Npower sign online 20 ending when can I start to switch?

PsiDOC

HI all.
Simple question. I am on Npower's Sign online 20 tarrif that finishes on 31st December. Have looked about and Npower are simply not competitive any more so am looking to switch to EDF.
When would be the right time to initiate the switch request online as I don't want Npower hitting me for £40 early termination fees if it switches to EDF before the 31st Dec.

Thanks.

Psi

macman

Normal switch time is 4-5 weeks.

jalexa

PsiDOC wrote: »

Have looked about and Npower are simply not competitive any more so am looking to switch to EDF...

... I don't want Npower hitting me for £40 early termination fees if it switches to EDF before the 31st Dec.

Be aware that if you are on a "deferred discount":eek: tariff (likely) you may forfeit any deferred discount if you switch before the discount is earned.

Though I don't normally advocate suppliers who employ "deferred discount":eek: I am a little surprised that you have not found there is a competive NPower tariff (thanks or no thanks to "deferred discount" massaging the comparison). Are you using a Consumer Focus accredited comparison site with your actual usage?

metrobus

I also have a sign online 20 duel fuel contract ending on the 31st December.

Am I correct in thinkng if I apply to switch in the week running up to the 31st
it will be ok due to the fact the actual switch will be after that date ?

It also states i will switch to the standard variable online tariff,go save. after Dec 31st,but when i go into uswitch i can not find that tariff.

PsiDOC

jalexa wrote: »

Though I don't normally advocate suppliers who employ "deferred discount":eek: I am a little surprised that you have not found there is a competive NPower tariff (thanks or no thanks to "deferred discount" massaging the comparison). Are you using a Consumer Focus accredited comparison site with your actual usage?

Yes I now know about this "deferred discount" thing now. I think a call to Npower in the morning is in order to get the info from the horses mouth so to speak.

RE: Accredited websites. I am using the 4 comparison sites in the Gas n Leccy MSE article, so I think they are.

Psi

BrainDestroy

I'm glad I'm not the only one wondering how I'm going to switch from nPower!

I got my letter about the end of Sign Online 20 today. Just to clarify my understanding (and maybe help any others who receive their letters this week), from what I can work out:

- I will be switch to "Go Save" (expensive) tariff on 1st January (this was showing on uswitch.com when I looked this evening so maybe they've added it since you looked).

- If I change supplier and haven't yet paid 12 continuous monthly direct debits, I won't get my £100 discount (which I assume comes off my 13th monthly payment - for me this will be next March

- If I change my supplier before 31st December 2011, I will have to pay an early exit change or £20 per fuel (£40 for both Gas and Electricity). This is in the "npower Additional Terms for Sign Online 20 Offers" provided when I signed up.

- If I want to change supplier, I have to let them know before or on 1st January 2012 (do they usually have their phone lines open on 1st Jan?).

- If I let them know I'm changing supplier, they have to receive communication within 15 working days from my new supplier, or they will start charging me at the higher prices?

- If I let them know before or on 1st Jan AND they hear from my new supplier within 3 weeks, I won't be affected by the higher prices.

- NPower will let me know if I owe them any money and I will need to pay this within 30 days or they will prevent me from transferring.

I think this is correct - can anyone confirm?

So, if I want to switch and not incur any charges, I think I probably need to call them before 1st January but not early enough for the switch to take place before 31st December! I then need to ensure that I sign up with a new supplier and that they act fast enough for npower to hear from them within 15 working days. I then need to pay off any money I owe them as soon as possible once they're let me know how much this is.

I believe this means I avoid the new higher prices from npower and also avoids the £40 charge for leaving early. Unfortunately, in my case, it also means losing the £100 discount for paying by direct debit - but I'd pretty much forgotten about that by now anyway!

Hopefully my understanding is correct. They certainly don't make things simple!

jalexa

BrainDestroy wrote: »

Gosh, there is a lot there. I only have time to deal with a couple of the most serious misconceptions.

- If I change supplier and haven't yet paid 12 continuous monthly direct debits, I won't get my £100 discount (which I assume comes off my 13th monthly payment - for me this will be next March

Unfortunately not that simple. The discount has already reduced your monthly payments. If you do not qualify for the discount it will be added into your closing balance.:eek:

- If I let them know before or on 1st Jan AND they hear from my new supplier within 3 weeks, I won't be affected by the higher prices.

Not quite. You are confusing what can happen if you receive notice of an increase. This is tariff maturity, totally different. You change tariffs on the date specified in your contract.

- NPower will let me know if I owe them any money and I will need to pay this within 30 days or they will prevent me from transferring.

No. A debit balance in a regular direct debit payment scheme is not "debt" if you have maintained the agreed payments. After a switch completes you will receive a final account to settle.

flashg67

For me , it lookslike npower will still be cheapest (just) on their Sign Online 24 tariff so hopefully I can switch tariffs early in the new year and will only be on their expensive tariff for a short time and avoid the SOL20 exit fees? Can't see any other way round it?

Reminder set for 1st Jan, hangover permitting!

horngkai

npower remains the cheapest for me as well on the new sign online tariff (no guarantee price wouldn't increase again though). Plus, being on Homecare 50, I need to stay as a npower customer to have 50% cashback if no call out is made.

I spoke to npower, they say to switch tariff, I could probably do it 1-2 weeks before the 31st Dec seeing that its christmas period, it will take a little bit longer to complete the switch. 1st of Jan will be safer to avoid any mishap though.

macman

flashg67 wrote: »

For me , it lookslike npower will still be cheapest (just) on their Sign Online 24 tariff so hopefully I can switch tariffs early in the new year and will only be on their expensive tariff for a short time and avoid the SOL20 exit fees? Can't see any other way round it?

Reminder set for 1st Jan, hangover permitting!

Exit fees should only apply if changing supplier, not if changing tariff.

horngkai

macman wrote: »

Exit fees should only apply if changing supplier, not if changing tariff.

It exists for both I believe. Your contract is tied to the tariff, not the supplier.