Switching from prepayment meter to a direct debit tariff in 2022

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Many of us use a prepayment meter because it helps us to feel in control of our energy consumption. And while this is commendable, switching from a prepayment meter to a direct debit doesn’t necessarily mean relinquishing control over your energy spending. It could result in consistently lower bills, and actually, improve your control over your energy consumption. Here we’ll look at some of the ways in which switching from a prepayment meter to a tariff with a direct debit could save you money.

Prepayment meters, how they work and why people have them

Prepayment meters are available for both electricity and gas meters, allowing energy consumers to pay for their fuel consumption on a pay-as-you-go basis. At the time of writing, there are around four million UK homes using prepayment meters. Users can top up their prepayment meters via a key or card at shops newsagents, post offices, garages or anywhere you see the Pay Point logo. Alternatively, prepayment meter users can top up their meters over the phone, online or increasingly via their supplier’s smartphone app.

Is it cheaper to have a prepayment meter?

As a matter of fact, a prepayment meter is generally more expensive than a direct debit tariff. In the table below, you’ll see a list of some of the cheapest dual fuel prepayment meter deals on the market right now and their average cost based on moderate usage. Keep in mind that costs may vary depending on your usage and where in the country you live:

Now let’s compare these to some of the cheapest standard meter deals on tariffs that have direct debits. Again, we’re looking at dual fuel tariffs with costs averaged across the UK and based on moderate usage. This list may not necessarily contain the best deal for your household:

As we can see, there is a noticeable gap between the cheapest tariff for prepayment meters and the cheapest tariff for a standard meter.

Why is prepayment more expensive?

Quite simply, energy suppliers charge more per kilowatt per hour (kWh) of energy for customers with prepayment meters. Something that’s especially given that the vast majority (around 87%) of energy consumers with prepayment meters are financially vulnerable.

The core reason why prepayment tariffs are typically more expensive is because of the increased amount of risk and overhead costs for suppliers to manage. Energy suppliers like to know that they’ll be making a set amount from each customer every month. Something they can’t count on when customers use prepayment meters.

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Does the energy price cap apply to prepayment meters?

Yes, the energy price cap applies to energy consumers with prepayment meters. As of its most recent update, the energy price cap is set at 2,017.00. This is put in place to ensure that energy suppliers cannot take advantage of customers by limiting the amount customers can be charged for their energy.

Unfortunately, according to Ofgem, over 90% of prepayment meter customers are on tariffs that are close to this limit. Meaning that many of our most financially vulnerable aren’t getting the best energy deals.

Is switching to a prepayment meter a good idea?

Even though you’re probably not getting the cheapest deal with your prepayment meter, you might be reluctant to part with it. Especially if, like many of us, you’ve been stung by inaccurate bills caused by direct debits before, or your energy costs have been allowed to spiral out of control.

In the interests of fairness, we’ve compiled a table below featuring some of the pros and cons of prepayment meters:

Is direct debit debit cheaper than a prepayment meter?

In most cases, prepayment meter customers find that they pay less for their energy when they switch to a standard or credit meter and a tariff with a direct debit.

What’s more, most suppliers (especially the "Big 6") will replace your meter free of charge if you move to a new tariff. The switch usually takes around 10 days, although the pandemic may add to this. Even if your supplier charges you to fit a new credit meter, you’ll likely find the cost to be fairly negligible

However, switching to a direct debit doesn’t necessarily guarantee cheaper energy bills. It’s important to keep track of your energy use and send regular meter readings to ensure that you’re only ever paying for what you use.

Usage estimates and the importance of regular meter readings

If you do not send a meter reading every month, you may find that your subsequent bills are based on estimated usage. And this can vary a great deal from the amount of energy that you actually use.

Usage estimates are based on historic usage data of similar properties to yours in the area, which is fine if you’re a family of 4, but not so great if you’re a pensioner living alone with very modest energy usage.

Taking regular meter readings is imperative if you’re to get the most from your new meter.

Could a smart meter be your passport to energy savings?

You may find that your supplier is able to offer you a smart meter. This can bring you the best of both worlds, with cheaper tariffs and more accurate billing. Smart meters records your energy usage in real-time and transmit it directly to your supplier.

No more unpleasant surprises when you receive your energy bill, no more topping up your prepayment meter, and no rummaging around in dark cupboards trying to get a meter reading!

Best of all, suppliers will provide a smart meter free of charge. The UK Government is keen to have smart meters available to all energy consumers by 2025.

How do I switch from a prepayment meter to a direct debit?

If you decide that this switch is the right move for you, you will need to get a new credit meter installed to replace your old prepayment meter. If you live in a rental property, you will need to check with your landlord that they are happy for you to do this, as they may have a pre-existing relationship with your incumbent supplier that requires you to have a smart meter.

Assuming that you are able to install a credit meter in your home, take the following steps to replace your prepayment meter with a credit meter:

• Contact your supplier (or prospective new supplier) to see if you are eligible to switch.
• Find out if there are any associated charges (The "big 6" energy suppliers will not charge you for this).
• Arrange to switch suppliers or tariffs. Remember to ask your current supplier what deals they can offer you on a direct debit tariff before you commit to switching suppliers.
• Arrange an appointment to get your new credit meter installed.
• Find out your new MPAN number when your new meter is installed. This will be handy to know when moving home or changing supplier in future.

Switching tariffs will usually take between 17 and 21 days, although fitting a new meter may take slightly longer.

In most cases, the savings will be worth waiting for. However, getting the right supplier and tariff is the key.

That’s where we come in!

Looking for a new energy supplier? We’re here to help!

Whether you choose to switch from a prepayment meter to a direct debit or decide that you’re better off sticking with your prepayment meter, the right supplier and tariff can make all the difference.

We can help by scouring the market to find energy deals that give you the best value for money, whatever meter you choose to use. Best of all, we’ll even manage every stage of your switch from end to end. No stress, no worries, just cheaper energy.

Sound like a plan?

Then get in touch with us today on 0330 818 6223. We’re available from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.

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FAQ

Can I change my prepayment meter for free?

All of the “Big 6” energy suppliers (British Gas, Scottish Power, EDF, E.On, N Power, and SSE) will change your prepayment meter to a conventional credit meter for free. The only instance where they will refuse to do this is if you have generated significant debts and they have implemented a smart meter to help you to manage your energy consumption.

Many of the UK’s smaller suppliers will also change your prepayment meter for free. However, some may have a small charge.

Can I change to a prepayment meter again if I change my mind?

Most suppliers will allow you to change back to a prepayment meter if you’re finding it harder to manage your usage with a credit meter. However, few do. And with smart meters becoming more and more common, energy consumers have the best of both worlds. Transparency and accuracy in their billing, plus cheaper energy.

Can I still switch suppliers with a prepayment meter?

Yes, absolutely! Most large and small suppliers have at least one tariff available for customers prepayment meters. There are even suppliers like Boost Energy who provide tariffs exclusively for customers with prepayment meters. So, even if you’d rather stick with a prepayment meter, you can still take active steps to get a better deal.

Are prepayment meters covered by the Energy Price Cap?