Can we switch before we move?

macman

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 (once we've moved in) or as soon as possible afterwards - what's the problem with this?

No, you can't, and attempts to do so invariably end in tears, with billing/transfer issues.
You are in a deemed contract from day one, register on that day and submit opening readings, you can then immediately commence a switch. 4 weeks on Standard tariff in summer is not going to add much to your bills.

macman

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??

They don't send out any letters automatically because it's up to you to advise them of your occupation-just give your opening reads when you register.

Wywth

girl_withno_name wrote: »

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??

On Thursday, when you move in and take the meter readings and contact the existing supplier with them to register yourself as a new customer, ask the supplier for their cheapest tarrif they offer that does not include any early exit fees.

Once you are registered as a customer of that supplier, you can then switch away from that supplier if you wish.

girl_withno_name

macman wrote: »

No, you can't, and attempts to do so invariably end in tears, with billing/transfer issues.
You are in a deemed contract from day one, register on that day and submit opening readings, you can then immediately commence a switch. 4 weeks on Standard tariff in summer is not going to add much to your bills.

You say that, but you don't explain what a deemed contract is!

macman

A deemed contract is when you occupy a property and use the gas/electricity. So the moment you switch a light on on day one, a contract exists, and the energy used has to be paid for to the existing supplier.
This system has existed ever since the industry was de-regulated.

Terrylw1

The safest way is to use the cooling off period. In this time there will be no communication that could affect the old occupier.

Given you are about to move in, start the ball rolling.

You still need to contact the old supplier to set up the account for your Deemed contract. Deemed is just an enforced contract set out in the Utility Act to make you liable from handover date...irrespective of consumption.

Given you are so close, its not a problem. If you were weeks away, you would need to consider all that is being said.

A switch takes 21 days from the day after your cooling off period ends. However, they send a switch date in their notification of interest which is the first stage after your cooling off period ends. They have to leave time for the current supplier to object, usually 5 days but there is a few days of data transfer time on top.

The supplier can choose any date beyond this objection period up to a maximum of 28 days. To be longer, they have to wait before sending the required switch date to avoid it being rejected by the distributor.

So, I suggest you ask them to pick a date as soon as they can or you could be slightly longer. They have to adhere to the 21 days, but if they fail this industry SLA...it could extend your switch date. So, ask what they can do.