Switching from a prepayment meter to monthly credit meter

Apollo114 · 14 August 2019 at 4:58PM

Hello everyone,

We've just moved in to our new house today. (And renting it from the 31st of July) Our energy (gas + electricity) is supplied by Sparks Energy. Unfortunately, both meters are prepayment meters.

I've called Sparks energy with an intention to change the prepayment meters to monthly credit meters, but I was told that they've got an error in their system, and that they won't be able to do anything till the end of the month. Then I went on the Spark Energy Chat and asked them the same question. I was told that 'a new version of meters is about to be rolled out and changing the meter mode is on hold'.

I have a feeling that this is a lie. My question is: Do I have any rights to complain about this situation? I really don't want to use prepayment meters as they are way more expensive.

Many thanks,
Marek

Smodlet · 14 August 2019 at 5:37PM

Hi and welcome to the forum. Did you choose Spark energy or is that the supplier you are stuck with in a deemed contract because the previous occupant used them? If you did not choose them, you need to find a supplier of your choice; the Cheap Energy Club (CEC) on here is a good place to start. You will have to pay Spark energy until you switch, if that is what you decide to do.

I am not sure which suppliers still change meter types free of charge but a quick google found this.

HTH.

I am not sure I believe all the Big 6 do this for free so please check. I have no idea whether Spark energy charge or not.

FullForce · 14 August 2019 at 6:08PM

Apollo114 wrote: »

Hello everyone,

We've just moved in to our new house today. (And renting it from the 31st of July) Our energy (gas + electricity) is supplied by Sparks Energy. Unfortunately, both meters are prepayment meters.

I've called Sparks energy with an intention to change the prepayment meters to monthly credit meters, but I was told that they've got an error in their system, and that they won't be able to do anything till the end of the month. Then I went on the Spark Energy Chat and asked them the same question. I was told that 'a new version of meters is about to be rolled out and changing the meter mode is on hold'.

I have a feeling that this is a lie. My question is: Do I have any rights to complain about this situation? I really don't want to use prepayment meters as they are way more expensive.

Many thanks,
Marek

Definitely worth getting a formal complaint logged asap

https://sparkenergy.co.uk/complaints

The supplier has 8 weeks to resolve any complaint (and if not, then you may have to still take it ombudsman who could take much longer)

But the sooner the complaint is lodged, the sooner the clock starts ticking.

If you are concerned that this may take months and may cost you as a consequence, don't worry as if you get a complaint logged today, you should expect to end up only paying an appropriate credit tariff as part of the resolution, at least starting in say 2-6 weeks time which is typically how long a meter change request normally takes.

Alternatively, if you have no interest in remaining with Spark Energy, decide who would be best for you when you get a credit meter, and switch to them as a prepayment customer, and ask them to change the meter.

Be careful, as some suppliers have different criteria on who they will provide credit meters to.

Here's some MSE info to assist you
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/switch-prepaid-gas-electricity/

or just call the supplier and sound them out before you agree anything