Unable to switch electricity providers. Is this right?

KG

I had always presumed that I could easily change my electricity supplier, but having tried recently both my existing supplier (Hydro Electric) and proposed new suppliers told me that I couldn't swap. The reason I was given was that I have storage heaters which run on a separate night meter and that this could not be transferred.

Can they stop me changing?

(To try and keep this thread on-topic can I clarify that I am not looking for advice on changing heating systems and I don't need to be told how expensive they are, believe me - I just want to know whether it is right that I can be stopped changing supplier because of my existing set-up).

Thanks

KPG

Magentasue

Have never heard of this, but maybe is the case in Scotland?

ex-energywatch_adviser

Unfortunately this is correct. Not all suppliers can support all tariffs so if this the case then this is one reason a new supplier can refuse to take a supply.

You will be one of about 200,000 consumers in Scotland who are on a three rate tele-switched tariff that is generally not supported by other suppliers.

You could ask Hydro to change your metering and your tariff to a more universally accepted one such as Economy 7 but you may be charged for this work and you would lose any benefits you get from your existing tariff.

storminbalder

ex-energywatch_adviser wrote: »

Unfortunately this is correct. Not all suppliers can support all tariffs so if this the case then this is one reason a new supplier can refuse to take a supply.

You will be one of about 200,000 consumers in Scotland who are on a three rate tele-switched tariff that is generally not supported by other suppliers.

You could ask Hydro to change your metering and your tariff to a more universally accepted one such as Economy 7 but you may be charged for this work and you would lose any benefits you get from your existing tariff.

I am in the same position as am on a "Heatwise" tariff, which I asume is similar. I am finding it impossible to change away from E-on for this reason.

Vestra

storminbalder wrote: »

I am in the same position as am on a "Heatwise" tariff, which I asume is similar. I am finding it impossible to change away from E-on for this reason.

Yes you are both on 2 mpan sites, where the property has two meters and two supplies. Usually only the local PES can support these ie Hydro in the 17 mpan.

If you want to change you would need to get your current provider to de energize one of the supplies which can sometimes be quite costly.

adprob

I have the THTC system with Hydro electric and I am in the same boat. You can change suppliers but the other company would just bill you as E7, but if you have a problem with your meters you are screwed . You report the fault to your new supplier who then arrange for Hydro to send someone out but because they have you as E7 someone calls with an E7 meter and cant do the work!!