Switching energy provider and cancellation charges

dezza

We're currently on a tariff with British Gas which charges a cancellation charge if we leave before the 31st of December.
After doing a price comparison on various websites, I've found that there are quite a few cheaper tariffs, including one by the same provider.

As it takes around a month or longer for transfers to go through, do I have to wait until the new year to start the process, or can I arrange the transfer now, as the live date probably won't be until after 31/12?

Thanks in advance

dogshome

Hi dezza - The actual date of the transfer is dictated by the provider you are transferring to, but some of the providers have caught up with the transfer Date/Cancellation charge problem and allow you to opt for a "Not before this date" switch - Watch you timing as BG may transfer you to another timed contract if you don't respond to their "Your contract is ending" notice.

The whole switch process is designed to be virtually hands- free so far as the customer is concerned, which is fine till it goes wrong and you as the customer have to sort it out.
Your new provider will at some point contact you and ask for your meter readings, and also tell you the switch date.
At this point you should exert some control by writing a joint letter to both the old and new providers, confirming the meter readings and date of the switch, and also if you have gas, your type of meter, ie Metric or Imperial

This effort won't actually guarentee the entire Switch going without a hitch, but if it does go wrong, you have your rear covered and can sit on the side lines whilst the two providers argue it out
Good Luck

dezza

Hi dogshome, thanks for your quick reply
Maybe it might be best to wait until after the contract end date to start - we had quite a few problems switching from Southern Electric to BG in the past with meter readings and a few other things, and I definitely don't want to pay £30 to move, nor be forced to be tied to another BG contract!

kippen_noedel

dezza wrote: »

I definitely don't want to pay £30 to move, nor be forced to be tied to another BG contract!

It would be against contract law to transfer you into a scheme with exit penalties without your permission.

dezza

EDF did try that once when we cancelled outside of the contract period.
I'd rather be safe and avoid paying the £30 exit penalty on my existing contract.