when can i switch?

Consumerist

turbo1191 wrote: »

I think it is if i choose to move to one of there tariffs, there was a link to there tariffs at the end of the email..
Ive been looking at edf's fixed price 2014 dual fuel, but not sure as i dont 'think' this includes any price rise..?

Ok. That's why I think you need to be careful if you want to avoid early termination fees when you switch to a new supplier.

EDF haven't announced price rises yet but I doubt if it will be too long before they do. So the fixed-price tariff they are offering now is not likely to be available much longer. Providing you are absolutely sure your contract ends on 31 August then moving quickly to EDF now might be a good option - at this point, it seems unlikely that the switch will be completed before the contract ends.

turbo1191

Yes, BG seem to be contradicting themselves.. on my bill it says that my tariff ends on the 30th september, but on my last correspondence it says that it ends on the 31st august.. just sent them another mail to clarify.. thanks again.:)

Consumerist

turbo1191 wrote: »

.. thanks again.:)

You're welcome. Seem to have missed the first time.

turbo1191

just had confirmation back from BG and they say my fixed term ends on the 30th sept. I take it my best bet would be to wait till after BG have put there prices up on the 18th august then look about after that?

Consumerist

turbo1191 wrote: »

just had confirmation back from BG and they say my fixed term ends on the 30th sept. I take it my best bet would be to wait till after BG have put there prices up on the 18th august then look about after that?

Ok then. That was a close one. Glad you re-checked.

Since the switching process takes 4 - 6 weeks then, ideally, a request to switch should go to the new supplier around mid-August. So the 18 August looks good.

Do comparisons over the next couple of weeks to keep abreast of developments and put in your switching request to the new supplier so that the actual switch takes place on or after the end of your current contract (30 Sept); this is important if you want to avoid the risk of termination charges. I think most energy companies wait 14 days before contacting the old supplier but you should check. If they go early and the switch happens before the end of your contract then you risk payment of £100 in termination charges.

Hope all that makes sense.

Edit
Don't forget to give BG at least 28-day's notice. It's not clear whether you, personally, must do this but it would be safer if you did.