Removing a prepaid meter, often known as a pay-as-you-go meter, is a common request, especially when moving into a new home. The primary way to remove a prepaid meter and switch to a standard credit meter is to contact your energy supplier and request a change.
Steps to Change Your Prepaid Meter
Transitioning from a prepaid meter to a standard credit meter typically involves a few key steps, heavily dependent on your energy supplier's policies and your financial standing.
Initial Steps for New Homeowners
If you've just moved into a property with an existing prepayment meter, here's how to begin the process, incorporating direct advice for new residents:
- Identify Your Energy Supplier: Firstly, you need to find out who your supplier is. This can often be done by checking previous utility bills left by the former occupant, contacting the national meter point administration service in your region, or simply checking the meter itself for a supplier's logo.
- Contact Large Suppliers: If your new home is already with a large supplier, then you can ask them to change the meter for free. Large suppliers often have policies to facilitate this switch for new customers or those looking to move away from prepaid systems.
- Prepare for a Credit Check: Be aware that you will still be subject to a credit check before your supplier agrees to prepayment meter removal. This check helps the supplier assess your ability to manage a credit account and pay for energy usage post-paid.
General Process for Meter Removal
Beyond the initial steps for new homeowners, the broader process for removing a prepaid meter typically includes:
- Check for Outstanding Debt: Before any meter change, suppliers will usually require that there is no outstanding debt on the prepaid meter. If there is, you will need to clear it first.
- Discuss New Payment Methods: Once approved, your supplier will discuss various payment options for your new credit meter, such as direct debit, standing orders, or bill payments.
- Schedule the Appointment: An engineer will need to visit your property to physically remove the prepaid meter and install the new credit meter. This appointment will be scheduled at your convenience.
Important Considerations Before Removal
Before initiating the removal process, understanding a few critical factors can streamline your experience:
- Credit History: As mentioned, a credit check is standard. A good credit history significantly improves your chances of approval for a credit meter.
- Outstanding Debts: Energy suppliers are unlikely to remove a prepaid meter if there's significant outstanding debt on the account. Clearing any arrears is usually a prerequisite.
- Supplier Policies: While large suppliers may offer free removal, policies vary. Some smaller suppliers might charge a fee for the meter exchange, or they may have stricter criteria for approval.
- Timeframe: The entire process, from initial contact to meter installation, can take several weeks, depending on supplier availability and scheduling.
Summary of Key Actions
Here’s a quick overview of the essential steps and their importance:
| Action Required | Why It's Important |
|---|---|
| Identify Supplier | Crucial first step to know who to contact regarding your energy supply. |
| Contact Supplier | Large suppliers may remove meters for free. They are the primary party to manage the process. |
| Pass Credit Check | A mandatory step for supplier approval of prepayment meter removal, ensuring you can manage a credit meter. |
| Clear Meter Debt | Most suppliers require any outstanding balance on the prepaid meter to be settled before a meter change can occur. |
