British Gas won't let me switch

Sammie0782

Hi all,

I had a quarterly gas bill from BG for a whacking £400. I can't afford to pay this in one go so have paid £100 and set up a ddr to pay my future usage, plus some extra, to spread the outstanding £300 over a number of months.

However, I have now looked at energyhelpline's comparison engine, and they say I would save £75-£100 on my gas, per quarter, by switching to npower.

British Gas's correspondance to me says that they will block me from switching while I have an outstanding balance with them.

Is this true, and are they allowed to do this?

I will actually be able to pay off the outstanding far quicker if I am not amassing new charges at their ridiculously high rate!

Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Sam.

notbritishgas

Sammie0782 wrote: »

Hi all,

I had a quarterly gas bill from BG for a whacking £400. I can't afford to pay this in one go so have paid £100 and set up a ddr to pay my future usage, plus some extra, to spread the outstanding £300 over a number of months.

However, I have now looked at energyhelpline's comparison engine, and they say I would save £75-£100 on my gas, per quarter, by switching to npower.

British Gas's correspondance to me says that they will block me from switching while I have an outstanding balance with them.

Is this true, and are they allowed to do this?

I will actually be able to pay off the outstanding far quicker if I am not amassing new charges at their ridiculously high rate!

Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Sam.

Unfortunately I think you will find this is true. Lets face it if they let you move with your £300 debt they have not got the threat of disconnection to make you pay and would have to resort to court action. (not saying you would not pay but BG would not know that)

Sol00

Yep that's true as I found out with SP.

It may be a godsend as npower are meant to be the worst supplier for customer service.

Cardew

Yes all companies can, and generally will, block the transfer to another company if money is owed.

It really makes sense that this should be the case as well. Once you have left them the have little leverage to get their money back. Some people would just move from company to company leaving a trail of debts behind them

SwanJon

Can you swap to a cheaper tariff with BG? Try their Click, then at least you'd be saving some money.

johnny_storm

I find it hard to believe npower are cheaper than anyone. Please be very very sure, as they are the worst energy company on the planet!

Premier_2

Sammie0782 wrote: »

British Gas's correspondance to me says that they will block me from switching while I have an outstanding balance with them.

Is this true, and are they allowed to do this?

I will actually be able to pay off the outstanding far quicker if I am not amassing new charges at their ridiculously high rate!

As others have concurred, this is true.

If you believe BG charges are excessive, consider taking out a loan for £300 to pay off BG - then you can switch and enjoy the low costs of the new energy provider you want and pay off the loan with all the savings you are making

IKWeb

I would say Npower and not cheaper than BG, I have found this as I am with Npower, and family member is with BG, house size is much the same, and same amount of people living in each house and Npower bills are always more.. I know alot more factors are needed to be taken into consideration but I would say Npower are one of the most expencive... plus !!!!!! customer service.. It wont be long b4 I switch myself, just never got around to it

Sammie0782

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all your supplies.

Looking at BGs other tariffs is an excellent idea - it may well help a bit!

Sam.