Help! First time buyer...

Nessabella

Hello folks,

Yous are all gonna think im as daft as they come but I really dont have a clue about things like this so stay with me lol

Me & my partner have just moved into our flat on Friday and I need to sort out gas & electricity... I dont have a clue where to look? All the compare websites ask you to put in info about what you currently use... well I dont know because I just moved in and Iv never had to deal with any of this stuff before...


Can anyone point me in the right direction? Im scared to phone the big companies incase they realise I dont have a clue and totally rip me off ...

Help please

ian1969uk

I would just enter the average energy consumption (an idea of this can be found here: http://www.home-save.co.uk/energy/why_switch_supplier/average_energy_usage/ )

That will give you an idea of what price each supplier will come out at.

Alternatively, you could go with someone like Co-op Energy, who don't tie you in and have no exit fees. That way you can see what your usage is and take it from there.

Premier_2

You need to first register with the existing supplier(s)

How to identify your gas supplier

How to identify your electricity supplier

Nessabella

Premier wrote: »

You need to first register with the existing supplier(s)



I know the last owner got his gas and electricity from Scottish Power because it was in the home report or some kinda paper work... does that mean I have to phone them?

Again.. sorry Im clueless!

Hayesmyth

Firstly take meter readings ASAP. Then phone Scottish, to find out if the previous occupier was in contract with them just before you moved in. You should then check if he/she was paid up, otherwise you may have an oustanding balance from someone else on your address.

Any utility company(supplier) would really need closing meter readings from the previous tenant and opening ones from you. You may find that all is in order but check.

Sort all this out first before contemplating a switch, 'cos any new supplier will want meter readings from you which will also be sent to Scottish to close off their contract (which could have payments outstanding which might land on your doorstep). So you'ld be back in the same position again.

If you decide, for simplicity say, to carry on with Scottish for the short term (assuming they were the suppliers just before you moved in), just make sure they don't suggest putting you on a tariff that fixes you to a contract with a penalty clause. (this is where you would have to pay them an early cancellation fee for each supply type they provide. (eg. up to £50 for gas and £50 for electric). This then gives you the opportunity to compare prices with other utility companies at your leisure.

For peace of mind, use the advice given by MoneySavingExpert. This will explain what all the tariff types are and what factors you need to consider when choosing. Then use the comparison sites recommended within the newsletter, accessing them via the links.