First Utility

doggysoft_2

Hi,

I am presently on BG Fixed Tariff 2012 which ends at the end of this month. BG has given me 6 weeks notice of the end of this tariff and the start date of the standard rate.

I applied in early Jan for a Isave V9 from First Utility as it was the cheapest available.

Not wanting to pay any exit penalties to BG I wanted to start with First Utilities on the 1st of Feb 2012. During the application process a start date could not be applied, subseuently during the 14 day cancellation period I phoned First Utility to confirm the start date and was told to cancell the application and re-apply in mid January so that the start date would be after the 31st of January.

Doesn't make sence to me but this is what I am having to do so I don't pay BG any exit penalties. Anm I missing something here as I don't want to pay the standard rate with BG either.........

Query why does MSE say apply 6 weeks before the end of your present contract ends.

:beer:

jalexa

doggysoft wrote: »

Anm I missing something here as I don't want to pay the standard rate with BG either.........

The transfer time is typically 4 to 6 weeks, or 4 weeks + the cooling-off period, but I am not sure there is an absolute guarantee that it will never be less than 4 weeks. [a losing supplier is entitled to 28 days notice but what if they waiived that?]

Up to you if you want to gamble. The stake is the Early Termination Charge against the cost difference of the standard tariff vs. your chosen tariff. Have you done the sums?

I have to be nice to you as a newbie but I suspect not since you have selected the "deferred discount":eek: tariff with the biggest deferred discount. That's an up to £180 gamble:eek:. IMO that's du.......

Query why does MSE say apply 6 weeks before the end of your present contract ends.

This is persosnal view not an MSE view. It's a culture thing I think. They only see the potential saving, not the downside risk. Easy if you never have to pay it. It's an aspect of the MSE "spend to save" culture.

macman

You cannot ever specify a start date, the switch takes as long as it takes, normally 4-6 weeks. If you switch today, you will not be on supply before 2nd week of February, so quite safe.

doggysoft_2

macman wrote: »

You cannot ever specify a start date, the switch takes as long as it takes, normally 4-6 weeks. If you switch today, you will not be on supply before 2nd week of February, so quite safe.

macman,

Thanks for that reassurance

doggysoft

doggysoft_2

jalexa wrote: »

The transfer time is typically 4 to 6 weeks, or 4 weeks + the cooling-off period, but I am not sure there is an absolute guarantee that it will never be less than 4 weeks. [a losing supplier is entitled to 28 days notice but what if they waiived that?]

Up to you if you want to gamble. The stake is the Early Termination Charge against the cost difference of the standard tariff vs. your chosen tariff. Have you done the sums?

I have to be nice to you as a newbie but I suspect not since you have selected the "deferred discount":eek: tariff with the biggest deferred discount. That's an up to £180 gamble:eek:. IMO that's du.......



This is persosnal view not an MSE view. It's a culture thing I think. They only see the potential saving, not the downside risk. Easy if you never have to pay it. It's an aspect of the MSE "spend to save" culture.

Hi

I have to be nice to you as a newbie but I suspect not since you have selected the "deferred discount":eek: tariff with the biggest deferred discount. That's an up to £180 gamble:eek:. IMO that's du.......

What does this actually mean, what I don't understand is why First Utility wouldn't guantee me not starting with them from the 1st of Feb 2011.

Thanks,
doggysoft

HappyMJ

doggysoft wrote: »

Hi

I have to be nice to you as a newbie but I suspect not since you have selected the "deferred discount":eek: tariff with the biggest deferred discount. That's an up to £180 gamble:eek:. IMO that's du.......

What does this actually mean, what I don't understand is why First Utility wouldn't guantee me not starting with them from the 1st of Feb 2011.

Thanks,
doggysoft

It means the first:utility tariff WILL cost £15 a month more than you think it does. You will then after 12 months get 13% back in the form of an account credit as long as you have spent £600 on gas and electric. The maximum account credit is £180 on annual spend of £1400 and can make it look like that it is a very cheap deal when it really isn't. If you miss one direct debit you lose the £180. If you find a cheaper deal in the 12 month period there are no cancellation fees but you lose the £180 deferred discount.

jalexa

doggysoft wrote: »

what I don't understand is why First Utility wouldn't guantee me not starting with them from the 1st of Feb 2011.

The answer to that is there are two parties which require to agree the date, one the losing supplier. It is not within the powers of the gaining supplier (First Utility) to set a unilateral date of your choice.

There is an agreed industry process at work and what you (and MSE) want isn't included in the agreed process.

But to go back to my challenge to you (and MSE), did you work out the cost difference payable for a week or so at the temporary standard tariff? And compare that with the Early Termination Charge(s) payable if you (or MSE) jump the gun?

ollski

Also find some reviews on first utility, they owed me 157.00 when I left them....I am happy to write that off just so I don't have to deal with them again.

doggysoft_2

Hi All,

This thread is very useful from Consumerist and I am happy with Smiler2 commments , got £40 cash back from Uswitch as well.

First:Utility iSave v9 dual fuel tariff - be careful

beatinertia

hello
I am just about to make the switch to first utility for dual fuel. Is there a penalty charge for leaving Scottish Power elec and British gas. I am on standard tarrifs. Any other pitfalls that anyone can point out to me.
Your advice most appreciated.
DD

macman

There is no lock in if you are on Standard tariffs.
But lots of pitfalls with FU-just do a search on this board...