New Property: Switching to Credit Meter

n.hussain03

Hi,

I have just got the keys to a new property, the previous owner was a single parent after a split, so she was on prepaid meters. I understand the basic process of having this changed however I had a few questions.

The property needs a little bit of work so for the next few months, I wont be living in it. I of course want a tariff with the lowest standing charge. At the moment the property is with British Gas, do I have to open and account with BG first wait for them to change the meters and then move suppliers or could I sign up with the supplier and Tariff that I want and get the new supplier to switch me to a credit meter.

PS: I have good credit score and generally my finances are in good shape, so should be accepted for a credit meter.

jk0

You need to take readings to give to the existing supplier. Otherwise you will likely be paying off the debt of the previous person which gave rise to the prepay meter.

n.hussain03

Would I still need to give a reading? with PrePayment surely its not possible to get into debt. I have had to top up both the gas and elec because I have workmen in so had to top them up.

I have never useda PrePayment meter in my life, so need to work out how you get readings out of them.

[Deleted User]

Hi,


how did you top up?


Did you use previous occupier's card/key, if so then you have added your money to their account.


Edit: Yes you must take readings.

dogshome

1st step is contact BG and advise you are the new occupier, they will send you a top-up card which is unique to you

YES, It is possible to build up a debt on a PAYGO meter and until you register with BG any debt on the account is yours

So far as getting the meter changed to a Credit meter, BG take hard line and will often refuse until you have proved your financial reliability with the PAYGO meter.


However EDF have a more relaxed attitude, so once you have registered with BG, a Switch to EDF is the way to go and then once you have your credit meter, look for better tarrifs elsewhere

n.hussain03

dogshome said:

1st step is contact BG and advise you are the new occupier, they will send you a top-up card which is unique to you

YES, It is possible to build up a debt on a PAYGO meter and until you register with BG any debt on the account is yours

So far as getting the meter changed to a Credit meter, BG take hard line and will often refuse until you have proved your financial reliability with the PAYGO meter.


However EDF have a more relaxed attitude, so once you have registered with BG, a Switch to EDF is the way to go and then once you have your credit meter, look for better tarrifs elsewhere

Forgot to update this thread. BG customer support regaling the people were as poor as ever however the process they have is quite good.

1. I called them, they took the readings and wiped out the debt. They came out reset the gas meter for its debt. It was then topped up after the new card arrived
2. After a few department transfers, it got a the credit meter team, they setup a new credit account, no issues with that as I was previously a credit customer with BG so they did not need to do the credit check.
3. Had to wait for the account to activate which took a few days then they booked in the meter switch. They came out and replaced the meters(a bit of an issue with the gas one)
4. They then agreed to move the meter so it was flush against the wall for free which was good. However when they guy came out noticed the new meter was leaking. Anyway he did the work to replace the collar on the meter and then called out Cadent to do checks on the main supply. They found nothing and changed the stop handle and walked away.