Avoiding product cancellation fees..

ITbird

I am on a fixed tariff with eon which ends in Nov. I used a switching service to change to a fixed tariff with first:utility. Advised eon that I wanted the changeover to happen once my deal with them ends, so I don't get clobbered for £30 early termination fees.

But eon say they have no control over when it happens (some time in the 4 to 6 weeks post the 7 day cooling off period for the new supplier). They also said that first:utility have no control as well (it just "ticks through the system" at it's own rate and gets done).

So I emailed first:utility whose standard literature says in the 4 to 6 weeks from receiving instruction to pick up supply, they will "contact the current supplier to arrange a date for the transfer". I explained when I wanted the transfer to happen..And I got an automated response saying they had a high call/email level right now and would deal with my request when they could!

Surely this is not right? One of them must have some control over the transfer date..If they fumble the ball between them, I have lost a good chunk of the benefit made by switching and fixing - and worse, the cash goes to eon, the company I am leaving..Sounds like a scam..Anyone else had similar experience or tips to tackle this?

macman

You cannot specify a transfer date. If you wait until 3-4 weeks prior to the end of your lock in period then you should usually be OK.

victor2

As above.
When I've switched, I've initiated it just before the end of my tariff, but within the cooling off period for the new supplier. A short period on the current supplier's standard tariff hasn't cost much extra.
Not always possible if there's an attractive tariff which may not be available much longer, but if the possible penalty isn't going to be recovered by switching, then consider if it's really worth it.

E.ON_Company_Representative:_Helena

You guys are good today :T

I'm a bit behind

Hi ITbird,

The guys are right, we can't specify an exact date for the switch over.

As macman say's hang on till a bit nearer the end date of your current tariff, then the switch over should take place after your contract has ended.

Thanks

Helena

ITbird

Thanks folks. Will see how it works out. Now is in the "system"...

heather670

thank you for the info above everyone. I am in the same position with British gas on fixed tariff til end of Nov and want to switch but didn't know if i had to wait until after the end date so I wasn't charged. what has made me more determind is just received a bill from them and they are going to put my monthly payment up by £10 a month even though im nearly £60 in credit

matelodave

£60 in credit at this time of year isn't much, that will probably be a debit by the end of December even including a £10 rise in the dd.