Scottish Power - fixed tariff

MrChips · 28 July 2009 at 12:19PM

I'm on a fixed tariff for gas and electricity ending on 31 August 2009. I'd like to switch to a different provider/tariff as soon as possible after this date to avoid overpaying.

Does anyone know if I can initiate a switch now/soon such that it comes into effect shortly after 31 August 2009 (from experience these things take a few weeks) or will the fact I initiate it now mean I have to pay cancellation charges?

Alternatively, I note that part of the terms and conditions (these seem to be in common with other power companies) are that if the prices rise, I can notify of my intention to move and Scottish Power will continue to charge me the previous prices until I move. Does anyone know if this include price rises due to coming to the end of a fixed price tariff?

Many thanks.

Scottish_Power · 28 July 2009 at 12:57PM

Hi Mr Chips,

The process of switching suppliers can take around 6 weeks to complete (sometimes more, sometimes less) so I would hold fire on making an application too early before 31 August so as to avoid leaving early and having to pay the exit fee which is part of your fixed rate offer.

The part of our terms and conditions that you refer to only applies to circumstances where we announce a price increase and if customers do not agree to the new price they have a window of time to transfer away to another supplier, whilst paying their previous rate until the transfer completes. This does not apply if you are on a fixed rate which expires.

I would advise keeping a close eye on your gas and electricity meter readings so that you know exactly what these are on the date your fixed rate expires. That will mean you will get the full benefit of the cheaper rate right up to the end instead of us having to make an estimate.

It may be worth speaking to my colleagues on the phone for more advice on what tariffs will be available when your current deal expires.

Hope this helps

Craig @ ScottishPower

MrChips · 28 July 2009 at 1:19PM

Thanks Craig, that was a very helpful response. I will keep an eye on meter readings (I try and update them online every 2 months in any case).

Regarding initiating a move prior to 31 August 2009, when I rang customer services, the lady I spoke to seemed to think that even if I applied to switch on 30 August 2009 I would be liable for cancellation charges. Surely these only apply if the switch happens before 31 August 2009? Can you confirm?

Scottish_Power · 28 July 2009 at 2:02PM

My colleague would appear to been confused on this occasion Mr Chips as the cancellation feel only applies if your supply actually leaves us before the expiry date, not if you make an application prior to 31 August.

If I can be of any further help, please let me know

Craig @ ScottishPower

MrChips · 28 July 2009 at 2:12PM

Great, thanks Craig. That seems the logical position - I had a feeling your collegue was confused, hence I thought I'd check here for back up!

In your experience, what is the quickest time a switch takes place? I want to apply before 31 August but not so early that I risk the switch going through before September!

Scottish_Power · 28 July 2009 at 2:24PM

To be honest it's a bit of a "how long is a piece of string" question Mr Chips, sometimes the transfer happens in 3 weeks, others can take nearly 8. I wouldn't be able to give you an accurate estimate, due to the number of variables involved.

What I would say however is that it is worth bearing in mind that your transfer will be taking place during the summer period, when your usage is likely to be at it's lowest all year. So even if your rates do increase for a week or two, you will be using very little so hopefully the financial impact should be minimal.

Good luck with it all and you can contact me here if you need some assistance at the time.

Craig @ ScottishPower

djwbrighton · 28 July 2009 at 3:02PM

I was told a letter is being sent out advising cusomers due about August 10th, informing customer on fixed tarifs of other options available after Aug 31st and what to do if want to start changing before then.

redwin11 · 28 July 2009 at 3:38PM

I too am on a fixed contract with Scottish Power until August 31st, and am also looking to do the switch asap, purely for cashback reasons.

But as these deals seem to be constantly cropping up, I'm in less of a hurry to change - assuming prices don't jump up any time soon!

When I last spoke to Scottish Power (a few weeks ago), I too was informed that a letter will be sent out at the beginning of August to notify me of my options, although judging by what she said, the newer rate is worse than what I'm already on!

Scottish Power - fixed tariff

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