Forced to use past tentants supplier?!

Mary222

I will be moving into a new flat at the end of the month as a renter. Another tenant will be renting until I move in.

I called a couple of electric suppliers to initiate service, and i have been told that i have to use the same supplier as the prior tenant. I will then be able to apply to switch.

Is this the case?

It seems ridiculous! I will move in, create an account with the existing supplier, switch to my chosen supplier and then be faced with cancellation charges! Cancellation charges of early termination of the contract.

Erm, what to do?

Joyful

You move in and give readings so that an account is created in your name. As long as you only sign up for the standard tariff there will be no cancellation charges. You then apply to a supplier of your choice which will take 4-6 weeks to change over.

Mary222

Thanks Joyful - so if i state "standard tariff" i can change with no cancellation.

Joyful

That's correct Mary 222.

Mary222

Ta very much!:)

t0rt0ise

They'll automatically sign you up for the standard tariff unless you say different anyway so don't worry if you forget.

Mary222

Thanks Tortoise - great!

undaunted

You probably won't get it done by the end of the month now but if anyone really wishes to do so there is no legal reason they couldn't set up a transfer in advance / for moving in date.

Suppliers may have simply found it easier to suggest otherwise

Cardew

undaunted wrote: »

You probably won't get it done by the end of the month now but if anyone really wishes to do so there is no legal reason they couldn't set up a transfer in advance / for moving in date.

Suppliers may have simply found it easier to suggest otherwise

This has been discussed a number of times, and despite several utility company employees contributing on this forum, I have not seen a definitive answer.

Whilst I agree there is probably no 'legal reason' why advance transfers could not be arranged, I can understand the reluctance of Utility companies to accomodate such requests.

Can I ring up and just tell 'my' chosen Utility company that I am taking over Undaunted's tenancy? Would they not need to check with you? Or if I decide to not to move in(and don't tell my company) would the takeover go ahead?

What about timing of takeover and reading of meters - it would have to be at an exact time and date.

Perhaps the question that should be asked is 'are Utility companies required to accomodate advance transfers?'

Of course the simple answer would be to cut down the stupidly long period(often 6 weeks or more) for takeovers to take place. Once I move into Undaunted's abode I should be able to call my supplier with meter readings and they take over the account in a couple of days - provided I waive my right to a cooling off period.

macman

Since it takes 4-5 weeks to switch, who did you expect to pay for the energy consumed during that period? That is why deemed contracts exist.
The alternative would be a return to the bad old days when the services were disconnected, and only turmed on again once you had registered for a new account.
You don't have to opt for standard tariff, you simply have to opt for one with no ETC.

Owain_Moneysaver

macman wrote: »

You don't have to opt for standard tariff, you simply have to opt for one with no ETC.

Which is a very good point - simply going on a direct debit tariff should be cheaper than a quarterly paper billing one.