need to get moving

frankdee

new oldie here, looking for some advice please, need to look at getting a better deal for gas/elec, never changed or looked into this before, as I'm over 60 i noticed EON have a plan for 60+ and have not rasied the rates yet, would anyone know how long it takes to change providers as I would hate to swop and 'mid change' rates were changed and perhaps be worse off.
thanks frankdee.

victor2

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to switch. Unless you commit to a fixed price tariff, there's always the possibility rates could increase during or shortly after your switch.
I believe the E.On/Age UK tariffs do offer a fixed rate option. You pay a little bit more per kWh than the current variable tariffs, but know the rate will not change during the tariff's life. By the end of the tariff, you are usually paying less than most variable rates - at least that's the plan anyway!

Wywth

Always worth checking the whole of market, as there are probably even cheaper deals available to you

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/you-switch-gas-electricity

macman

Being 'over 60' does not prevent you switching. Unfortunately you've missed the boat on the cheap fixes now, most of them were canned back in October
Forget 'over 60's tariffs, just hit the comp sites with your annual kWH figures and find the best tariff for you.
As all suppliers have now announced their increase except Eon (expected on 1/1/13), it's a fairly level playing field. But prices can change again at any time unless you go for a fix.

frankdee

If I go with EON would the timing be too tight before the expected 01/010/13?

victor2

If you go for a fixed tariff, I think you'll find the price is fixed as of the time you sign up for it, not when it starts. But if you go for a variable tariff, obviously it will make little difference, as you'll be subject to whatever increases they impose, whenever they impose them.

frankdee

thnaks victor2,
so with a fixed tariff is it when you apply?

victor2

frankdee wrote: »

thnaks victor2,
so with a fixed tariff is it when you apply?

When your application is accepted and you have confirmation of the agreement, a fixed tariff price is what it says on the tin.

frankdee

ta for that, when looking at tariffs they all seem to mention 'standing charge' the one I have at the moment doesn't, would the standing charge be a problem if the property was vacant at sometime?

Wywth

frankdee wrote: »

ta for that, when looking at tariffs they all seem to mention 'standing charge' the one I have at the moment doesn't, would the standing charge be a problem if the property was vacant at sometime?

No problem at all.

As long as you consume the amount of energy you anticipate over the year, the annual cost will not change whether or not the property is occupied

frankdee

thanks for all the advice, really confused by differing quotes on comparision sites