Are British Gas being sneeky?

Becky

I recently had my electricity meter converted from a pre-payment one (don't ask, previous occupants had it installed).

All is fine but I would like to switch supplier. The problem is, is that B.G. have not charged me the first month direct debit yet.

Is this a ploy to get me in 'debt' with them so it is harder to switch?

njm_2

It would appear to take some companies up to six weeks to commence, or amend direct debits, so I don’t think that this should be considered as a deliberate attempt to get you in debt. You do not need to be in credit prior to contacting another supplier, however you may not know your annual usage in order to do the most accurate comparison and direct debit payments are notoriously unreliable as a guide to actual usage. In order to switch you will need to settle any outstanding bills, but so long as this does not present any financial difficulties then their should be no reason why you should not switch now.

Cardew

One question - Why the rush to switch?

BG come out top of almost all comparison sites for electricty(not for gas).

Becky

Who are best for gas?

Fran

Becky wrote:

Who are best for gas?

To find out who is best for either provider it depends on which area you live in. Have you read Martin's Info about changing providers?

smartie1976

Re not having your DD set up yet.

It takes something like 14 days to claim a DD from your account to guarantee payment. (This is for everything, not just BG)

Therefore if you ask for a payment to go out on the 15th NOV, and it is being set up on the 4th NOV, you will find that the plan will be set up from 15th DEC, as there is not the required 14 days between the set up date, and the requested payment date.

British gas's system is designed specifically so that you cannot impinge on the 14 day window. It is nothing to do with debt, and if you owe I think less than £50, you cannot be refused to change supplier.

Hope this answers your question.