is now at -30, the electric has been off, is this the rental charge?

Cardew

No rental as such - but all companies, for all tariffs (except Ebico) charge extra for the first units used each quarter, or a daily charge.

However the pre-payment tariff prices are higher than a normal credit meter(except for Ebico) and they are a hassle!

If you really do want pre-payment meters then go to Ebico for your gas and electricity.

But as an owner of a house it surely makes sense to get your gas and electricity as cheap as possible - and that generally is on one of the internet accounts; unless you are a low user and then Ebico is best.

P.S.
Sounds like I am a salesmen for Ebico - which I ain't!

SwanJon

The electricity PP meters can't manage the two prices (first & rest), so they are programmed with a standing charge, but this should balance out over the year, so long as you use more than the threshold (900kWh/year for British Gas for example) if the supplier claims not to charge one.
As ebico don't do this first and last thing so they may not have the standing charge either.
Agree with Cardew - go for the 'normal' meters

Terrylw1

Yeah, go for a credit meter because you will access to a range of cheaper tariffs. You also won't have the potential issue of being stung for unit costs that have not been updated on the meter at a later date per other threads.

PP is just inconvenient anyway, on a credit meter you don't need to be hunting around for pay points.