Put onto standard tariff after deal ended

pledgeX

When I first moved into our house over a year ago I signed up with British Gas Web Saver 12 tariff.

About two weeks ago my ~12 month contract ended so I'm now free to move. I thought that at the end of the 12 month contract I'd remain on the websaver 12 tariff, or be moved onto their newer websaver13 tariff. Instead I logged in today to find I had been switched onto the standard tariff which I imagine will cost a bomb :mad: (need to so the sums when I get home).

I'll be looking to switch providers as now I have a year's worth of bills I can work out how much I use and after initial research I think there are cheaper options. I know this process takes 4-6 weeks, so I'm worried I'll be getting a large bill in the mean time on this 'standard tariff'. If I was to phone up British Gas and ask to be put on a more reasonable tariff, will this still take time, or should this happen instantly?

If it's going to take a few weeks then I think I'll save the hassle of changing tariff and go for a full on switch, but if they can do it instantly it might save a few quid.

macman

Your T&C's will specify what tariff you will be switched to upon expiry-you can't remain on a tariff that no longer exists!
Switching you to Standard is pretty much routine, and the difference over 4 weeks will not be huge. They can instantly switch you to another BG tariff, but if it's a cheaper one it may have a lock in, so check first.
I'd just get on and switch today, then you will be on the cheapest tariff before the worst of the winter bills.