Timing an energy switch just after contract ends

[Deleted User] · 13 December 2013 at 6:57PM

Hello,

I was wondering if anybody has any experience or advice with an issue that I have.

I’m currently an npower customer on the Energy Online January 2014 tariff. This tariff ends on 31st January 2014 and it incurs an early exit fee if I leave before this date. Once this tariff ends I will be moved onto npower standard tariff which I would like to avoid because it’s an extra £20 a month.

I’m planning on switching suppliers after my contract ends with npower. However, I would like to time the switch so that my new supply will start on 1st February or as close as possible to this date.

I would like to know when would be the best time to start the switchover process with the new supplier. I know there is a 14 day cooling off period and a further 21 days (approximately) for the switch over to be complete.

So would starting the process at the beginning of January would be a good idea?

NittyGritty · 13 December 2013 at 7:49PM

maybe do it around 2nd week in jan,rather than the 1st week, (incase you get switched quicker) just to make sure you don't get charged, it can take up to 4-6 weeks to switch anyway

[Deleted User] · 13 December 2013 at 8:13PM

NittyGritty wrote: »

maybe do it around 2nd week in jan,rather than the 1st week, (incase you get switched quicker) just to make sure you don't get charged, it can take up to 4-6 weeks to switch anyway

hmm.. I suppose I could do it 2 weeks before the contract ends just to be on the safe side. That would offset the cooling off period. The last thing I want is to incur the £60 early exit fee.

macman · 13 December 2013 at 11:37PM

7/1/14 or later.

Swipe · 14 December 2013 at 3:05PM

My last switch took 5 weeks and only involved a 7 days cooling off period so I'd do it on 1st Jan.

niro_111 · 14 December 2013 at 5:41PM

hi
i am on the same tariff as you.i spoke to npower 2 days ago, and they told me that there was no exit fee, i would ring them to make sure,

Marmaduke123 · 14 December 2013 at 8:04PM

I think there are new rules which say your supplier has to keep you on the same tariff for 28 days after the fixed term has finished, if they have heard from your new supplier that you are switching. So no need to worry about being on the standard tariff for a long time.

[Deleted User] · 14 December 2013 at 9:00PM

niro_111 wrote: »

hi
i am on the same tariff as you.i spoke to npower 2 days ago, and they told me that there was no exit fee, i would ring them to make sure,

I read their T&C's for the tariff and it states:

If before 31st January 2014 you change your supplier or tariff for electricity or gas, or both, to which your Energy Online January 2014 Agreement applies, you agree to pay a termination fee of £30 in respect of each such fuel (“Early Exit Fee”).

SnowMan · 16 December 2013 at 3:33PM

Probably not relevant for current fixed tarriffs coming to an end, but this nonsense of not being able to switch away exactly at the end of a fixed rate tarriff, is coming to an end, for fixed rate tarriffs agreed after 15 July 2013.

http://www.consumerfutures.org.uk/information-for-advice-providers

Fixed Term - Fixed Rate
If you have signed up to this type of contract (and a termination fee is stipulated in the terms and conditions) then you must remain on the tariff for a specified period of time and at a fixed tariff price.

Some consumers have contacted us as they are concerned about the increase in costs they will experience once their contract ends. Previously if a consumers supply transferred prior to the end date of their Fixed Term tariff, it would be up to the supplier and the terms of conditions of the contract regarding whether a termination fee was added to the final bill or not.

However if a fixed term contract was agreed after 15 July 2013, then the supplier must provide notification to the consumer between 42 and 49 days before the fixed term contract ends about the rates they will move onto if they remain with the supplier and don't agree a new contract, and informing them that they are now able to switch supplier without the risk of having to pay termination fees.

Pincher · 16 December 2013 at 4:46PM

Just give the 31st January readings as the switchover reading if you care that much. How much difference does it make? I vote 10th January.

frank777 · 16 December 2013 at 5:29PM

:)Check out the cashback sites etc for the best deal before you proceed. Then phone your provider and ask are you in the Renewal Period and can you change without incurring any leaving fees, it appears that when your account is in the ''Renewal Period'' your account will be flagged, for their information. If you are, don't forget to get the name of the person you spoke to and time! If they say no, ask the question when will I be in the Renewal Period. Don't be shy, all the Utility Providers are the same,:( they love to mislead everyone and keep you till the last day of your contract. Any problems send an email, no doubt they will keep you waiting weeks, you may get a response if your lucky! :DFrom my understanding of the rules, when your provider receives notification that you are changing they have to keep you on the same rate and not transfer you to the standard tariff even after 31st January 2014 - subject to terms and conditions.

However if a fixed term contract was agreed after 15 July 2013, then the supplier must provide notification to the consumer between 42 and 49 days before the fixed term contract ends about the rates they will move onto if they remain with the supplier and don't agree a new contract, and informing them that they are now able to switch supplier without the risk of having to pay termination fees.

Harsh words and poor reasoning never settle anything

Timing an energy switch just after contract ends

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