I'am currently with Scottish power on a prepayment meter but wish to switch over to a normally meter they want £300 in security deposits and £100 for the cost of the meter Is there any way around this? as there's no way I can afford it. I know prepayment is cheaper but this is done at my house mates assistance. If I where to "move out" and someone else "Move in" would that person still have to pay the charge. i had a prepayment gas meter removed in an old house and i never got charged.

It is mostly up to the supplier. Generally if you have a good payment record for 12+ months at one property, you wont be asked for a deposit at another property. The cost for the meter, however, will probably be charged by your supplier whoever's name the account is in. You should certainly ask around other suppliers to see what they would do as one option is to switch supplier before switching meters.

Some suppliers do take advantage of customers with prepayment meters. I saw a letter to a new customer recently that went something like "you are £1.85 in arrears and you have agreed to repay this at £6 per week. Your account has been adjusted".

Anyone else got any ideas I don't mind paying a fitting charge but why should i pay a security deposit for something I'm going to get back in twelve mouths. If i moved into a house i wouldn't have to pay a deposit on the mter allready fitted so why should i pay if i change a meter.

Sorry but It's me again.

If you feel that you've been treated unfairly, you can discuss the matter with ConsumerDirect or ConsumerFocus. If you've been paying bills regularly for a year or more, they shouldn't ask for a deposit.