How long does it take to change supplier?

Menearos

As per the title of the thread I was wondering whether anybody could advise how long it takes to switch supplier?

The reason I ask is that my current deal with Scottish Power ends on the 30th November 2010 and I was wondering how soon I can start the ball rolling with switching supplier in order to take advantage of any remaining cheap deals.

Having read the terms and conditions of my current deal it states that they can charge me £50 (£30 elect + £20 gas) for cancelling or switching before the 30th November. If I switch now will they get instant notification from the new supplier thereby meaning they can charge me the £50 or does it take a while?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Premier_2

A minimum of 4 weeks, and typically upto about 6 weeks to switch supplier.

If you request a change today, there is a significant risk you will incur the early exit fee.

Terrylw1

Standard quote os 6 weeks but it can take months. It all depends on the handover of data between companies.

However, thats not an issue, it's the change of supply date. It takes 6 weeks from there but thats the date at which you are with the new Supplier from.

Menearos

Thanks for the responses.

So basically the upshot is that I have to wait until the 30th November to change supplier following which I end up on their standard tariff until the switch is made or pay a cancellation fee to get out early!?

Terrylw1

As premier says, you have to be careful to avoid the charges. However, the Change Of Supply date is the date the new Supplier processes you. You should be able to time that as close as possible to avoid being on any standard tariff for many days.