How Long To Switch

chuckalicious_2

Interested how long it has taken people to switch from one energy provider to another.

My tarrif has just changed to my providers standard one (eOn) and as with all of their tarrifs, the firxt X kWh are charged at a much higher rate than the subsequent ones.

As it's getting colder, I'll be using more energy and will probably burn through the higher rate stuff within a few months, so I'm wondering if there's any point in switching.

If it takes 3 months to switch, I'll have used the high rate energy before the switch takes place, at which point the tarrif is quite competitive. However, if it only takes a couple of weeks, or a month, to switch then it'll be worth me doing it.

Last time I switched (a year ago) it took about 4 months to complete, which is a waste of time right now.

irnbru_2

chuckalicious wrote: »

Interested how long it has taken people to switch from one energy provider to another.

Mine took 5 weeks.

chuckalicious wrote: »

As it's getting colder, I'll be using more energy and will probably burn through the higher rate stuff within a few months, so I'm wondering if there's any point in switching.

This thread explains pro-rata calculation in two-tier pricing.

chuckalicious_2

Interesting - I wonder if it'd be worth trying to switch anyway then.

Neil_Jones

Most if not all standard tariffs are overpriced. You can almost certainly find something cheaper.
Get 12 months worth of bills, to find out your energy usage in KwH for gas and electricity and bang them into a price comparision site, see what you get. if you do move provider, the average switch time is 4-6 weeks.

chuckalicious_2

As you suggested, I went back and added up my energy useage from Nov 2010 to now and put it into MoneySupermarket and YouSwitch.

Turns out I'll save a max of £60 over the year. Not the kind of savings I was expecting...

NotScottishPower

It should only take around 5 weeks to complete the transfer from your current supplier. It will take approx 3 weeks to switch supply to your new supplier from the date they get confirmation from your existing suplier that you can switch

chuckalicious_2

That's all good to know, so thanks all. But for a saving of less than £6 per month I think I'll stay put - customer service has been good as is their iPhone app, which is worth staying. I'm just surprised at how little I'd save by not using a 2 Tiered tarrif.

CharlieBilly

helenharvey :spam: UW rep spamming forums

chuckalicious_2

Ha! I used to use UW for my energy (never tried to sell it to anyone else) and I have to say their prices were decent.

Crap website tho.