First time buyer, first time bill payer

chuckflorist

Hello,

Just wondering if anyone can give advice on getting the best value from utilities companies when you're a FTB?

I'm about a week away from completion and starting to think about energy bills. I am currently in rented accom, which includes all bills so have no idea of how to get a realistic quote. I understand i have a grace period when buying and moving in with the current suppliers, does anyone nnow how long this would last for?

And finally, is there much room for negotiation with energy suppliers, as in can you play them off each other for new custom etc?

Thanks all,

Chuck

Neil_Jones

Grace period doesn't apply because this only applies if you change suppliers.
When you move in the property will be supplied by somebody. You therefore enter into a deemed contract with them.
After that point you can then look around at new suppliers and move as you wish.

With regards to negotiation, all the prices for all the tariffs are on the appropriate website. Many have discounts available if you do certain things - pay by direct debit, take duel-fuel, stand on your head, etc. Some discounts are variable, others fixed.

Your best bet may be to simply feed the average annual figures into a comparision site and use them as a worst-case scenario - if you live alone you probably won't use anywhere near 16kWh of gas in a year. I only get through 8k. Grab the cheapest option going on a one-year fix possibly, then once you know exactly how much energy you use in a year you can go round the market again.

macman

As above, you are in a deemed contract with the existing suppliers from day one, you must take readings and register for an account with them as soon as you move in. Once that is done you can commence a switch, which takes 4-5 weeks.
There is no 'grace period'! Your deemed contract and billing starts as soon as you put a light on.