Removing a pre-pay meter

Kol

Kol

Kol

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Morning gang,

Did a quick search but couldn't find any specific threads and google throws up six year old mumsnet threads.

Pre-pay meters... we get the keys to our own place next Monday. I believe as it was previously a rental that it has a pre-pay meter. I don't want that. So what is the best course of action? Can I simply call the most competitive energy company, open an account with them and request a normal meter or is there some set procedure?

It's been a long time since I switched energy providers and even then it's just been a case of giving them the MPAN.
 
First things first, congratulations on getting your new home!

Simple as you think, get setup with an energy provider of your choice and get them to install a proper meter (you will probably end up with a smart meter, but thats not the end of the world)... Will have to use pre-pay until the proper meter is in but not the end of the world.

I would suggest getting a one year fixed tariff to start with with whoever takes your fancy. Avoid the big six and go for a smaller good tariff one with good reviews ref service... Personally I like OVO, not as cheap as some of the really small ones but customer service is very good.
Do 1 year as you wont know how much energy you use so hard to do a proper comparison and dont want to fix in for 2+years and then find your usage doesnt match what you though it would.

Get your keys, get in then get down screwfix, replace all normal lightbulbs with LED bulbs (even if just hall, landing, living and kitchen to start with - Basically lights that are on a lot), nice saving to get you started. :)
 
yeah its pretty straight forward but some company's have been known to charge to have them removed so check this along with looking for the lowest fix prices deals, Bgas have recently upped there prices so its likely others will follow so a fixed rate before the rest increase would be my advice.
 
Thanks @Mickcas.

Just looking at Ovo's site now, looks fairly straightforward to be set up with an account. I guess as the pre-pay meter is in credit that may help simplify things?
 
Kol said:
Thanks @Mickcas.

Just looking at Ovo's site now, looks fairly straightforward to be set up with an account. I guess as the pre-pay meter is in credit that may help simplify things?
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Shouldn't make a difference really. Can only speak for Npower as I used to work for them (unfortunately) but it's normally a case of getting a new card which will reset the meter. Youll probably need a few readings from the meter itself.

Can't imagine other providers being much different.
 
Cheers bud. I'll give them a shout the day I get the keys, probably makes more sense to call them and go through everything.
 
Kol said:
Cheers bud. I'll give them a shout the day I get the keys, probably makes more sense to call them and go through everything.
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Yup, preplan and talk to a few about it but book nothing until you have keys :) Dont forget on move in day to take all the meter readings (photos are a good idea, incase of any discussion/difference between your reading and the outgoing customers reading). Gas, electricity, water. Make sure you know how to turn all 3 on/off and TESt that it works (we had a water stop **** that didnt actually stop the water... Exciting moments!!)
 
Do you not need to sign up with the company that currently supply the property first?

When we moved in it was pre-pay on British Gas. They wouldn't swap the meter as we failed their credit checks (they did not do any credit checks and theres no reason we failed) we had to switch to EDF on PrePay then ask EDF to change the meters. EDF were quiet good through the whole process. Luckily we did not move in for a few month so having PrePay was easier than monthly bills.

A year later we switched away from EDF with no issues.
 
Vanquish-Storm said:
Do you not need to sign up with the company that currently supply the property first?
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This 100%.

You have to take over other supply from which ever supplier is currently in place and change from there. Whether you change the meter first or the supplier that's up to you.

Seeing as you have to take over the supply changing the meter over isn't something you need to sort out right away but just have in the back of your mind it is certainly costing you more the longer you leave it.
 
Thanks guys. So I find out through U.K. Power Networks who the current supplier is, call them and set up an account. Once I've done that can I then change to whoever I like?

Forgive the simple questions, it's been nearly six years since I took over a fresh property.
 
Yep, set up account with current supplier, they will get you a card and all that. Ring new supplier, set up account with them and if you wanted, get the prepay meter taken out. Takes about 14 days iirc to change the account over so you will have to stick with the current supplier until it gets taken over.

Also as has been mentioned, when ringing the current and new suppliers, it's easier to either be at the meter or have photos taken of all the screens. If they're doing it properly, they'll need the read, the amount of credit or debt on it and the serial number.
 
From experience getting a keypad electricity meter removed is free.
However I was quoted in excess of £150 to get the gas card meter removed. Probably due to cost of gas safe registered tradesmen instead of just a normal electrician
 
U
pigeonguyuk said:
From experience getting a keypad electricity meter removed is free.
However I was quoted in excess of £150 to get the gas card meter removed. Probably due to cost of gas safe registered tradesmen instead of just a normal electrician
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Depends on the supplier. Npower charge, or used to, £60 per meter. Unless you qualified for a free removal due to disability or something.
 
Mickcas said:
yeah its pretty straight forward but some company's have been known to charge to have them removed so check this along with looking for the lowest fix prices deals, Bgas have recently upped there prices so its likely others will follow so a fixed rate before the rest increase would be my advice.
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Doubtful seeing as they all upped their prices end of last year....
 
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