How soon before lockin expires should I be checking for new best tarrif?

PennyForThem_2

Am with British Gas on a deal which will expire 31st Jan 2011.

It has a £30.00 charge for each fuel if you leave earlier than end date.

When would the best time to start looking for alternatives be? In January?

macman

Normal switch period is 4-5 weeks, unless of course you are considering another BG tariff instead?
Don't get hung up on lock in penalties, if the tariff saving and cashback is greater than the dual fuel penalty of £60, then switch anyway.

victor2

That sounds about right. Any sooner than that and you may be looking at tariffs which will not be available when your current agreement expires, and new ones may be in the pipeline, so to speak.:)
Definitely look before renewal date so that you can compare what they offer you with what everybody else is offering. A lot of them offer you an increased rate in the knowledge that many people just take it and don't bother looking around. E.on did that with me - I found a cheaper rate on the internet - with e.on!