How to Get a Prepaid Energy Meter Removed in Scotland

If you’re renting in Scotland and currently have a prepaid (prepayment) meter for your electricity or gas, you might be wondering if—and how—it can be replaced with a standard credit meter. Prepaid meters are sometimes installed to help manage debt or limit usage, but they’re often more expensive and less convenient than regular meters. This guide explains your rights under Scottish law, the process for requesting removal, and key official resources.

What Is a Prepaid (Prepayment) Meter?

A prepaid meter means you pay for your energy as you go, usually by topping up a key, card, or app. Many renters find these meters are costlier and harder to manage than standard credit meters.

Can You Request the Removal of a Prepaid Meter?

In most cases, you can ask your energy supplier to remove a prepayment meter and switch you to a standard credit meter. However, certain conditions apply:

• Account must be in your name: You usually need to be the account holder with the energy supplier.
• Outstanding debt: If you owe money to your supplier, they may refuse until debts are cleared or transferred.
• Landlord permission: If you’re a tenant, you may need your landlord’s written permission for work that changes the property’s fixtures.

Some social and private tenants can have prepaid meters removed for free, but it depends on your circumstances and the supplier’s policy. Ofgem, the UK energy regulator, gives you the right to choose your meter type if you meet the supplier’s conditions. See Ofgem’s official removal advice for more.

Your Rights as a Tenant

In Scotland, tenants have certain legal protections regarding utilities:

• Your right to change supplier: If you pay the energy bill directly, you can switch supplier without the landlord’s agreement.
• Meter changes: Physical changes, such as removing a prepaid meter, usually require landlord permission, as it can be considered alteration to the property.
• Reasonable requests: Under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016, landlords must not unreasonably withhold or delay consent to a reasonable request—for instance, improving access to cheaper tariffs.

How to Request Removal

Here are the steps you should follow if you want a prepaid meter removed from your rented home:

• Contact your energy supplier and ask about their process for removing a prepayment meter. You could do this by phone or via your online account.
• If you are not named on the account, your landlord must contact the supplier, or you may need their written permission to pass to the supplier.
• If your supplier agrees, they will arrange a visit to remove the meter and install a standard credit meter—usually free if you meet their criteria.
• If your landlord unreasonably withholds permission, you may challenge this through negotiation or, in rare cases, the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).

For any disputes about your tenancy, including damage or alterations, you can apply to the official tribunal for residential tenancies in Scotland: the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).

Official Forms and Practical Steps

While there is no set national form for requesting prepaid meter removal, you may use these supporting documents:

• Written Consent Letter: Ask your landlord for signed permission. If needed, you can use the template provided by the Scottish Government's sample consent letter.
• Application to Tribunal (Form AT6): If your landlord refuses, you may apply to the First-tier Tribunal. For repairs or alterations, see the Repair Application Form (Private Sector Tenants). Fill this in if there's a dispute relating to your ability to benefit from a standard meter (such as access to more affordable tariffs or for repairs needing landlord consent).

Always keep correspondence in writing and seek advice if you face difficulties.

What If the Supplier Refuses?

If your supplier refuses to remove a prepaid meter without good reason, raise a formal complaint through the supplier’s process. If still unresolved, you can escalate your case to the Energy Ombudsman.

For more on escalating complaints, check the Ofgem complaints guide.

FAQ: Prepaid Meter Removal in Rented Scottish Homes

1. Can I remove a prepaid meter without landlord permission?
   Your energy supplier will usually need written landlord permission, as meter changes are considered property alterations.
2. What should I do if my landlord refuses to allow the removal?
   Try to resolve the issue with your landlord directly. If consent is unreasonably withheld, you may apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (see above for their application forms).
3. Do I have to pay for meter removal?
   Energy suppliers often remove prepayment meters for free if you meet their criteria. Always ask your supplier before proceeding.
4. Can social tenants request prepaid meters to be removed?
   Yes, social housing tenants can make this request. Speak with your housing officer and supplier for specific next steps.
5. Can I switch supplier with a prepaid meter?
   Yes, you can switch energy supplier even if you currently have a prepayment meter, but your options may be more limited than with a standard credit meter.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Renters in Scotland have the right to ask for prepaid meters to be removed, generally needing landlord’s permission.
• If refused without a reasonable cause, disputes can be taken to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland.
• Always communicate in writing and use official government forms when escalating.

Most tenants can achieve removal with clear communication between all parties involved.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Scottish Government – Your rights as a private tenant
• Citizens Advice Scotland – Renting Privately
• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
• Ofgem – Removing a prepayment meter
• Energy Ombudsman

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1. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
2. Ofgem: How to get a prepayment meter removed
3. First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
4. Scottish Government – Tenants’ rights
5. Energy Ombudsman

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