Can we switch before we move?

girl_withno_name

This may seem like a daft question, but I'm sure I read something about this somewhere and now I can't remember where!

We're moving house next Thursday and I think that we'll be put on the current supplier's standard rate (expensive), so I've done some research and found the best tariffs for us... can we switch before we move?

I'm guessing there may be some timing constraints due to needing to cancel the current suppliers??

Terrylw1

As long as your supplier uses a registration date after the handover date, it can't be classed as any form of Erroneous Transfer (ET) which would occur if you switched when the current owner was still in as you would be transferring them.

Suggest you read this thread where its being discussed.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4135599

Just remember you have cooling off period and the supplier needs to leave working days for an objection period,usually 5 working days, plus the transfer/admin time as you will be in a work list so they might not get to initiate it immediately after the cooling off period due to backlogs.

If the current occupant has Outstanding Charges, it will cause an objection unless your proposed supplier marks the change of tenancy indicator correctly. Even then it could o wrong but you have time to resolve it and the basis of a complaint if they don't consider that marker and object.

In terms of whether signing a contract ahead of a handover, its a grey area. You can do it, but I would question whether it would be strictly legal since you have no legal ownership of the property but if everything has been legally exchanged its still. Grey since you could still impact the current owners supply contract.

So, just be careful with it and you may only pay a very short period with the current supplier. Remember to inform them you have taken ownership.

girl_withno_name

OK - so I'll head off and read the other thread, but this post contains a lot of terminology I'm not familiar with (and so suspect the other thread will too...)

Would I be right in taking from it that, if done currently, then it is possible? Although there are pitfalls along the way... and we might have to wait at least 5 working days for the new connection/supplier?

Do we just contact the new supplier to arrange a switchover, or do we also need to contact the old supplier? I imagine contacting the old supplier will be a no-no as it isn't us who has a contract with them...

notbritishgas

girl_withno_name wrote: »

OK - so I'll head off and read the other thread, but this post contains a lot of terminology I'm not familiar with (and so suspect the other thread will too...)

Would I be right in taking from it that, if done currently, then it is possible? Although there are pitfalls along the way... and we might have to wait at least 5 working days for the new connection/supplier?

Do we just contact the new supplier to arrange a switchover, or do we also need to contact the old supplier? I imagine contacting the old supplier will be a no-no as it isn't us who has a contract with them...

As Terry has said above you should not switch whilst the old occupier is still registered at the address.
For the sake of less than a week I would follow the normal practice:
On thursday when you move in take meter readings and contact the existing supplier with your details and readings to register.

Then you can start the switch, however it will take about 4-6 weeks to complete not 5 working days.

You will of course eventually receive a bill from the existing supplier for that period and as you wish to switch it should be on a tariff without exit penalties, eg Standard.

girl_withno_name

So we have to suffer 4-6weeks on a tariff we don't want, didn't choose and which may be significantly more expensive than the one we wish to be on?

I wasn't planning an asking them to switch with immediate effect, but for the switch to take place next week (once we've moved in) or as soon as possible afterwards - what's the problem with this?

fightyfish

technically yes you can switch, i was moving a few months back and the new occupants did this. It can be annoying for the current tenants who will get letters from their supplier saying 'sorry your leaving' - for me it caused problems submitting meter reads and viewing my online account near the end of my tenancy.
For the sake of a few weeks i dont really see why it's worth it - depending on when they sign you over you may be causing issues for yourself as you may miss meter read windows if your not in the house at the time they request opening reads and then have accounts starting on estimates.

girl_withno_name

fightyfish wrote: »

technically yes you can switch, i was moving a few months back and the new occupants did this. It can be annoying for the current tenants who will get letters from their supplier saying 'sorry your leaving' - for me it caused problems submitting meter reads and viewing my online account near the end of my tenancy.
For the sake of a few weeks i dont really see why it's worth it - depending on when they sign you over you may be causing issues for yourself as you may miss meter read windows if your not in the house at the time they request opening reads and then have accounts starting on estimates.

We'll be moving in 3 working days... how quickly do they send out letters requesting opening readings and subsequently close that window of opportunity??

amiehall

You understand why it's not possible to switch when you have no account at the address though right? Other people live there and they can choose whatever supplier they like.

I did what has been advised to you and set up my account with the existing supplier on move-in day and started a switch that day. I ended up being live on supply with the old supplier for a day over 3 weeks. The overall switch process takes longer for all the paperwork to be finalised and the final bill from the old supplier to reach you etc. but you will switch over WITHIN the time frame you gave not at the end of it.

jalexa

girl_withno_name wrote: »

So we have to suffer 4-6weeks on a tariff we don't want, didn't choose and which may be significantly more expensive than the one we wish to be on?

I wasn't planning an asking them to switch with immediate effect, but for the switch to take place next week ...

So have you worked out what the cost difference might actually be?

Your objective is high risk for what, in your circumstances, is only a week's saving. You cannot "short circuit" the "4-6 weeks" because that is founded on regulations. In practice, for a "1 week" saving, you risk further delay if the "unusual" process goes t*ts-up.

Your call.

amiehall

girl_withno_name wrote: »

We'll be moving in 3 working days... how quickly do they send out letters requesting opening readings and subsequently close that window of opportunity??

You should probably be fine to start the process now then... The new supplier you choose won't actually do anything about your request until a cooling off period has elapsed so no action will be taken until you're in the property if that's 3 days from now.

Make sure you set up the account with the existing company when you get into the property though or you'll cause problems for yourself later.

Cardew

girl_withno_name wrote: »

So we have to suffer 4-6weeks on a tariff we don't want, didn't choose and which may be significantly more expensive than the one we wish to be on?

Whilst impractical, you don't have to use that supplier - just don't use any gas or electricity until the switch has taken place;)