Switch from prepaid to direct debit???

sarah.roberts85

Hi,

I currently have two prepaid meters in my flat for gas and electricity. Both are supplied by Scottish Hydro Electric. I currently pay about £25-30 a month electricity and £10 a week gas.
I phoned them today to ask about switching to paying monthly by direct debit. They said that it is actually cheaper per unit just now on prepay.

Is this right? Can anyone recommend a good/cheaper supplier to change to?

Any help or advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks

mute_posting

Put how many units you use of each (do you get a "bill" detailing how many units and how much you have put in the meter periodically?) into a comparrison site - unit prices can vary with the same company depending on region.

I'd be surprised if prepay is cheaper - I think with ebico and equigas (the only ones I have read that don't charge more for prepay) prepay and credit rates are the same - but not cheaper?!?

They may do a credit check if it goes ahead - make sure you are happy for them to do this if they choose to.

MP

Ken68

Seems like you are a low user, Sarah, it which case Ebico as mentioned by Mute would be an ideal provider. Straightforward unit pricing. Simple billing. Not for heavy users.
Gas is 2.86pence and electric 10.81pence including vat, no standing charge.
The electric price varies with the area.

loz86

It might be that your unit rate is cheaper, but I would have thought the daily stanidng charge is higher and also you won't get discounts. It's common knowledge that prepayment is the most expensive way to pay (apart from some companies ie Ebico that charge the same rates).

kebabd

hi i have prepayment meters but have been offered this new service from ireland???? 2 meters the same with another box that tops up via paypoint swipe card over the phone with dd without the need to put your keys in the meter??? sounds good as they will give you this all FREE and also offer you the same rates as if you were paying by direct debt????? is this worth doing??? company called Utilita ..... electric rate was only 11.742 where as at mo it is 14.98?? am confussed can any one advise

I am not very up on this at all and am scared of running up bills hense the prepayment meters even though they cost me more, lots more.

please help

K

Joyful

Your post is a bit confusing. There is another service that you can top up your electric key meter over the phone. It's with British Gas and called Energy Point. It's on a special deal at the moment although you do need a landline and debit card for it to work.

For any Utility companies offering special deals I would suggest going to their website and checking it out. Why also would someone with a key meter want a direct debit used?

Just had a quick look at the website before I go off to work. It looks like they base their prices on what is usually the highest companies tariffs BG for gas and the Regional electricity company for electric. Most companies can beat these.