Tactics for Timing A Switch From E.On

bonzer

Hi,

Can you help me with how to time a switch between suppliers please?

My E.On Save Online 9 ends September 9th. I'm thinking of moving to a Scottish power online tariff.

If I switch before the end of my E.On tariff there's a sting of a £30 exit charge. Also the current E.On tarrif is a tiny fraction cheaper than the one I'm intending to switch to so no point moving early anyway. However I don't want to linger too long after September 9th because the tarrif E.On is going to move me onto is a lot more expensive.

Switching normally takes maybe 6 weeks. If I try and initiate the switch before September 9th, do you reckon E.On will whack me with the termination fee?

Could I call up September 10th and "reject" the price increase and then initiate a switch? Or because my contracting is ending and they're moving me onto a different tariff is it not technically a price increase?

Thanks

Bonzer

macman

The contract end date is the date you go on supply with the new supplier, not the date you commence the application to switch. Typically 4-6 weeks. I'd say that 3 weeks prior to should be OK-so apply in about 10 days time.
But beware losing your deferred discount with Eon, that could be worth more than the small extra cost of a month or so on Standard tariff.
No, it's not a price increase, because it was a fixed term contract.

Terrylw1

Suggest reading this thread as the same questions have been asked and discussed in detail.

You can't reject a price increase if its the end of your contract, the Standard Licence Conditions (SLC) only state this is for a unilateral change. If your t&c's allow it though, you can, so check them over.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4096223

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi bonzer

Already some good advice on here, thanks guys.

Just to confirm, provided you complete the full term of a contract, you'll not receive any cancellation charge for switching to another supplier.

As macman says, so long as the switch completes after the end of Saveonline 9, there'll be no cancellation fee.

Also, we don't give discount on final bills. So it will be best to time a switch to keep the effect of this to a minimum.

Hope this is useful bonzer. Give me a shout if you need any more info as will be happy to help.

Malc

bonzer

Thanks for the advice. Very helpful.

On the final bill problem, I've just had a bill a couple of days ago. Do I get a bill at the end of Save Online 9? At which point Eon propose to move me onto EnergyOnline. So is my final bill on which I miss discounts the period spent on EnergyOnline only?

Terrylw1

bonzer wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. Very helpful.

On the final bill problem, I've just had a bill a couple of days ago. Do I get a bill at the end of Save Online 9? At which point Eon propose to move me onto EnergyOnline. So is my final bill on which I miss discounts the period spent on EnergyOnline only?

I'm sure Malc will give you a official answer but to add my experience of other suppliers, you will get a normal bill when you should that includes an up to and from element.

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

bonzer wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. Very helpful.

On the final bill problem, I've just had a bill a couple of days ago. Do I get a bill at the end of Save Online 9? At which point Eon propose to move me onto EnergyOnline. So is my final bill on which I miss discounts the period spent on EnergyOnline only?

Hi bonzer

We won't necessarily issue a bill at the end of Saveonline 9. The next scheduled/final bill will include charges for Saveonline 9 up to the end date and then charges for EnergyOnline onwards.

I'd let us have meter readings on the day Saveonline 9 ends and request a bill. This will make sure the billing for this tariff is accurate and not estimated.

You can do this using the Real Time Billing facility on our website. Just pop in the readings and select the 'Billing' option.

Just a quick heads up. Once your new supplier applies for the account, the Real Time Billing option won't be available.

Hope this helps bonzer. Give me a shout if you need any more info as will be happy to help.

Malc

bonzer

Thanks Malc, that's been very helpful.

gwapenut

Malc, If a switch is initiated on 12 August, can we write (or email) eOn requesting that they do not allow the switch to happen until 9 Sept onwards, after the end of the contract? Would they honour that?

Also, I have been told they will generate a bill at the end of August. Will they still do this once I switch, or once a switch has been notified does the end August bill get postponed into one final bill (without the normal eon discounts and so more expensive)?

Terrylw1

gwapenut wrote: »

Malc, If a switch is initiated on 12 August, can we write (or email) eOn requesting that they do not allow the switch to happen until 9 Sept onwards, after the end of the contract? Would they honour that?

Also, I have been told they will generate a bill at the end of August. Will they still do this once I switch, or once a switch has been notified does the end August bill get postponed into one final bill (without the normal eon discounts and so more expensive)?

The switch is driven by the new supplier so you have to it up with them.

The industry rule regarding requesting a switch allows for a future date only which can be from the next working day up to a maximum of 28 days to be valid. They can of course send it later to extend this window.

Another way is to get your cooling off period to end close to your contract end date. The old supplier had to be given chance to object hence 5 working days is normally added onto the date to move it further back and don't forget suppliers have backlogs so may not work your switch request straight after your cooling off period expires.

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

gwapenut wrote: »

Malc, If a switch is initiated on 12 August, can we write (or email) eOn requesting that they do not allow the switch to happen until 9 Sept onwards, after the end of the contract? Would they honour that?

Also, I have been told they will generate a bill at the end of August. Will they still do this once I switch, or once a switch has been notified does the end August bill get postponed into one final bill (without the normal eon discounts and so more expensive)?

Hi gwapenut

Terry's spot on. The gaining supplier drives the switch so we have no control on the date you'll move over.

Best thing to do is find out when the cooling off period with your new supplier ends and make sure you ask us for a bill before then.

You can do this yourself online by using the Real Time Billing option on our website. Just pop in up to date meter readings and select 'request a bill.' As this isn't the final bill, it will include your discount.

Hope this helps gwapenut. Give me a shout if you need any more info as will be happy to help.

Malc