Prepayment meter query

GerryG

I wonder if anybody can help me out regarding a query regarding E.ON

On November 18th 2007 I took over the running of my Mum's property as she had sadly passed away. She has a prepayment electricity meter which she got installed over 10 years ago for convenience / to manage her finances and was in no debt or arrears with E.ON.

When I contacted E.ON to state that I had taken over the property they arranged for an electrical engineer to fit a new upgraded prepayment electricity meter, they never actually gave me any options to have the old meter removed and pay by future bills by direct debit or any other payment method.

Before I joined this website I was unaware that there was a standing charge for the prepayment meter and that the prices for the electricity were much higher so I contacted E.ON today to arrange to have the prepayment meter removed and transfer my payment for electricity by direct debit. The gal on the phone stated that I would have to pay £50 to have the meter removed considering I wasn't given the option at the time to offer payment by direct debit when I took the house over which I feel is unjustified and unfair that I should have to pay £50 for something that I never even requested.

I was told that I will have to pay £50 and no amount of complaining would get the prepayment meter removed for free as the £50 is standard practice to charge the customer, I am in a good mind to pay the £50 and switch to a cheaper provider but still feel I shouldn't have to pay.

Has anybody been in the same situtaion as me? or has anybody ever avoided paying £50 to have a prepayment meter removed?.

Thanks folks..any input / advice appreciated.

Joyful

Call round the companies. Some will credit vet you and then change for free. Be aware though that if you fail the credit vet they will ask for money up front which you get back with interest after a year if you have run the account correctly.

GerryG

Ah thanks for the info Joyful..I have a good credit rating so shouldn't be a problem changing over to another supplier without giving any money to them upfront..I just dread paying £50 to have the prepayment meter removed.

Thanks