Switching GAS supplier?

macman

Does it really matter? If the dual fuel deal is cheaper, take it. if it's cheaper to do it with separate suppliers, do that instead.
A dual fuel deal does not tie you in any more than a single fuel deal-an ETC either applies to the tariff or it does not.

Consumerist

Just a few words to the wise about variable energy tariffs.

When doing your comparisons take a close look at the discounts being paid on variable tariffs and when they are paid. There has been a tendency, lately, for the energy suppliers to get around the protection from Early Termination Charges by paying discounts only at the end of a contract. This means that the supplier can increase charges during the contract but, if you then decide to switch to another supplier, you lose all the discounts which made the tariff look cheap on comparison sites. Although the supplier cannot charge an Early Termination Charge if it increases prices, the customer could lose some or all of the discounts instead.

In this respect, a fixed tariff might be safer if you can get one at a comparable annual cost.

Rochdale_Guy

Thanks Consumerist.

My E.On details are:

Plan: E.On Energy Plan

Forecasted usage for next 12 months: 1,540kWh

First 900 kWh each year 23.74p each

Next kWh 13.2p each

Discounts: 6% Direct Debit Discount

Rochdale_Guy

They all seem a con with their terms and conditions.

I just did this, and it still says Ebico are the cheapest for my Gas & Electric:



You can't get any cashback with them though through any site

Advice please?

Consumerist

Ok. Seems you can save £144 pa by switching to Ebico (variable tariffs). You should also check fixed tariffs to see if it's worth your while to protect yourself from future price rises.

Rochdale_Guy

I have had a postcard from Ebico (Southern) saying the switch is underway, and when I sign into my British Gas account, it says "account closed" next to my name. Thing is, I am £96.87 in credit!

I want my money back!

Do I wait until I am asked for a final meter reading to give to Ebico and BG or request it back NOW from BG online?

I don't want it paying back, then BG say you owe us £20 etc for this billing period!

?

macman

You must wait for your final bill. The closing reading is given via the incoming supplier, i.e. their opening reading.
How can they refund you now when they don't know what your usage will be between the last billing and your switch date? If there is a debit due, they will take the balance, if there is a credit due then they will refund it.

Rochdale_Guy

macman wrote: »

You must wait for your final bill. The closing reading is given via the incoming supplier, i.e. their opening reading.
How can they refund you now when they don't know what your usage will be between the last billing and your switch date? If there is a debit due, they will take the balance, if there is a credit due then they will refund it.

It says (BG) they are calculating payments for my next 12 months usage & what the new Direct Debit will be (despite it also saying "acccount closed".)

I will have to see what / if they take a direct debit out come the 17th of the month, the usual date of payment collection.

Thanks for all the helpful advice, much appreciated.
:beer:

jalexa

Rochdale_Guy wrote: »

It says (BG) they are calculating payments for my next 12 months usage & what the new Direct Debit will be (despite it also saying "acccount closed".)

I will have to see what / if they take a direct debit out come the 17th of the month, the usual date of payment collection.

I don't know what it is with energy suppliers making online access difficult just at the time it would be useful.

macman has explained that you need to wait for Ebico to give you your start date and a means of providing Ebico with an opening reading. I assume Ebico will also give you a start date for your direct debit (or are you going to pay quarterly?)

I cannot say whether or not British Gas will take the 17th payment. If you are not bothered there is no need to do anything. Alternatively ask BG whether or not it will be collected and/or to suspend collection if that is your preference. It is also worth asking whether or not any final credit is returned to the direct debit account or by cheque. The answer to that may be a good reason not to cancel the direct debit.

[when I was previously with a SSE company (incidently who provide billing for Ebico), they were helpfully able to suspend direct debit collection and either return the surplus directly or collect the final balance. It worked flawlessly.:T Why not see if British Gas is equally helpful and post the answer]

Rochdale_Guy

Cheers jalexa