Switching energy to Bulb - on a PAYG meter with Utilita and my electricity is out already!

[SuperlativeScrubs]

Hi all, looking for advice as I have never had to do this before.

Moved into a new rental which comes with a PAYG smart meter. I have been here less than a week (moved on 27th) and already spent 60 on topping up. The only things I have run in that time are my fridge freezer, television, a couple of heaters and charged my phone once and cooked using the oven for less than an hour once this whole week. I have no idea how I am going to maintain that, plus further usage of heating water, having the heaters on in the kids rooms, running the washing machine, cooking every day and actually switching lights on when they are here too.

Looking at switching, I have come across Bulb, but not too sure about them. They seem to be the cheapest and look like they have decent customer satisfaction and service but I am wary. Does anyone here use them who can recommend?

Also, what can I do in the meantime? Between jobs, I have no money until Friday with a maxed out overdraft, two kids to feed and no way to cook anything, no heat or hot water and have had to throw out all the food in the fridge and freezer due to it being off overnight. Energy company are un-contactable it seems as I have been on hold for near an hour after they answered.

I use Bulb and have been v happy. Their main acquisition strategy seems to be by recommendation (don't switch to them without a money off code- I'll happily give you one if you don't know anyone personally to give you one). I don't know about pre pay meters though - I'd give them a call if I was you.

I never got any money off from Bulb despite having three friends join through me.

Have you got the Utilita app ?? If you have then see if it will let you power up. If they agree it it will give you credit until you can put some on. Obviously you have to pay it back but they don't take it all in one go.

I am with utilita for gas an electric and use max £20 a week,
Do you have electric storage heaters cos I know they use more electric.

Have you told Utilita you've moved into the property? Spending £60 in a week on the usage you've outlined is not correct. You may be paying off the previous tenant's debt or their past use of emergency credit.

Call Utilita, tell them when you moved in and get them to investigate what's going on.

yes, did you advise whoever it is that you have moved in and got the meters reset? I also think you are paying someone else's debt.

then look at switching. Remember to compare actual unit costs, not fantasy 'you could save....' figures.

Why on earth would you throw food out just cos its been out overnight?? If the housebis not heated it will be fine to use.

@Trewser - did they definitely sign up using a link you gave them? When I've had friends sign up I've had an email telling me that, and then another one when their switch was completed. Money came off my bill. If you didn't get the emails, then they must not have used the links. If you did get the emails but haven't had the money off, I'd contact Bulb to find out why.

You are probably paying the previous resident's debt and need to get that corrected as soon as possible.

Keep records and notes, you may need them if it comes to chasing your money back or if Utilita are slow or ignoring you.

If you don't have energy-related debts, you can get the prepayment meter removed and a regular meter put in. You reportedly do not need your landlord's permission to do this, however the landlord may at the end of your tenancy charge you for the costs of swapping the meter back to prepay.

In the immediate future, I think the only thing you can do is look into your credit options or any crisis funding you might be able to get.

Electricity is an expensive way to heat a house - if your old place had gas central heating and your new home doesn't you're in for a bill shock even on the best electricity deal there is.

@TheOriginalNutty
Hi Nutty,

I'm wanting to move to Utitilta. Could you give me a"refer a friend" code please.

Very happy with bulb, been with them a year (also have a referral code if anyone needs one). Switched from octopus who were ok but couldn't match bulb when renewal time came round. Do check if you're eligible for the the warm home discount as well, most utility suppliers have to offer this now, it's £140 credit if you're on a low income.