What Order Pls

vintagebrighton

I live in a 2 bed flat in Edinburgh, have both gas and electricity with Bulb, monthly DD, regular readings all hunky dory.

Next week we're moving to another 2 bed flat in Edinburgh that has only electricity. What's worse is that it also has a prepayment meter and is with Scottish Power.

I can't work out the best order to do things so hopefully someone will be able to assist

I've notified Bulb and will take pics of the meters and submit readings on leaving this flat. When I arrive at the new flat there will be a prepay meter. I read that I shouldn't use the previous tenant's card to top up so how does it work? Will I have to call SP straight away to let them know I've taken over the property? If I then have to wait for them to send me a 'card' how do I get power in the meantime? And once I've notified SP that I'm here am I then able to change suppliers? Or should I wait until I've requested SP change the meter?

I think I'd be a bit happier if it wasn't Scottish Power, took me a year to get away from them last time I moved :rotfl:

Thanks

VB x

Neil_Jones

How do you know its with Scottish Power? Have you checked the online sources?

But yes, phone the supplier up when you get in, say you want a new acccount/card and then a meter reading.

You can request a change of meter but it may involve a credit check and/or security deposit. If you had a credit meter before this shouldn't be a problem though and at that point you can switch in the normal way.

JuneS

vintagebrighton wrote: »

I live in a 2 bed flat in Edinburgh, have both gas and electricity with Bulb, monthly DD, regular readings all hunky dory.

Next week we're moving to another 2 bed flat in Edinburgh that has only electricity. What's worse is that it also has a prepayment meter and is with Scottish Power.

I can't work out the best order to do things so hopefully someone will be able to assist

I've notified Bulb and will take pics of the meters and submit readings on leaving this flat. When I arrive at the new flat there will be a prepay meter. I read that I shouldn't use the previous tenant's card to top up so how does it work? Will I have to call SP straight away to let them know I've taken over the property?

Yes, and provide the meter readings you have taken

vintagebrighton wrote: »

If I then have to wait for them to send me a 'card' how do I get power in the meantime?

Ask Scottish Power when you call them, They will have a tried and tested method to ensure you can continue to receive energy.
e.g. they may have a system that will allow you to obtain a temporary card or key from a local shop (where you will buy top ups from)

vintagebrighton wrote: »

And once I've notified SP that I'm here am I then able to change suppliers?

Yes, if you wish.

vintagebrighton wrote: »

Or should I wait until I've requested SP change the meter?

That is up to you.
If your higher priority is to leave SP, then apply to switch straight away, but you will have to switch to another supplier's pre-payment tariff.
You will have to remain on a PPM tariff until you have the meter changed, and that request will not even be put in a queue until you are supplied by that supplier

So if your priority is to get onto a credit meter, best to explore if and how long SP will take to provide you that, and then once fitted, you will be able to switch to any other supplier on a credit meter tariff.
There is more competition amongst credit meter tariffs, so prices can be a lot cheaper than PPM tariffs, so you may think getting credit meters fitted should be the priority.

I have assumed smart meters are not fitted at your new home. If they are smart, Scottish Power may be able/willing to change them to credit mode remotely for you when you call them.

vintagebrighton

Thanks both of you, very helpful. I have checked and it's definitely Scottish Power so the aim will be to move from them asap!

VB x

[Deleted User]

vintagebrighton wrote: »

Thanks both of you, very helpful. I have checked and it's definitely Scottish Power so the aim will be to move from them asap!

VB x

don t use the old card or key.you could be paying off the last tenants debt.Get a temp one from the Paypoint shop if you can t wait for a new one from SP.
You can check the meter to see if there is any debt loaded. On the electric meter it is on screens S and T.With key inserted , press blue button and scroll through the screens.
Switch back to Bulb (or Nabuh ) for low prepayment meter rates.