Gas prepayment meter credit...

XM-80

Hello, 

My elderly dad is struggling financially and has fallen behind with his electric bill (credit meter). He cannot clear the debt, so we requested to change to a prepayment meter, so he can keep the lights on and slowly repay the debt, etc. 

We had two engineers visit - the first to check the work needed and the second to fit the meter. Both informed us that dad’s Gas account is £700+ in credit (his gas meter is prepayment). They recommended asking Eon for a credit, which would clear the electric debt, etc. 

When I called Eon, they couldn’t see this credit on their system and said we would need to provide evidence. However, his prepayment meter account doesn’t receive any statements, so we only have the word from the two engineers. 

The two engineers were from Eon’s credit recovery team and had looked into his electric and gas accounts thoroughly, so I don’t think they were both mistaken, especially as they visited several weeks apart. 

I don’t have the contact for the two engineers, unfortunately. So  I wondered if anyone had any suggestions or ideas, please?!

So far, since being on the electric prepayment meter, he’s now topping up by approx £40 per week, which is frightening for a man living alone in a bungalow! I dread to think what this will be by the end of the year! 

Many thanks for taking the time to read and for any suggestions. 

XM

Robin9

£40 is likely to right -  assuming it's an electric bungalow -  and it will get worse, hopefully a bit lower in the summer without heating, but come October.

Re the debt/credit - write snail mail  - don't phone - letter headed COMPLAINT

Make sure he gets the £150 -   does he get the winter fuel allowance £200 ?

Gerry1

He should be able to see the relevant info from the meter.  Here are pages showing the relevant codes.

https://www.edfenergy.com/for-home/help-centre/faq/what-does-my-gas-prepayment-meter-display-tell-me

https://www.eonenergy.com/prepayment/understanding-gas.html

If his gas meter isn't smart and he's on the capped SVT, he'd be best advised to do nothing because that £700 credit will supply gas at the old rate after the cap increases dramatically on 1 April.

• What are his electricity rates and standing charge?  Does he use any electric heating or an immersion heater or electric shower?  Are are No-Nos if you have gas.