Renting a house - how do I change from a prepayment to credit meter along with supplier?

topwire010101

Hello,

I'm moving into a rented property a week after the current tenant moves out. Currently there is a prepayment meter installed with 'E energy' and I'm wondering how to switch this to a credit meter with another provider? What is the correct process for this?

I have seen suggestions of calling up the current provider to ask them to switch it out, however E energy only seem to offer prepayment meters so I'm a bit stuck on what to do. I have an alternative energy supplier in mind, I just need to know the right steps to take to ensure it goes smoothly!

Thank you

MFWannabe

When you move in you have to sign up with current supplier then you can look to change 

PRAISETHESUN

As above, when you move in you have to sign up for an account with the incumbent supplier and provide opening meter readings. Once you've done that, you can then look to switch away to another provider.

You should be able to swap directly to another provider and upgrade to a credit meter at the same time, but you might need to swap first and then change meters second. Additionally, make sure to let your LL what you're intending to do as it is often a clause in tenancy agreements that you need to get permission to change utility meters. You usually don't need permission to change suppliers, just the physical meter itself.

theartfullodger

Tenants have the right to change meter type and supplier. To whatever they want.

Artful (landlord as it happens)

CurlySue2017

PRAISETHESUN said:

As above, when you move in you have to sign up for an account with the incumbent supplier and provide opening meter readings. Once you've done that, you can then look to switch away to another provider.

You should be able to swap directly to another provider and upgrade to a credit meter at the same time, but you might need to swap first and then change meters second. Additionally, make sure to let your LL what you're intending to do as it is often a clause in tenancy agreements that you need to get permission to change utility meters. You usually don't need permission to change suppliers, just the physical meter itself.

This is not correct, you do not need your LL's permisson for this

It would of course be courteous to tell them and I would if it were me - but I would be telling them (politely), not asking for permission

CurlySue2017

Apologies, I see @theartfullodger has said this already

I should've gone to Specsavers

PRAISETHESUN

Interesting - I thought it was fairly standard as I've had something to that effect in my last couple of leases saying that any changes to my utility meters need permission from the LL, such permission not to be unreasonably withheld -shrugs-

In any case, it should be fairly straightforward to get the meters changed as outlined above.

EssexHebridean

Is the current meter a smart, or a traditional one? 

Regardless, as said you do have to register with the existing supplier first. 

_Penny_Dreadful

PRAISETHESUN said:

Interesting - I thought it was fairly standard as I've had something to that effect in my last couple of leases saying that any changes to my utility meters need permission from the LL, such permission not to be unreasonably withheld -shrugs-

In any case, it should be fairly straightforward to get the meters changed as outlined above.

It’s very unusual for the landlord to own the meter as generally speaking they are owned by the utility supplier. The tenant has a contract with the utility supplier so the type of meter is between those two parties and the landlord should keep their neb oot. 

dimbo61

Pre payment meters are more expensive.
As a Landlord I would not want one in our rental as that means the tenants are being ripped off for energy use 
However if the tenant gets into arrears  some Energy companies are entering homes and fitting them 

macman

Get the current meters switched to smart meters: no charge. Once done, request a switch from PPM mode to credit mode: done remotely, again at no charge.
If you go direct to credit meters then you would be charged.
The meters are the property of the Meter Asset Company, not necessarily the supplier. Nothing to do with the LL. The old chestnut about the TA prohibiting a physical change of meter is obsolete, as, in the smart meter era, the mode can be changed remotely in both directions.