Best way to start a contract with an electricity supplier?

bigbobbyfrog

Hi,

I'm just about to move into my first flat after having lived at home, and took delivery of the keys last Friday.

I'm trying to sort out who to go for as an electricity supplier, but seeing as I have never had an electricity supplier before, I'm finding it hard to deduce without a frame of reference. I've tried using comparison sites but the majority of these ask for previous contract details and I don't have any of those yet!

I don't know whether I'll be a low, medium or high user so I'm looking for assistance. It's a one bedroom flat, and is fully electric (no gas in the building). The living room has a storage heater and the bedroom has a panel heater. The only thing likely to stay on at all times will be my wireless router and fridge. Can anyone give me a guesstimate of what my usage is likely to be (in terms of units/kwh)?

The previous owner had a contract in place with Scottish Hydro Electric. Given that I'm not sure of the best deals around and what tariff to plump for, should I just contact Scottish Hydro Electric to continue the existing contract and then look to switch next quarter if the charges are high? Or will they impose a minimum term contract on me?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Premier_2

As soons as you use any electricity, you will have a contract with Scottish Hydro.

I suugest you contact them asap, give them the agreed reading when you moved into the flat and get an account set up in your name and on a favourable tariff (else they'll bill you on their most expensive standard tariff). Avoid any tariff involving early exit fees if you are planning on changing supplier.

DVardysShadow

You are already in a 'deemed contract' with Hydro Electric, but free to change after 28 days.

You did take readings and keep a note when you moved in? You should also have contacted Hydro Electric to tell them you are taking over the supply. Your 28 days runs from when you do that.

Premier_2

A consumer can apply to switch their supplier as soon as they are registered with a supplier.

The switch processs will take at least 4 weeks to complete, so meeting the 28 day requirement

bigbobbyfrog

I got the keys on Friday but the previous owner was still moving out items until Monday night.

I went round tonight and switched off all non-essential items like cooker and heaters, I only left the fridge on (even though it has nothing in it!).

There wasn't a key to take a reading of the meter so I'll need to buy one (or use some other implement) and head back tomorrow to take a reading.

I'll also contact Hydro Electric and find out what my options are. My friends say that they have been with the Hydro for a while and that, even though they might not be cheapest, their service is better than others.

Can anyone give me an idea of how many units someone uses on a daily basis, given my circumstances? I'm trying to work out how much my annual bill is likely to be.

Thanks for the help, everyone, much appreciated.

deejay9

take a meter reading and keep it safe, find out who is the regional supplier , out of area supplier could be cheaper, usually cheapest way to pay is dd, this time of year you could set up dd at £25 per month,

Premier_2

derek_jones_9 wrote: »

... this time of year you could set up dd at £25 per month,

£300 esimated annual usage for an all electric property?

I wish!

I suggest the OP takes regular meter readings and discovers exactly what the consumption (and so cost) is.
Using imeasure.org.uk may help