How often can I switch supplier?

river_kwai

Hi,

I have just switch from London Energy to British Gas's Click Energy in June, but with the recent rise in price, they are no longer the cheapest. My question is there a minimum contract period that I have to stay with a supplier? Say I switch to Atlantic today, and in 3 months time, another price rise and I might have to switch supplier again.

I think it won't be worth the hassle if it's just a few pounds savings, but the price comparison website has calculated £80 savings (for dual fuel) as of today, so I would appreciate some advice in this matter.

Cardew

I don't think there is any restriction/penalty on changing(unless you opt for some of the fixed/capped tariffs)

However with the various tariffs leapfrogging each other you will be in for a lot of hassle; especially as it often takes many weeks(months?) for a change to become effective.

river_kwai

Cardew, thanks for your reply. I think £80 savings is worth the hassle.

I have used energyhelpline cashback website when I switched in June and received the cashback. Would I be eligible for another cashback if I switch using them again today?

Ken68

http://www.energyhelpline.com/mhl/page_a.aspx?ref=termsandconditions_1&p=1

river_kwai

seems no mention on the webpage of any limits or minimum period before you can apply for a cashback again for switching to another supplier. So in theory, you could be switching every few months after receiving your cashback.

What about the implications of re-joining an old supplier? So, if I switch to Atlantic today, 6 months later, Britsh Gas has again become the cheapest supplier, there shouldn't be any problems for me to re-join BG, right?

Wig

You can switch as often as you like.

The only thing I don't know is what you can do mid transfer...can you cancel that transfer and say "No, now I want to goto xxxx supplier."

I wonder how long it will be before some energy companies start having black lists of customers (who switch too frequently) and refuse to accept them. I guess there must be legislation which means they can't refuse a new customer?

SAP_Saver

I think it is every 28 days technically speaking as it takes time to switch! (ps. part of my job is to build the security into the IT systems these energy companies use - I know some of the regulatory rules)