pre-paid leccy & gas meters

[Big Knox]

Moving house this weekend and the house we are moving to has prepaid leccy & gas meters at the moment. I've never had them before so can someone explain to me how they work? ie how do I "top them up"? I believe they are "key meters".

They are getting removed on Dec 9th but I still have to deal with them for about 10 days.

Thanks!

[Big Sig]

Most shops can top them up for you. Usually where you can top up a phone you can top up a key meter. You need to take the key/card with you to do it iirc. You will also have some "emergency" eleccy/gas - maybe £5 worth if you run out that you "turn on" with a button or such like.

Nothing to worry about, if in doubt give your meter supplier a call, i am sure they can help you as well

[Big Knox]

thanks can't wait to get rid, I hear they are very expensive to run.

[Big Sig]

Depends on what unit charge they are on, but yes they are normally more expensive.

[jlock]

Most of my mates have them as they are in student housing and they seems like a bit of a pain in the arse lol.
I just have normal though since ive got my own flat, its so much easier

[Big Knox]

yeah just don't like the idea of being in the house and suddenly the lights click off! or even worse the cooker half way through dinner. The idea of getting ripped off as well doesn't go down well with me either.

[spennny]

If you have to stick a few quid in it mate till its removed, dont go over the top, as you wont get it back

[markm]

thanks can't wait to get rid, I hear they are very expensive to run.

Some are 3 times more expensive than a DD account some also have old dept from the old owner/tenant

Make sure you get the account cleared ready for when you move in, this will clear any old dept (if there is any)

[vxr-i-wish]

if you have bought the house you should be able to conact the energy supplier and ask to have them changed with standard meters. Pre pay normaly work out a bit more as everyday you have a standing charge by the meter, so everytime you 'top up' not all of it goes on the gas/elec. pre pay are normaly used with people with bad credit/rented houses/people on low income.

[Diet1985]

I had these when i first moved into my flat....

Simples i thought top them up and i pay for what i use...

what i didnt expect was a bill to come through the charging me more for using the meters!!

They quickly went after that