moving from storage heating to gas,which electricity tarrif to go for

stephen25uk

hey folks

we have finally saved up enough cash to have gas central heating installed in 2 weeks time,we currently have electric storage heaters and are with scottish power on there comfort plus tarriff,this has a standing charge 2 meters,timed control etc,i am not going to need any of this when we have gas but as we have never had gas i am unsure as to what i have to ask for when i phone scottish power,and what is the best tarrif.

i also now have the opertunity to switch supplier which we have never had before,but for now i just need some help on the best tarrif to ask scottish power for

many thanks for any help

macman

Why are you tied to Scottish Power?
The best tariff depends on your regional prices and usage pattern, there's no national 'cheapest tariff'.
Use one of MSE's recommended comparison sites as the basis for your research.
The most important thing will be to get off your current E7 tariff, if you no longer have storage heaters.

Premier_2

Comfort plus is SP's version of E10. You may need to take the advice of an electricion regarding your own specific intallation as to how easy it will be to change this to a different tariff. You are not only tied to SP with this tariff, but possibly also to this particular tariff depending on the set up.

If you can change, note that with Scottish Power, depending on the tariff chosen and where you live, sometimes E7 is always cheaper than the comparative non-E7 tariff.
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1207887

dogshome

Hi stephen25UK - Congratulations ! Saving up enough dosh to install Gas Fired CH can't have been easy
First thing to do is inform Scot power of the change, and you need to have your E7 meter changed to a standard single rate meter - Now some suppliers will do this free of charge, whilst others will charge or operate a system of adding both the Day b& Night meter readings together to be charged at a Standard rate - It's best to get the meter changed before you switch suppliers at that reduces the chance of the c*ck-ups that happen all too often when switching

You know what your day rate consumption is, but what you were spending on Night rate will be reduced to running just the fridge overnight and thingson standby - say 1Kw a day.
So add that to your Day consumption and do a search of the Switch sites
Good Luck

dunloadin

If you are going for a boiler that does both central heating and hot water then a bog standard single rate meter will probably be your best bet.

If you are keeping the hot water tank and immersion heaters then it may pay you to do your sums and see if a White Meter tariff is best (it's the jock equivalent of Eco7 but is more like Eco8 as you get an extra hour). It will be best to get an Eco7 meter fitted anyway, as it might work out cheaper at some point in the future; if you have one fitted then it saves on any hassle or expense in the future.

Once you know what type of meter you need work out who you want as you supplier and tell them you need the Comfort plus meter(s) removed and replaced with a new one....that way you should get the correct meter you need fitted for free (Scottish Power may Charge for the change).

Top tip...if you are planning on using the old storage or panel heater spurs as sockets mention it to the guy changing the meter so he can wire the consumer unit in for you.

Top tip 2, ask the meter worker very nicley if theres any chance of him fitting an isolator switch so that electrical work can be carried out without breaking the seals on the meter....depends on the guy but it could save you a few bob as some electricians insist on one being fitted...might only cost you a cup of tea and a few hobnobs if your lucky.

spiro

If you are on E10 with 2 meters, check if you have two MPANs (meter point admin no) on your bill. If so ensure that when you meters are changed that 1 MPANs is 'closed down' and the subsequent bills on have one otherwise this may cause issues with changing supplier in the future.

dunloadin

Good point Spiro, Comfort Plus is a two meter system and does have 2 MPANS.