Electricity / Gas supplier "tarting"

5times

Does anyone know if there's any reason not to keep switching power suppliers for the incentives - Quidco give £44 for switching to Scottish Power, 2000 Clubcard Points for switching to Powergen etc. etc. Ok, you may not get the best price for your power but I don't use a lot so I'd come out ahead.

Doesn't seem to be anything in the ts and cs to stop me, has anyone else tried it?

System

Yes i have tried it, it works well until things start to go wrong. ie i had an account snatched back twice by an unscrupulous supplier. Then i had problems with the direct debit not being set up properly, then i had problems with another supplier who i had found had charged me for a period of time i wasnt with them. Then i was told i was £500 in credit although i didnt think i was. When they convinced me i was in credit and i was really looking forward to having it back, i found they were going to hold onto it for the next 12 months - then they sent me a letter telling me i was in debt to the tune of £100.

I am sure this hasnt happened to everyone, but i wont be changing even though i am with Powergen and that too appears to be pants.

I have just looked at my online gas/electricity account, it appears that i am £250 in credit, but ive only been with them a few months now and although i have submitted my readings (it took 5 emails to get them to update my account though), i dont beleive them.

Xbigman

I agree with Judi, the c0ck up rate is high enough that you would soon run into masses of problems. Also, you really need 2 months to swap and another 3 months to get your first bill or you will be forever argueing about final readings and tariff's.
Regards



X

5times

I take your point about the potential !!!! up(s) but think I'm still going to give it a go.

I switched to SWEB a couple of months ago and have just had my final bill from my previous provider and cashback from joining SWEB. I've now applied to Scottish Power for the £44 cashback from quidco.

I wasn't planning to wait for the first bill, that would slow things down too much. I'm hoping I'll just get a final bill from SWEB when the switch is done.

I'll probably be back on here in a few months telling you all about what a mess it's all turned into!

5times

I take your point about the potential !!!! up(s) but think I'm still going to give it a go.

I switched to SWEB a couple of months ago and have just had my final bill from my previous provider and cashback from joining SWEB. I've now applied to Scottish Power for the £44 cashback from quidco.

I wasn't planning to wait for the first bill, that would slow things down too much. I'm hoping I'll just get a final bill from SWEB when the switch is done.

I'll probably be back on here in a few months telling you all about what a mess it's all turned into!

cpjackso

I've been tarting my gas/elec for about 1.5 years now.. Had quite a bit of experience. I was originally planning to move every month or two - but with the bills arriving quarterly it's difficult to do it this way (but probably not impossible). So I only move approx every 2,3,4 months.

Things that I've found (may not be true for you but handy to know...):

* Powergen and npower often screw up accounts (A friend managed to convert somebody else on her street who she didn't even know. Powergen "lock" accounts and cancel moves if you haven't paid your first bill yet (even if it hasn't arrived!!)).

* Certain companies (EDF/London) offer extra incentives (Nectar cards).. Make sure you do a quick check before you convert cos you can get extras for nothing. Powergen do the tesco points, as you say.

* You usually can't convert from one plan to another at the same company - I wanted to convert from Standard>Age Concern at PowerGen but they won't let you. (Apart from almost everyone operators think that Age Concern is for >60's only). (Obviously you wouldn't receive a kick-back either).

* If a conversion fails - some of these companies will get a salesman out to you again... In which case you'll obviously loose your commission.

* (Personal opinion) - I've converted a couple of times using the cashbackmse link - and never received any cashback... I'd suggest you always use quidco.com.

* In theory - there's nothing to stop you from going back to a supplier after a few months... I've been at PowerGen about 4 or 5 times now.

* Don't count on receiving all your cashbacks/incentives. I'd suggest you go with the quidco cash rather than depending on something that (say) PowerGen promises you, as quidco seem like pretty good payers.

* ... And if you have a BT phone line I'd suggest becoming a PhoneTart - I've made a good £200+ last year on converting my phone around. Spent max £10 on calls (always use mobile!).

Good luck.

richardw

Surely there might be benefit in doing it say every six months.

Firstly in March to the cheapest 'lighter use' tariff in time for May.

Secondly in September to the cheapest 'heavier use' in time for November.

All depends on Gas and Elec consumption at certain times of the year. Don't forget to read those meters and keep records.

5times

Cheers for your tips. I've heard lots of times that Powergen are pretty useless, I'm going to have to give them a go next though for the Clubcard points.

Good to know you can keep going back, Scottish Power and Powergen seem like the best deals, have you used any other good ones?

I've moved my phone around a bit, my line is currently with BT, CPS is Tesco (I like my Clubcard points!) and I use - although not much - 18866. I haven't really had a good look around for tarting opportunities yet but it's good to know there are some out there.