My first time!

Amethyst_ice

Hello all,

After my bf recently left me and moved out he has landed me with all the bills...and a mega one just came so I think I need to change!

I have been reading all the posts on the main board and think I want to change from Utility Warehouse to Scottish Power duel fuel 13.

So just a few things...as I have never changed utilities before what do I need to do..just meter readings?

And how long does it usually take?

Do I need to tell my current supplier I am leaving (it is in his name though).

Thanks all, sorry for being so niave!

macman

If the bills are in his name, they are his bills, just give the supplier his forwarding address, then register for a new account with them. Once that is done then you can commence the switching process. You can't switch if you are in debt-you'll have to pay off any existing bills.
You just use a comp site to get the best tariff, then switch via a cashback site
Switching take around 5 weeks.
You don't need to inform the old supplier, the new supplier does that-just make sure that you cancel the DD after the final bill has been paid.

Amethyst_ice

so i need to ring my current supplier, tell them his address and set a new account with them....then switch to another place?

The current supply comes from his direct debit so that will be up to him i guess!

Just checking I don't do anything wrong lol I ahve my cashback site and everything just wondered what order of things to do!

Thanks

macman

Tell them you are now taking over the account. However if they can't get the debt from him they may come back to you of course.
You can't switch until you register for an account to switch from.

Amethyst_ice

would it be simpler for him to just cancel the account and i set up with a new supplier or do i HAVE to get it in my name?

cheers btw

grahamc2003

I'd ring your current supplier, and tell them the date your ex moved out. Bills up to that point will be his responsibility. Since that date, I would say that you will be deemed to be the account holder, and you'll have to pay the bills frm that date. Once you ring the,, they'll sort out your acount (putting you as the account holder, and probably estimate readings from the date he moved out, billing accordingly). Once your name is on the account (may take a week or so), then you simply call the new supplier you want to move to, and they'll take it from there. Ime, the new supplier will email you weekly letting you know how things are progressing, and sometimes asking you to do things, like take a meter reading etc. I'm not sure if thre's an outstanding balance from the time you ex was the account holder, whether or not that would stop the supplier change - best to ring up your current supplier and ask.

Amethyst_ice

ok thanks all, im so annoyed he is landing me with bills..our tenancy is up to july and i wasn't expecting to be paying the bills solo.

Thanks for all the advice, i will ring and get it into my name tomorrow and get the ball rolling

DVardysShadow

Amethyst_ice wrote: »

would it be simpler for him to just cancel the account and i set up with a new supplier or do i HAVE to get it in my name?

cheers btw

Once someone leaves an address, the next occupier is with that supplier for a period of 28 days from taking over supply - [or from notifying the supplier that they have taken over, I think]. This is a 'deemed contract'. A new customer starts with a deemed contract and is free to move after the 28 days.