Know anything anout electric meters???

MsPennyMinder

Help. Please.

I'm near to tears. I moved into my first flat a few weeks ago. It has pre-paid Gas and Electric meters, to two different companies British gas and Scottish power, in two separate places. I really don't want pre-paid and I think I've arranged to get a smart credit gas meter install. Fingers crossed.

Electric meter, on the other hand, is 7 and half feet in the air and is nightmare. I've spend over three hours on the phone, mostly waiting on hold to be told =
A) Just book an online smart meter install, then call to 'activate' it as credit. But Online says no if I have too reach for the meter at all.
  too high up, have to stay as pre-paid meter forever.
C) call a third party company to move the pre-paid meter before anyone will do anything. 

I have no idea what to do anymore.

 Would I prefer the meter moved down the wall? Yes. I'm only 5ft tall, I can barely get the key in right now. Its at the top of a stairwell and not really safe. Mostly I just want a credit meter so I want pay by DD.

😭 Any Advice?

Neil_Jones

As a general rule it would be chargeable to you if you wanted the meter(s) moved and you may have to get permission from the landlord, assume you rent that flat.

Suggest not getting a third party company involved with your meter as it is the property of the supplier.  You might want to read this:

https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/moving-electric-meter-cost/

MsPennyMinder

Thank you @Neil_Jones I will have a look. I've just bought the property so not renting, sorry should have said. 

tacpot12

As you own the property, it will be worth getting it moved so you can go onto a credit meter. 

In the meantime, buy a step ladder or step stool. You are likely to want one if you want to hang curtains or do any decorating, so you will not be wasting your money. 

This link tells you how you can get your meter moved legally: Move your gas or electricity meter - Citizens Advice  

mttylad

Does the disability act say anything that may help sway them?

MsPennyMinder

@mttylad it probably does but am not disabled in a way that would help, not classed as priority customer. Thanks

@tacpot12 thanks, I will have a look, I hadnt thought of Citizens Advice. Luckily I already had a three step stepladder/stool, I'm tiny and couldn't reach above the first shelf of my last kitchen 😅 turned out to be really handy anyway.