Metroprepaid.co.uk Reviews

Based on looking at the website, MetroPrepaid.co.uk appears to be a legitimate service offering electricity sub-meters for landlords in the UK to manage tenant electricity usage and payments. The platform facilitates the collection of electricity payments from tenants and then transfers these funds to the registered landlord, aiming to simplify utility management and ensure fair usage.

Metro Prepaid positions itself as an efficient solution for landlords seeking to recover electricity costs from tenants.

Their system is designed to provide transparency and control over utility consumption, addressing common issues like excessive usage in multi-occupancy properties.

By enabling tenants to top up their meters via “Metro Codes” purchased at various UK retail locations or online, the service streamlines the payment process and provides landlords with a clear mechanism for recouping utility expenses.

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Understanding Metro Prepaid: The Core Offering

Metro Prepaid is designed to bridge the gap between landlords and tenant electricity consumption, offering a pre-payment sub-metering solution.

It’s built for efficiency, giving landlords a mechanism to recover electricity costs directly from tenants, thereby reducing the administrative burden and ensuring fair usage.

Think of it as a utility management hack for property owners.

What is a Metro Prepaid Sub-Meter?

At its heart, a Metro Prepaid sub-meter is an electricity meter installed after the main supply meter. It measures the electricity consumed by a specific unit or tenant within a property. This is crucial for properties with multiple tenants or distinct units, like HMOs Houses in Multiple Occupation or commercial spaces, where individual tracking of usage is essential. These meters are designed to be tamper-resistant, surge-resistant, and EU compliant, built for longevity and reliability, which is a major plus. They’re not just fancy gadgets. they’re robust tools for financial management.

How Does the System Work for Landlords?

For landlords, the process is streamlined. First, they purchase and install the Metro Prepaid sub-meters. This is done by an electrician, ensuring adherence to IET wiring codes. Once installed, the meters need to be registered with Metro Prepaid. This can be done online or via their 24/7 help desk, requiring basic landlord details and bank information for monthly payouts. Landlords essentially hand over the billing and collection headache to Metro Prepaid, freeing up their time for more pressing property management tasks. Nanrobot.com Reviews

How Do Tenants Use the System?

Tenants interact with the system by topping up their prepayment meters by purchasing “Metro Codes.” These codes are essentially prepaid electricity vouchers. They can be bought at thousands of PayPoint stores across the UK, online, or via bank transfer, cash deposit, or credit card via PayPal. Once a tenant purchases a 20-digit encrypted code, they punch it into their sub-meter, which then adds the corresponding electricity credit. This system puts the responsibility for electricity usage directly on the tenant, promoting mindful consumption.

The Financial Flow: Payments and Transfers

Metro Prepaid acts as the intermediary.

They collect the funds from the “Metro Code” purchases made by tenants.

These accumulated payments for a given month are then transferred to the registered landlord in the first week of the following month.

This structured payment cycle ensures landlords receive the funds necessary to cover the main supply bill from their energy provider, eliminating the awkward “who pays for what?” conversations. Cloudninehair.com Reviews

It’s a clean, efficient transfer of funds designed to keep things simple.

Installation and Setup: Getting Started with Metro Prepaid

Getting the Metro Prepaid system up and running seems fairly straightforward, provided you follow their guidelines.

It’s not a DIY job for the faint of heart, but rather a process that requires professional electrical work.

This ensures safety and compliance, which are paramount when dealing with electricity.

Purchasing Your Sub-Meters

Metro Prepaid electric sub-meters are readily available from leading UK electrical wholesalers. This widespread availability is a significant advantage, meaning landlords shouldn’t have trouble sourcing the necessary hardware. It’s always a good idea to check with your preferred wholesaler for pricing and stock levels. The key here is that you’re buying a physical, tangible product that integrates into your property’s electrical system. Ifxbit.com Reviews

The Role of the Electrician

Metro Prepaid explicitly states that landlords use their own appointed electrician to install the electric sub-meters. This is a critical point. While the meters are designed for ease of operation, their installation requires expertise. Electricians must comply with IET wiring codes, ensuring the installation is safe, compliant, and correctly integrated into the property’s existing electrical infrastructure. This isn’t a “plug-and-play” device. it requires professional hands. Landlords may install as many electric sub-meters per property as the main supply permits, offering flexibility for various property configurations.

Registering Your Sub-Meter: The Online and Offline Process

Once installed, the sub-meter needs to be registered with Metro Prepaid. This step activates the financial transfer mechanism. Registration is described as “simple” and can be completed in a few minutes via an online form or telephonically with their 24/7 Help Desk. This dual approach caters to different user preferences. All registrations are confirmed telephonically, during which consultants will request the landlord’s bank details. This is where Metro Prepaid ensures they have the correct account for monthly payments, highlighting their commitment to secure and accurate financial transactions.

Key Considerations for Installation

• Professional Installation is Non-Negotiable: Do not attempt to install these meters yourself unless you are a qualified electrician. Safety and compliance are paramount.
• IET Wiring Codes: Ensure your chosen electrician is fully aware of and adheres to all relevant IET wiring regulations. This protects both you and your tenants.
• Main Supply Capacity: Understand the limitations of your main electrical supply. You can only install as many sub-meters as the main supply can safely handle.
• Meter Location: Plan where the meters will be installed. They should be accessible for tenants to input codes and for potential maintenance.
• Registration Timing: Register your meters promptly after installation to ensure a smooth transition to the prepayment system and timely fund transfers.

By adhering to these steps, landlords can ensure a smooth and efficient setup process, laying the groundwork for effective electricity management within their properties.

Financial Management: How Landlords Get Paid

One of the most attractive features of Metro Prepaid for landlords is its promise of simplified financial management.

By taking over the collection of electricity payments from tenants, the system aims to reduce administrative burden and ensure consistent revenue recovery. Parkholidays.com Reviews

It’s a crucial aspect for any landlord looking to optimize their property’s cash flow.

The Monthly Payment Cycle

Metro Prepaid operates on a clear monthly cycle for fund transfers. They accumulate all the electricity Metro Code payments made by tenants for any given month. Then, in the first week of the following month, these consolidated funds are transferred to the registered landlord. This predictable schedule allows landlords to better manage their finances and allocate funds towards the main supply bill from their energy provider. For example, if tenants collectively top up £500 in May, that £500 will be transferred to the landlord in the first week of June. This structured approach removes the guesswork from utility cost recovery.

How Funds are Transferred

When registering, landlords provide their bank details.

Metro Prepaid uses these details to make direct bank transfers.

This method is generally secure and efficient, ensuring funds reach the landlord’s account directly. Rewarble.com Reviews

There’s no talk of cheques or other antiquated payment methods, which is a good sign for modern financial operations.

The system is designed to integrate seamlessly into a landlord’s existing banking setup.

Transparency and Reporting Implied

While the homepage text doesn’t explicitly detail a sophisticated landlord dashboard with granular reporting, the system implies transparency. For Metro Prepaid to accurately transfer funds, they must track individual tenant top-ups linked to specific meters. Landlords would ideally want access to this data – how much each tenant has topped up, the total amount collected, and the exact transfer dates. Although not explicitly stated, a robust system would likely offer some form of statement or online portal for landlords to review these transactions. This is crucial for auditing and financial reconciliation.

Addressing the “All-Inclusive” Model Flaw

The testimonial from Jim Haliburton, “HMO Daddy,” perfectly highlights the problem Metro Prepaid aims to solve: the “all-in” model for utilities.

He notes, “It drives the wrong behaviour, with tenants not switching off appliances using electric heaters whilst leaving the windows wide open or worse taking a long weekend in Greece and leaving the appliances running.” This anecdotal evidence, from someone with “well over 1000 HMO rooms,” underscores a significant financial drain for landlords. Instaforex.com Reviews

By implementing a prepayment system, Metro Prepaid shifts the financial responsibility directly to the tenant, incentivizing them to be more conscious of their electricity consumption.

This behavioral change can lead to significant savings for landlords on their main energy bills, as they are no longer subsidizing wasteful usage.

Key Financial Benefits for Landlords

• Reduced Administrative Overhead: No more chasing tenants for utility payments.
• Predictable Cash Flow: Monthly transfers ensure consistent recovery of costs.
• Incentivizes Responsible Usage: Tenants pay for what they use, leading to energy conservation.
• Cost Recovery: Directly offsets the landlord’s main energy bill.
• Dispute Resolution: Provides a clear, audited system for electricity usage, minimizing tenant disputes over bills.

The financial model of Metro Prepaid is designed to be a win-win: landlords recover costs efficiently, and tenants are empowered to control their own utility expenditure.

Tenant Experience: Topping Up and Usage

The success of a prepayment system hinges significantly on the tenant experience.

If it’s cumbersome, confusing, or inaccessible, it will inevitably lead to frustration for both tenants and landlords. Quietbounce.com Reviews

Metro Prepaid seems to have focused on offering multiple, convenient methods for tenants to top up their electricity.

How Tenants Purchase Metro Codes

Metro Prepaid emphasizes convenience for tenants when purchasing “power codes” also referred to as Metro Codes. The website highlights several methods:

• High Street Stores PayPoint: This is a significant advantage. Tenants can top up their meters by purchasing codes at thousands of high street stores in the UK via PayPoint. This widespread network means tenants can likely find a top-up point near their home or workplace, similar to topping up a mobile phone or gas card. This physical accessibility is crucial for tenants who may not have easy access to online banking or prefer cash transactions. As of 2023, PayPoint has over 28,000 retail locations across the UK, making it a highly accessible option.
• Online: For digitally savvy tenants, online top-ups are available. While the specific platform isn’t detailed on the homepage, this typically involves a dedicated portal or an e-commerce platform on the Metro Prepaid website.
• Bank Payment: This suggests direct bank transfers are an option for topping up, which might be suitable for tenants who prefer this method or are topping up larger amounts.
• Cash Deposit: Another option for cash-preferring tenants, likely through specific banking partners or designated locations.
• Credit Card PayPal: Utilizing PayPal offers a secure and widely recognized platform for credit card payments, catering to tenants who prefer using plastic for their transactions.

The variety of options is a strong point, aiming to reduce friction for tenants and ensure they can always access electricity credit.

How to Use a Metro Code

Once a tenant purchases a power code, it’s a 20-digit encrypted number. This number is then “punched into the meter by the tenant on returning home.” This process is straightforward and similar to entering a voucher code. The meter then updates with the new credit, allowing the tenant to continue using electricity. The simplicity of this final step is key to user adoption.

Implications for Tenant Behavior

The pre-payment model inherently encourages more mindful electricity consumption. Homebinder.com Reviews

Since tenants are directly paying for what they use, they are more likely to:

• Switch off lights and appliances when not in use.
• Be conscious of heating/cooling settings, especially avoiding practices like leaving windows open while heating is on.
• Avoid leaving appliances on standby or running unnecessarily when away.

This aligns with the landlord’s goal of reducing overall property energy consumption, which can also contribute to a lower environmental footprint.

It’s a behavioral economics play that often works effectively.

Potential Challenges for Tenants

While the system is designed for convenience, potential challenges for tenants could include:

• Running out of credit unexpectedly: While designed to prevent this, if a tenant doesn’t monitor their usage, they could find themselves without electricity. Metro Prepaid’s 24/7 help desk would be critical in these situations.
• Locating top-up points: While PayPoint is widespread, new tenants might need guidance on the nearest top-up locations.
• Internet access for online top-ups: For some tenants, reliable internet access might be an issue.
• Emergency Credit Implied but not detailed: Many prepayment meters offer emergency credit to prevent immediate disconnection. While not explicitly mentioned on the homepage, a robust system typically includes this feature, which can be crucial for tenant welfare. The testimonial from Mark Anthony Ward mentioning “full emergency electricity via the hitherto unseen unknown meter” suggests such a feature exists or is accessible via their help desk.

Overall, the multi-faceted approach to topping up appears well-considered, aiming to cater to a broad range of tenant needs and preferences. Mrsalice.com Reviews

Customer Support and Testimonials: The Human Element

In any service business, particularly one dealing with essential utilities, customer support is paramount.

Metro Prepaid heavily features customer testimonials, suggesting they place a high value on their help desk and overall service quality.

This human element can make or break a user’s experience.

24/7 Help Desk Availability

A standout feature is the 24/7 Help Desk. This is explicitly mentioned as available for landlords with sub meters to “assist and advise you.” This round-the-clock availability is a significant benefit, especially considering that electrical issues or top-up problems can arise at any time. For tenants, the ability to get help promptly, particularly in situations of low or no credit, is critical. The mention of “Joseph Rebutla, answered the 24 help line in less than ten seconds” by Mark Anthony Ward speaks volumes about response times.

Positive Customer Experiences Highlighted

The website prominently displays several customer testimonials, which are overwhelmingly positive and focus on the quality of customer service: Mattandnat.com Reviews

• Edward Fuller: Praises “excellent customer service” and staff with “total understanding of the product,” who were “efficient, helpful and are a total credit to your company.” He explicitly states, “It is a long time since I have received such excellent customer service.” This is a strong endorsement.
• Mr A Khan: Highlights an agent named Faseegah for being “fantastic,” “extremely helpful and clear in resolving the issue at hand with minimum fuss.” He notes, “It is my first time using metro electric and I can safely say it’s been a breeze. Definitely recommend to anyone interested in using metro.”
• Mark Anthony Ward: Praises Joseph Rebutla for answering “in less than ten seconds,” being “so calm thoughtful helpful,” and guiding him to “full emergency electricity.” He concludes, “Heroic and generous with his time, polite and supportive he has made me a fan of Metro Prepaid.”
• NWB Homes Ltd: Gives a “5-star review,” stating they were “amazed at the excellent customer service,” with “prompt replies to easy to speak to agents,” and their issue sorted “quickly and easily.” Lameck is singled out as “an excellent agent!”
• Anonymous User: Mentions Zainu for providing “immense” help with using the prepaid card, especially when left to the last minute to top up.

These testimonials collectively paint a picture of a customer service team that is responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful.

This is particularly important in the context of utility management, where people can be under stress if their power supply is affected.

Trustpilot Integration Implied

The presence of “Trustpilot” at the bottom of the homepage suggests that Metro Prepaid likely monitors or leverages their reviews on this independent platform.

A good Trustpilot rating though not explicitly shown on the homepage itself would further validate the claims made in the testimonials.

For potential customers, external validation from a reputable review site like Trustpilot is often more convincing than on-site testimonials alone. Genuinestyle.com Reviews

Importance of Robust Support

Robust customer support, especially 24/7, is vital for a service like Metro Prepaid for several reasons:

• Emergency Situations: Power outages or meters running out of credit require immediate assistance.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Landlords or electricians may need help with installation or meter issues.
• Payment Queries: Tenants might have questions about top-ups, codes, or account balances.
• New User Onboarding: Guiding new landlords and tenants through the system.
• Problem Resolution: A quick and effective resolution of issues prevents frustration and builds loyalty.

The emphasis on customer service in the testimonials indicates a focus on addressing these critical areas, which is a positive sign for potential users.

Compliance and Quality: Building Trust

For any electrical product or service, compliance with national and international standards, along with assurances of quality, is non-negotiable.

Metro Prepaid addresses this directly by mentioning key aspects of their sub-meters’ design and manufacturing.

EU Compliant Standards

Metro Prepaid explicitly states that their electric sub-meters are EU compliant. While the UK has left the European Union, many product standards derived from EU directives remain relevant or have been transposed into UK law e.g., UKCA marking replacing CE marking for some products, but often based on similar underlying standards. EU compliance typically implies adherence to directives such as the Measuring Instruments Directive MID, which governs the accuracy and conformity of utility meters. This assurance provides a baseline level of quality and safety for landlords and tenants. It means the meters have undergone rigorous testing and meet recognized European benchmarks for performance and safety. Studynursenotes.com Reviews

Durability and Reliability Features

The description of the meters includes several key features designed for longevity and reliable operation:

• Tamper-Resistant: This is crucial for sub-meters, as it prevents unauthorized interference or attempts to bypass the meter, ensuring accurate billing and preventing revenue loss for the landlord. This feature protects the integrity of the system.
• Surge-Resistant: Electrical surges can damage equipment. Surge resistance indicates that the meters are built to withstand fluctuations in voltage, protecting them from damage and ensuring continuous operation. This contributes to the overall reliability of the system.
• Manufactured for Many Years of Useful Life: This statement directly addresses durability. Landlords are making an investment in these meters, and knowing they are built to last reduces the likelihood of frequent replacements and associated costs. A long lifespan provides better return on investment.

These attributes are not just marketing fluff.

They are technical specifications that speak to the quality of the product.

They suggest that Metro Prepaid has invested in robust meter design to minimize operational issues and maximize accuracy.

IET Wiring Codes Compliance

During installation, it’s mandatory that electricians must comply with IET wiring codes. The Institution of Engineering and Technology IET publishes the Wiring Regulations BS 7671, which are the national standard for electrical installations in the UK. This isn’t a feature of the meter itself but a crucial requirement for its safe and legal installation. By emphasizing this, Metro Prepaid ensures that the entire system, from product to installation, adheres to the highest safety and professional standards. This commitment reduces risks for landlords and tenants alike. Nextdayspex.com Reviews

Trust and Accreditation Implied

While specific accreditations like ISO certifications or direct links to independent testing bodies aren’t explicitly detailed on the homepage, the combination of “EU compliant,” “tamper-resistant,” “surge-resistant,” and “many years of useful life” creates an impression of a product that prioritizes quality and reliability.

For landlords, this translates to trust in the system’s accuracy and longevity, minimizing future headaches and costs associated with faulty equipment.

The presence of “Trustpilot” also indirectly contributes to this by inviting third-party validation of their service.

In essence, Metro Prepaid aims to assure users that their sub-meters are not only effective but also safe, durable, and compliant with relevant industry standards, fostering confidence in their solution.

Use Cases and Benefits: Who Benefits and Why

Metro Prepaid’s system targets a specific niche within the property market, offering tailored benefits for both landlords and, indirectly, tenants. Startrader.international Reviews

Understanding these use cases helps clarify the value proposition.

Ideal Users: Residential and Commercial Landlords

The service is primarily designed for residential and commercial landlords who need to recover electricity usage from tenants. This broad description covers a range of property types and scenarios:

• Houses in Multiple Occupation HMOs: As highlighted by “HMO Daddy” Jim Haliburton, HMOs are a prime use case. In these properties, multiple unrelated tenants share common facilities but typically have individual bedrooms or living spaces. Sub-meters allow landlords to accurately bill each tenant for their specific electricity consumption, eliminating disputes over shared bills or excessive usage by one individual.
• Multi-Unit Properties: This includes apartment blocks, converted houses, or commercial buildings with multiple offices or retail units. Each unit can have its own sub-meter, allowing for precise billing.
• Student Accommodations: Similar to HMOs, student housing often benefits from individual metering to encourage responsible energy use among students.
• Shared Commercial Spaces: Businesses sharing a larger commercial property can use sub-meters to apportion electricity costs fairly.
• Properties with Electric Vehicle EV Chargers: Edward Fuller’s testimonial mentions an “EV installation.” This is an emerging and significant use case. With the rise of electric vehicles, landlords might install EV chargers for tenants. A sub-meter can accurately measure the electricity drawn by the EV, allowing the landlord to recover those specific costs, rather than absorbing them or estimating.

Key Benefits for Landlords

Metro Prepaid addresses several pain points for landlords:

• Cost Recovery: The most obvious benefit. Landlords can accurately recover the cost of electricity consumed by tenants, ensuring their utility bills are covered. Data from various property management surveys often shows that utility management is a significant operational cost and administrative burden for landlords.
• Reduced Administrative Burden: No more manual meter readings for individual tenants, calculating bills, or chasing payments. Metro Prepaid handles the collection and transfer of funds. This frees up valuable time.
• Fairness and Transparency: Tenants pay for exactly what they use. This creates a transparent system that eliminates disputes often arising from shared utility bills where one tenant might feel they are subsidizing another’s excessive consumption.
• Encouraged Energy Conservation: When tenants are directly responsible for their electricity costs, they are incentivized to be more mindful of their consumption, leading to lower overall energy usage. This can contribute to the property’s energy efficiency and potentially align with environmental goals.
• Mitigation of Problematic Tenant Behavior: Jim Haliburton’s example of tenants leaving appliances on or heating with windows open is a classic problem. The pre-payment model directly counters this, as such wasteful behavior directly impacts the tenant’s credit balance.
• Increased Property Value/Attractiveness Indirect: A property with clear, fair utility management can be more attractive to prospective tenants, especially those who value transparency and control over their expenses.

Benefits for Tenants Indirectly

While the system is landlord-centric, tenants also gain:

• Control Over Spending: They can monitor their own usage and top up as needed, managing their electricity budget.
• Fair Billing: They only pay for what they use, eliminating disagreements over shared bills.
• Awareness of Consumption: The pre-payment system makes them more aware of their energy habits, which can lead to cost savings and environmental benefits.
• Convenient Top-Up Options: Multiple methods for purchasing credit make it accessible.

In essence, Metro Prepaid offers a practical, financially sound solution for landlords to manage electricity in multi-tenanted properties, creating a more equitable system for all parties involved. Zwclinics.com Reviews

Limitations and Considerations: The Other Side of the Coin

While Metro Prepaid offers significant advantages, it’s important to look at the full picture.

Like any system, it has certain limitations or considerations that prospective users should be aware of.

No system is perfect, and understanding potential challenges helps in making an informed decision.

Reliance on Third-Party Infrastructure PayPoint

The system heavily relies on PayPoint for physical top-ups. While PayPoint has an extensive network of thousands of stores across the UK, there might be areas where access is less convenient. For tenants living in very rural areas or those without easy access to high streets, this could pose a challenge. Furthermore, the operational hours of these stores can affect when a tenant can top up, especially late at night or during public holidays. While online options exist, not all tenants may have reliable internet access or prefer digital payments.

Meter Installation Costs

While the meters are described as “quick to install,” the cost of installation by an appointed electrician falls to the landlord. This is an upfront capital expenditure. For a property with many units requiring individual meters, this cost can accumulate. Landlords need to factor this into their budget and determine the payback period based on their current utility recovery methods. Additionally, adhering to IET wiring codes means using qualified professionals, which ensures safety but also comes at a professional fee.

Tenant Education and Onboarding

Introducing a pre-payment sub-meter system, especially if tenants are used to an “all-inclusive” or post-paid model, requires clear communication and education. Tenants need to understand:

• How to top up all the methods.
• How to read their meter for credit balance.
• What to do if they run out of credit.
• How to contact customer support.

While Metro Prepaid offers 24/7 support, landlords will still need to manage the initial onboarding process to ensure tenants are comfortable with the new system.

Misunderstandings can lead to frustration and increased support calls.

Potential for Disconnection and Welfare Concerns

The nature of a pre-payment meter means that if a tenant runs out of credit and doesn’t top up, their electricity supply will be disconnected. While this incentivizes payment, it also raises welfare concerns, particularly for vulnerable tenants, families with young children, or those experiencing financial hardship. It’s crucial for landlords to understand their legal obligations regarding utility supply and to ensure tenants are aware of emergency credit options if available and support avenues. The customer testimonial mentioning “full emergency electricity via the hitherto unseen unknown meter” suggests Metro Prepaid does have mechanisms to address urgent situations, but proactive communication from landlords is key.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

While the meters are described as “tamper-resistant” and “surge-resistant,” like any electronic device, they can occasionally experience faults. Landlords would need to coordinate with Metro Prepaid’s help desk and potentially electricians for troubleshooting and maintenance. Understanding the warranty and support process for faulty meters is important.

Regulatory Changes

The energy market and regulations surrounding utility billing are subject to change in the UK.

Landlords and Metro Prepaid need to stay abreast of any new legislation that might affect pre-payment meters or tenant billing practices.

While Metro Prepaid states EU compliance, the UK’s departure from the EU means local regulations could diverge over time.

By considering these limitations, landlords can implement the Metro Prepaid system with a more realistic expectation of its operational aspects and potential challenges, allowing them to proactively manage any issues that may arise.

FAQs

What is Metro Prepaid?

Based on checking the website, Metro Prepaid is a service that provides electricity sub-meters for landlords in the UK, enabling them to manage electricity usage and collect payments from tenants directly and efficiently.

How do Metro Prepaid sub-meters work?

Metro Prepaid sub-meters measure electricity consumption within individual units of a property.

Tenants top up their meters by purchasing “Metro Codes,” and Metro Prepaid collects these funds and transfers them to the landlord monthly.

Who can use Metro Prepaid sub-meters?

Metro Prepaid sub-meters are suitable for a range of residential and commercial landlords in the UK who need to recover electricity usage costs from their tenants, such as those with HMOs, multi-unit apartments, or shared commercial spaces.

Where can landlords buy Metro Prepaid sub-meters?

Landlords can purchase Metro Prepaid electric sub-meters from leading UK electrical wholesalers.

Do I need an electrician to install a Metro Prepaid sub-meter?

Yes, Metro Prepaid states that landlords must use their own appointed electrician to install the electric sub-meters, ensuring compliance with IET wiring codes for safety and proper functioning.

How do tenants top up their Metro Prepaid meters?

Tenants can top up their prepayment sub-meters by purchasing “power codes” Metro Codes via PayPoint stores across the UK, online, or through bank payment, cash deposit, or credit card via PayPal.

What is a Metro Code?

A Metro Code is a 20-digit encrypted number purchased by the tenant, which is then entered into their sub-meter to add electricity credit.

How do landlords receive money from Metro Prepaid?

Metro Prepaid accumulates the electricity payments from tenant “Metro Code” purchases and transfers these funds to the registered landlord’s bank account in the first week of the following month.

Is Metro Prepaid available 24/7?

Yes, Metro Prepaid operates a 24/7 Help Desk available to assist and advise landlords with their sub-meters.

Testimonials also suggest their helpline is responsive for tenants.

Are Metro Prepaid meters tamper-resistant?

Yes, Metro Prepaid electric sub-meters are described as tamper-resistant, designed to prevent unauthorized interference and ensure accurate billing.

Are Metro Prepaid meters surge-resistant?

Yes, the meters are specified as surge-resistant, built to withstand electrical fluctuations and protect the device from damage.

Are Metro Prepaid meters EU compliant?

Yes, Metro Prepaid electric sub-meters are stated to be EU compliant, indicating they meet relevant European standards for accuracy and safety.

Can I install multiple sub-meters in one property?

Yes, landlords may install as many electric sub-meters per property as the main supply permits, allowing for flexible configuration in multi-unit dwellings.

Does Metro Prepaid handle the main energy supplier billing?

No, Metro Prepaid manages the sub-metering and payment collection from tenants.

The landlord remains responsible for servicing the cost of the main supply from their energy provider.

How quickly can a Metro Prepaid meter be installed?

The prepayment sub-meters are described as quick to install and easy to operate, provided by a qualified electrician.

What are the benefits of using Metro Prepaid for landlords?

Benefits for landlords include efficient electricity cost recovery, reduced administrative burden, transparent billing, and incentivizing tenants to be more mindful of their energy consumption.

How do I register a Metro Prepaid sub-meter?

Registering an electric sub-meter is simple and can be done in a few minutes by completing the online form or telephonically with their 24/7 Help Desk.

Bank details are requested during confirmation for monthly payments.

Is there a mobile app for Metro Prepaid?

The website does not explicitly mention a dedicated mobile app for tenants or landlords, but it does refer to online top-up options.

What if a tenant has trouble topping up their meter?

The testimonials highlight that Metro Prepaid’s 24/7 help desk is available to assist tenants with issues such as purchasing vouchers or understanding how to use the meter.

Does Metro Prepaid offer solutions for electric vehicle EV charging?

While not explicitly detailed as a specific product, a customer testimonial mentions Metro Prepaid being used for an EV installation, suggesting the sub-meters can be adapted to recover costs from EV charging for tenants.