Watch-outs to switching providers?

sillyme

I rent a very small flat - just me. The heating is gas, the cooking is electric. I'm not home often, and the flat is very warm so the heating is on only minimal hours.

British Gas have told me that a reasonable monthly estimate for gas useage alone is £70! :eek: I'm utterly gobsmacked. Only a month ago I was paying £40 a month for two people in a two bedroom house!!!! I realise prices have gone up but I'm horrified.

I want to change providers and a comparison site recommended on here has come up with N-Power.

Before I go ahead and switch gas and elec to them, are there any watch outs to the process? I've not done it before. Do I have to pay a moving fee to either my current provider, or my new one if I do switch?

Anything I should know? Is it really just as simple as completing the online form to set up the move to N-Power and my direct debit payments?

Could I get stung if I switch?

KimYeovil

If you have no record with the current supplier the chances are any new supplier would make a similar over-estimate. You are right that £70 per month is too much for a working single person. With no cooking you could easily spend less than £20 per month.

There is no fee to move. Indeed, you will probably receive a credit back from your current supplier. But until a pattern of use is established you will have to argue the amount of the monthly payment. As it has chilled recently you should have readings evidence to fight your corner.

Check the prices first - no point switching if the new tariff is more expensive or they are going to implement a similar estimate. Can you afford the £70 for a month or two whilst submitting readings every couple of weeks?

sillyme

Online comparison site seems to point to N-Power being a better option for both gas and electricity.

I've agreed with BGas that I'll pay £50 a month for gas - which I still think is ridiculously high. And they said that they review the pattern in 6 months.

Would it benefit me and their estimate process if I call up with a correct reading when my direct debit comes out each month for, say, 3 months? And then review? Do you think that will work?

Still keen to switch if cheaper. I just can't see how I can possibly use £50 (or £70) a month for gas in a 3 room flat, with electric cooking. I work every day and am out a lot too.

graham47

Why don't you tell BG you want to revert to quarterly bills ?
You can then save what you think is a reasonable amount in your own "budgetting" account & pay the bill from this.
After a few quarters you will have a better idea of what your actual usage truly is.
True, you'll lose the %age discount for DD payment for a short while but, if you choose the right savings account you could make some of this back.
Better than overpaying & them getting the interest!