How far in advance to switch?

caveman

Could the energy companies be lobbied to have to stick to a date for switching - surely it's not that difficult to change names on contracts?
In the same way that we can get insurance policies to start on a specific date, we could then ask new energy tarrifs to start on the end of contract date of existing tarrifs. Or would that be too fair and easy for the consumer?

Terrylw1

caveman wrote: »

Could the energy companies be lobbied to have to stick to a date for switching - surely it's not that difficult to change names on contracts?
In the same way that we can get insurance policies to start on a specific date, we could then ask new energy tarrifs to start on the end of contract date of existing tarrifs. Or would that be too fair and easy for the consumer?

Yes, it would be very easy to implement this as all the switching requirements are documented in the Master Registration Agreement (MRA).

The only requirement that is a grey area is the objection window which is a "reasonable period of time".

In fact, what you propose would improve the process greatly for consumers.

The supplier would have the right to reject your date where you don't allow them to comply with the MRA requirements.

Ofgem would first need to set a firm objection window, which is very easy. They then need to instruct the suppliers to implement changes in their systems to allow a "consumer agreed proposed switch date".

If the old supplier objected, this date would potentially be lost if there wasn't sufficient time to re-apply, but any compensation for overcharging due to standard rates would be for a consumer to raise a complaint against their current supplier. Ofgem would just include a clause allowing the proposed supplier to be exempt on this basis.

It would also be important for Ofgem to implement a condition whereby your existing rates continue to allow for a switch if they are notified within X days before it expires. This condition should also be extended to force the current supplier to keep the contract rates where they prevented you leaving in error hence the new proposed supplier (& you) can't hit the within X days of contract end date.

The thing you have to remember about the utility sector is that its a bit of a dinosaur...they've only in recent years started upgrading from 30 year old systems.

It took Ofgem until Nov 2011 to add a condition to make the switch 21 days...before this, suppliers had little pressure on them and if you go back say 7-8 years, it was not uncommon to find customers taking 6+ months!

caveman

Just spoke to Npower -
To switch to them from EDF requires 6 weeks. They contact EDF after a 14day cooling off period (this contact would be the point at which I would incur Early Termination fee).
So, I will have to spend 4 wks on EDF's standard tarrif rather than my current online saver tariff, before the Npower tarrif starts.

Surely this is contrary to the idea of easy switching for consumer choice?
I don't see the fact that Utility companies are dinosaurs being an excuse - they instigated the necessary changes to be able to profit from Privatisation - why shouldn't they be made to instigate changes that improve consumer choice and ease of use?

sirmarcus

Everyone there is a simple solution.....namely just send an email to the EDF CEO to tell him that you are switching, you hope that there won't be any early termination fees and for him to confirm.

I did this last month when I started the switch from EDF to Scottish Power. A day after I sent the email, a very helpful lady phoned me up and advised me :

1. She would credit back any early termination fees back onto my account and

2. That I would remain on my current EDF tariff if the switch hasn't been completed by 30/9/12.

I also got all of the above in writing from her.

HTHs.

Terrylw1

caveman wrote: »

Just spoke to Npower -
To switch to them from EDF requires 6 weeks. They contact EDF after a 14day cooling off period (this contact would be the point at which I would incur Early Termination fee).
So, I will have to spend 4 wks on EDF's standard tarrif rather than my current online saver tariff, before the Npower tarrif starts.

Surely this is contrary to the idea of easy switching for consumer choice?
I don't see the fact that Utility companies are dinosaurs being an excuse - they instigated the necessary changes to be able to profit from Privatisation - why shouldn't they be made to instigate changes that improve consumer choice and ease of use?

They are wrong on that target.

Standard Licence Condition (SLC) 14A clearly states a maximum of 21 days after the cooling off period ends, which is a maximum of 14 days. So, it can't be more than 5 weeks for you to achieve their expected compliance with this condition.

It amazes me how these companies allow their call centres to tell all their customers the old target when its a contradiction of their sign on to the new SLC...which they have to confirm in writing to Ofgem to state they have upgraded systems/processes to achieve it.

In terms of the standard rates issue, that one lies at Ofgem's door for only requiring them to give you a window to switch for unilateral changes.

On other threads, posters mentioned EDF giving current contract rates instead of reverting to standard rates where you switch within X days of the contract end date. Suggest you check the t&c's on that point.

caveman

sirmarcus wrote: »

Everyone there is a simple solution.....namely just send an email to the EDF CEO to tell him that you are switching, you hope that there won't be any early termination fees and for him to confirm.

I did this last month when I started the switch from EDF to Scottish Power. A day after I sent the email, a very helpful lady phoned me up and advised me :

1. She would credit back any early termination fees back onto my account and

2. That I would remain on my current EDF tariff if the switch hasn't been completed by 30/9/12.

I also got all of the above in writing from her.

HTHs.

Would you be able to provide the email address you used for this? (or where to find it?)
Thanks

sirmarcus

caveman wrote: »

Would you be able to provide the email address you used for this? (or where to find it?)
Thanks

Try doing a google search with "ceo edf email address". Select the first link that is supplied and then do a couple of searches for 'EDF' and with luck;), you should find it. I think;) the CEO's first name is Vincent.

Hopefully;) the above will work.

Good luck and HTHs.