Bought house-when can I switch suppliers?

widget1974_2

Hi all

I have just purchased a house which is currently empty. I have been told that the currnet utility suppliers are E.on. I have already made some comparisons and find that surprisingly British Gas via their online contract is the cheapest for me.

Am I able to switch without telling E.on as I wont be taking up the previous occupiers contract?

Would it be an idea to start arranging the switch over when I exchange contracts. (I wont be moving in straight away but dont want to do everything at the same time)

Any help/advice most appreciated

Widget1974

notbritishgas

widget1974 wrote: »

Hi all

I have just purchased a house which is currently empty. I have been told that the currnet utility suppliers are E.on. I have already made some comparisons and find that surprisingly British Gas via their online contract is the cheapest for me.

Am I able to switch without telling E.on as I wont be taking up the previous occupiers contract?

Would it be an idea to start arranging the switch over when I exchange contracts. (I wont be moving in straight away but dont want to do everything at the same time)

Any help/advice most appreciated

Widget1974

Unfortunately you must first register as a customer with EoN. You can then start switching immediately. However the switch will take at least 28 days but more likely 6 to 8 weeks, so you will be a customer of EoN for that time and will receive a final bill when the switch has been completed.
I suppose you could start the process once contracts have been exchanged.

JohalaReewi

Once you have exchanged and completed contracts (ie, it is your house and you have the keys) take meter readings then contact Eon to introduce yourself as the new owner. You can give them the meter readings so they get your details on file. You will find that you will be put on the most expensive tarif there is (bog standard tarif) so get them to put you a better one that you can leave without notice (don't let on you will be switching). They can do usually this straight away once they have your DD details.

You can then apply to your proposed new supplier and start the switch. Check to see if you can get some cashback when switching (quidco, energyhelpline, uswitch, etc.) then wait. As notbritishgas says, this can take a few weeks to process and during this time, you will be billed by Eon (but at least you got onto thier discounted tarif).

brysiewysie

JohalaReewi wrote: »

..........You will find that you will be put on the most expensive tarif there is (bog standard tarif) so get them to put you a better one that you can leave without notice (don't let on you will be switching). They can do usually this straight away once they have your DD details.

Sorry that's rubbish.

Talk to them and they'll look at different rates for you. Even if you are going to leave they'll look at the best one for you. If you don't speak with them then you'll end up with the standard rate.

JohalaReewi

brysiewysie wrote: »

Sorry that's rubbish.

No it's true! When you buy a house the energy supply company will close the account for the outgoing owner and transfer the supply to the bog standard tariff/new account ready for the new owner. Been there and done it.

brysiewysie

Sorry, that's not the case. If it's done by letter they have little choice and if the only contact is from the old occupier again you can't 2nd guess what is the best tariff for them. If the new owner calls they will look at what's best for that person.

JohalaReewi

I think we are both saying the same thing. If the new owner does nothing, they will end up on the standard tariff. If the new owner contacts the supplier, a suitable tariff can be arranged.