How do I prevent being switched from my existing electricity and gas supplier?

johnny999

Hi,

Apparently there is no way to prevent someone from switching me from my existing supplier if they state (falsely) that they have my permission?

I'm concerned that my letting agent may try and switch me to a supplier who gives them commission.

In this case would the supply just switch and I would only find out when the new supplier gets in touch to say they've taken over?

I can see the letting agent trying this on and would like to block it, if that's possible. This would be in addition to writing to them stating that I do not want to switch.

(This is in England)

Thanks!

macman

You would normally get a 'sorry you're leaving letter' from the outgoing supplier once they are contacted by the incoming supplier-that would be your warning to contact them.

DirtyDick

They would let you know pretty soon, maybe a month before the proposed changeover, with a letter asking if you want to change your mind and stick with them. You may want to talk to them about the situation too.

Sooner or later, if it happens continually, the energy company being foisted on you by your LA will wonder what's going on and may contact you as well.

In most instances the LA/LL is responsible only for ensuring you can physically receive utilities, not dictate which companies you must sign up to.

dogshome

From posts on this site, there are two Energy suppliers who are currently paying Managing Letting Agents/ Landlords a kick-back, to dictate to their tenants that they should Switch - these suppliers are Spark Energy & Southern Electric.

This is actually illegal as it flies in the face of your rights in the Utilities Act.
Do not switch to the supplier nominated by the Agent /Landlord, and do every other tenant who has a 'grab-another-pound' Agent/Landlord a favour by reporting the matter to Ofgem, enclosing copies of any correspondance you've had

chanz4

Ask your supplier to place a perm objection on the withdraw system

johnny999

Thanks for the advice. If I'm going to be notified then I think that's sufficient as i'll tell the current supplier to reject the switch. If they try it a second time I'll write to Ofgem as you suggest.

Pincher

Owe money to your existing supplier.

Arrange your Direct Debit so that you always a little bit in debt.
Existing supplier will have to play ball, of course.
Try to put it in terms of "Because I WANT TO stay with you."

Companymole

Hi

Chances are by the time that your supplier is sending you a sorry you are leaving letters its too late. Trouble is energy suppliers can only object on certain grounds they will not know why the supply is leaving them or who has instigated it it. If you are named on the bill if another supplier takes without YOUR permission then the supply may leave however an Et can be raised to take back to original supplier free of charge although this isnt immediate.

Either supplier can raise an ET but the other supplier has to agree it is one for it to go through. If the other supplier has a contract for the right address and the wrong name then normally ET will be accepted. Make sure you tenancy agreement doesnt say in it that you cant change suppliers as some do.

Im not aware of any energy companies rewarding letting agents for bring supplies across, although wouldnt surprise me if it happened