Am I on the right tariff?

almeida24

I am 25 and bought my first ever house about 3 months ago. I have not moved into the house and don't plan on doing so for probably another 6 months as I am doing it up first. The previous owner had their gas and electricity with British Gas so as soon as the house was mine I phoned them and explained that I wouldn't be moving in for about 12 months as I was doing it up.

I don't know anything about how gas and electricity costs/bills/tariffs work as I have never had to deal with them before, therefore agreed to go on their standard tariff and pay £22 per month for electricity and £25 per month for gas via direct debit. I was happy to pay this as I can afford it, however I am not sure if it is the best for me or not. I haven't had my first bill yet, although it should be due pretty soon, however I only use any electricity at the weekend when I am in the house using power tools such as a heat gun, wallpaper steamer etc.

Can someone please give me advice as to whether I should continue on the standard tariff or if I would be better switching?

Thanks!

[Deleted User]

is there a daily standard charge with the tarriff youre on?if so maybe you need one that doesnt have a standing charge,scottish power online 11 is one worth looking into

t0rt0ise

If it were me I'd do a price comparison on one of the comparison websites and then choose the cheapest that didn't have a standing charge.

macman

The standard tariff is the most expensive option of all, anything else will be cheaper than that. I'm baffled as to why you have agreed to pay £47pm if you are hardly going to be in the property? You'll only be heating it (if at all) at weekends, so not much gas consumption there, and fairly minimal electricity too.

almeida24

I assumed I was paying the £47 per month but whatever I didn't use I would just have in credit for when I did come to using it.

I think I will compare some others later on and switch. Are there any you would recommend or shall I just go for the cheapest and then switch again when I finally move in?

macman

Yes of course you will build up credit-but why give BG a 12m interest free loan?
Use a comp site to compare. then switch via a cashback site., but bear in mind that some tariffs will lock you in for a yer or so with an early termination charge.
It's not possible for anyone to recommend a supplier, because prices vary according to the region, and you don't know your actual consumption anyway at this point.

almeida24

macman wrote: »

Yes of course you will build up credit-but why give BG a 12m interest free loan?
Use a comp site to compare. then switch via a cashback site., but bear in mind that some tariffs will lock you in for a yer or so with an early termination charge.
It's not possible for anyone to recommend a supplier, because prices vary according to the region, and you don't know your actual consumption anyway at this point.

I don't know, as I said I have never had to buy gas and electricity before so just agreed to what they offered and what I could afford. Now I now a little bit more I am looking to switch. Should I wait until my bill comes in so I can work out my yearly consumption or should I switch now? Or shall I stay with British Gas? (I assume not?)

almeida24

These are the ones coming top when I compare. The two at the bottom have cashback deals. Are there any you would recommend? As I said, I wont be moving in for at least another 6 months and even when I do, it will only be myself and will probably only be staying there half the week so won't be using much gas/electricity.

N Power - Sign Online 20

Mandatory paperless billing
No standing charge - pay for what you use
Guaranteed discount against standard offline variable until 31/12/11
Cancellation fee of £20 per fuel if contract terminated before 31st December 2011
£517.84

first:utility - iSave V5

No Cancellation Fees - However, you must remain with First Utility for 12 Months in order to receive the full discount
The prices will be held for a minimum of 3 months from sign up
Online account management is mandatory
Must be a home owner to qualify for this plan
£522.69

Scottish Power - Online Energy Saver 11

Cancellation fees £30 Electricity & £20 Gas apply if contract terminated before November 2011
Mandatory online account management. Upload meter readings, generate bills and track usage in your own online system
This Offer has limited availability and may be removed at any time
The prices for this product are guaranteed to remain a minimum 2% cheaper than our standard monthly Direct Debit prices for gas and electricity until November 2011 (31st October 2011)
£530.77

Ovo Energy - New Energy Fixed

Prices fixed for 12 months
Cancellation fee of £60 if you leave before 12 months
£561.88

EDF - Online S@ver 7

A minimum 2% discount off Standard rates guaranteed until the 31 December 2011
Cancellation fee of £60 if terminated before 31st December 2011
£570.07
£100 bill credit

Scottish Power - Online Energy

Manage your account online
Cash back on credit balances at annual reassessment
£580.85
£50 cashback