If I switch now, will it be OK if I move house next month?

dhassen

I'm looking at switching energy companies to save some cash. We're in a flat at the mo and it's electricity only. Here are my questions to those that know.... if I switch am I tied to a contract i.e. a minimum term to be with the new company? And, if I move house next month to a place with gas and electric, is that OK too, because obviously the tariff / service would have to change?

Thanks in advance people

Premier_2

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to switch supplier.

If you are moving house next month, why bother trying to switch?

brysiewysie

And it really messes up the new occupier if the transfer goes through after they move in.

dhassen

Premier wrote: »

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to switch supplier.

If you are moving house next month, why bother trying to switch?

we may or may not be moving, that's the thing. Want to switch as soon as possible because the current bills are way higher than they could be with somone else. So basically, it can cause problems if we do move (and switch now)?

Premier_2

Well since you need to give at least a months notice to leave a rented property (and it'll probably take a lot longer than that if you owm/sell the property) then go ahead and switch

I don't think any of the major suppliers have any form of retention penalty for variable rates, but most/all do currently for fixed/capped rates.

The other thing to consider is that the comparison sites assume you plan to stay with the supplier at the same address and include discounts accordingly. Some companies give discounts such as at the end of every 12 month period, which means you won't get them if you are not still their customer after 12 months so read carefully the terms & conditions of any deal offered. Even if your chosen new supplier awards discounts every quarter, be aware that some do not give those discounts on a final bill, so again read the t&cs carefully. I guess as long as you are not worse off even if you don't get the discounts, then there's nothing to lose by switching.

It could cause a new occupier confusion/difficulty if a transfer goes through soon after they move in, but that won't be your problem will it?

riciticitavi

Just be aware that if you do switch and then move, you won't automatically take the supplier with you, you will inherit the supplier at that property and may need to switch again.