Help please we're with British gas!!!!

bumblebee.76

We transfered from a meter box (housing association)to a standard tariff (dual fuel) with British Gas two years ago in August. So assuming our intial contract has now expired we're free to change tariff/ supplier.

Because we're on a standard tariff I'm pretty sure we can find cheaper but how do you do it?

I'm going to try the comparrison links on this site but if you do change do we need to contact British Gas to let them know we've switched and not using them any more or using another of their tariffs?

I also can't find any information on paperwork as to how long our intial contract was for. Any ideas anyone?

Really need advice due to price increase announced today.

Plushchris

You shouldnt be in a contract if you are on the standard tariff, try to find out your usage (in Killowatthours) to use on the comparison sites.

If you switch with a comparison site they take care of everything for you, or you can go through a cashback site (Quidco/topcashback) and then sign up with a supplier direct (after checking on the comparison site)

Either way you wouldnt need to talk to BG, its all taken care of for you. Definately take meter readings on the date prices go up and again on the date you switch..

apt

You don't need to contact British Gas. Your new supplier will do this.

gazjoneswales

Be aware of any variable tariffs you may sign up to though as these are likely to change in coming weeks/months (npower/eon/edf/sse) so any potential savings may not be accurate after price changes. Also alternative BG tariffs will not show on comparison websites if you enter that you are on a current BG tariff

bengasman

It is very simple to change, just call the supplier of your choice and tell them you want to change to them.

As for getting the best deal, do NOT compare based on "calculated" savings from comparison websites.
Unless you are an extremely low user, the only thing that counts is your kWh price.
Don't fall for the "no standing charges" trick either; you might not be charged outright standing charges, but they will be hidden in a clever "band" system.

TIMMY85

Standard tariff is just a contract for you to pay for what you use with no cancellation charges. If you switch you just stay with BG for the weeks it takes to change supplier. Your best off changing to an online discounted deal which would probably be variable or to a fix which may start off costing you more now but could save you money in the long run!