New home, new meter, but what next?

charlietait

Hello.

I've recently bought my first home which was supplied gas and electricity via a prepay meter. The company was British Gas. In January both meters were changed to account meters for free by BG (thanks MSExperts for advice on this!). Now here's the first thing, I haven't heard from BG since. I thought I would get a letter or a contract following the engineers visit. I haven't received anything from British Gas yet - apart from a letter telling me I can claim nectar points on my (now removed) pre pay meter. Will I be tied into staying with British Gas or can I shop around for the best deal. And the second thing...

If I can shop around for suppliers how do I do this? I don't think I've anyway of comparing tariffs as I have neither a monthly bill or annual readings which are needed for comparison sites. I have gathered a reading from each meter in February but wonder how I go about using this for comparison. Or even if this a good idea? As you may have guessed by now... I'm confused. Any advice will be much appreciated!

SwanJon

Once the PP meters are reomved you are put onto the standard, quarterly tariff, so you may not hear from them for another 2 months.

To be on the safe side I'd get in touch (even if only to get your new reference numbers). You can do it online/email/letter/phone. In you request include the new meter serial numbers (near barcodes on ther meter), and the date they were put in. Readings will also help.

Once you have the new reference numbers you know they've updated all the systems and you can look for a tariff that suits you. Some comparison sites will help you estimate your consumption based on the size of the house. Keep taking regular readings (most suppliers now allow you to put these in online) to make sure your bill/DD is as accurate as possible, and when you next come to compare you'll have a more accurate figure.

macman

Use average annual kWh figures for your type of property. If you're not going to leave BG, I'd get off Standard tariff, because it's the most expensive.

charlietait

Thanks folks. So I should be able to leave BG striaght away? - to me this seems strange since they changed the meters for free I was worried I'd be locked in. Not complaining though!