How to switch from Boost!

hopperdennis

Have purchased a property that has Boost suppling their electricity and gas! As a PAYG provider, I know it’s not cheapest. I’m wondering how I can leave, and what’s the best way to compare? Apparently Boost don’t make it easy on their customer to do so! This is actually the first time I’ve ever sought to switch suppliers, with it always taken care of me in previous properties. Not even sure how I take meter readings, and if the meters need to be returned to Boost for eg?

rjmachin

Someone will be along shortly with more detailed advice, but I think the first thing you need to do is to find the meters for both the electricity and gas, and write down the meter readings.  You can also take a photo on your phone and add to this thread if you are unsure which reading you need.

Do that as soon as you can, then call Boost to register with them and provide your opening meter readings.  If you do not do this as a first step, trying to switch suppliers will cause you a lot of hassle and you may get a large bill from what the previous occupant used.

Gerry1

This sorry tale shows the dire results than can happen if you get absolutely everything wrong !

hopperdennis

rjmachin said:

Someone will be along shortly with more detailed advice, but I think the first thing you need to do is to find the meters for both the electricity and gas, and write down the meter readings.  You can also take a photo on your phone and add to this thread if you are unsure which reading you need.

Do that as soon as you can, then call Boost to register with them and provide your opening meter readings.  If you do not do this as a first step, trying to switch suppliers will cause you a lot of hassle and you may get a large bill from what the previous occupant used.

Thanks, I have registered with Boost (without giving meter readings) and have only been liable since I’ve moved, it’s a PAYG so albeit expensive I’ve only had to cover energy since I purchased the property a few months ago. It’s been empty since however looking to move in soon. I have no idea how to read the gas and electric meters, they look quite complex actually and again this is my first time of dealing with this and unfourtunately I don’t really have anyone close by to help. I may just stick the pictures of both here actually yes and any direction to take a reading to the compare and switch would be be very much appreciated 

macman

If you don't give readings pronto, you may end up paying for the previous occupants usage...
Now you are registered with the deemed supplier, you can commence a switch to your preferred supplier.
And no, you very definitely do not have to 'return the meters' to Boost, unless you have a death wish.

Gerry1

If you don't get a new PPM card you may find yourself paying off debts incurred by the landlord or the previous user.  Make sure you're on the Electoral Register to facilitate your switch to a credit meter.

hopperdennis

macman said:

If you don't give readings pronto, you may end up paying for the previous occupants usage...
Now you are registered with the deemed supplier, you can commence a switch to your preferred supplier.
And no, you very definitely do not have to 'return the meters' to Boost, unless you have a death wish.

I’ve never gave readings, a case of registering with boost as the occupant and topping up (PAYG). So there is no need to return the meters. Now I just need to figure out how to take a reading to them contact and compare with other suppliers, and then I need to let Boost know I’m leaving them??

hopperdennis

Gerry1 said:

If you don't get a new PPM card you may find yourself paying off debts incurred by the landlord or the previous user.  Make sure you're on the Electoral Register to facilitate your switch to a credit meter.

What’s a PPM Card? I’m on the electoral register there now yes. As far as I know there is no debts incurred re. the previous occupant. He actually left the Boost account in a little credit, before I registered myself. It’s all very confusing, in normal times I’d have had someone in to help show me how to take readings and switch but I’m unable to do so right now under local lockdown whilst shielding. Thanks for all the help thus far 

Gerry1

PPM Card = Pre-Payment Meter Card, presumably how you top up.  Confusingly, the fact that credit is shown doesn't mean that you're not paying off debt at £x per week.

https://www.boostpower.co.uk/help/topics/payg/traditional-payg/i-think-im-paying-off-a-debt-on-my-meter-whats-happened.html

Here's how to switch.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/switch-prepaid-gas-electricity/#can

hopperdennis

Here is my meters.... I have no idea how to switch them on and take a reading, embarrassingly and hopefully I haven’t included any sensitive information here?

Robin9

Two buttons of interest 9 and 6
9 will give you a total  - 6 a breakdown (you may have press it several times to get the various bits of info eg in credit mode press four times gives you R01 daytime, another press R02 night time)