Struggling to decide on switch

Bufger

I've been with BG for the last 2 years but havent bothered comparing. I havent had a single problem with the service but now after a comparison search and some MSE newsletters i'm thinking of fixing for a year or 2 for a save (£144 save for a 1 year fix being my best quote, £96 save for 2 years). This is duel fuel by the way.

The trouble is I hear bad things about the one giving the best quote! (begins with E, ends with DF:D)

I live in a 3 bed terrace, monthly useage is Gas-£31 Elec-£40. The second fixed option is for a 1 year fix with Scottish Power and i hear mixed reviews there.

I'm just not sure what to do and how to do it, ive never had to switch suppliers before. Do i inform my current supplier and give notice or do i just sign up for another and the switch is automatic? Do i take a final meter reading etc? Do i go with a fixed contract? it seemed straightforward yesterday but now i've read too much info on this site and i'm all muddled up

StevieJ

If I wanted a one year deal I would go with OVO, any longer EDF, I am switching to EDF at the moment (from SP) and haven't really had a problem. It is just understanding their process I think.

Premier_2

Bufger wrote: »

I've been with BG for the last 2 years but havent bothered comparing. I havent had a single problem with the service but now after a comparison search and some MSE newsletters i'm thinking of fixing for a year or 2 for a save (£144 save for a 1 year fix being my best quote, £96 save for 2 years). This is duel fuel by the way.

The trouble is I hear bad things about the one giving the best quote! (begins with E, ends with DF:D)

I live in a 3 bed terrace, monthly useage is Gas-£31 Elec-£40. The second fixed option is for a 1 year fix with Scottish Power and i hear mixed reviews there.

I'm just not sure what to do and how to do it, ive never had to switch suppliers before. Do i inform my current supplier and give notice or do i just sign up for another and the switch is automatic? Do i take a final meter reading etc? Do i go with a fixed contract? it seemed straightforward yesterday but now i've read too much info on this site and i'm all muddled up

Only you can decide what is best for you ... and it may be you are prepared to pay a little extra for improved service, which is why many comparison sites give an indication of customer service levels too.

To switch you simply contact the new supplier you decide upon (or go to them via a comparison or cashback site for the extra bung) and ask them to take over your supply.

They will lead you through the whole process by contacting your existing supplier and advise you when they need your meter readings (which will be when they actually start supplying you) and they will send those readings to your old supplier so that they can finalise that account.

Fixed price contracts mean you are assured what your tariff is for the set period ... but remember the price of energy can go down as well as up and so you may miss out on any fall in prices. You may also be paying a premium today to fix any prices.
(Of course if prices go up later, you could be laughing if you chose a fixed tariff)

Bufger

I'm expecting prices to go up further, i cant see a fall in utilities any time soon! I've gone for the longest term fix i can get (until March 2014) with the possibility of a no fee exit from march 2013. Its a saving of £65 per year from my current standard BG tarrif but obviously less of a save than the 1 year fix (saving of £145).

Hopefully the service isnt too bad, i'll keep an eye on the bills and babysit them to do their job properly - bless them!

Thanks for your help both.