Questions about switching providers

Middy

I have signed up to a new provider hopefully to start April 1st when my current deal ends.

If my new supplier (EDF) say they can start with me say March 26th, can I ask to delay it to April 1st (probably 2nd as 1st is Easter Monday) or will my current provider still fine me £31 for switching early, or as I put down my current tariff on the online form, they know to switch me on April 1st/2nd.

Also when do they contact me on how much I want them to deduct on my DD?

SnowMan

Once you are past your 12 day cooling off period you won't be able to do anything and you won't be able to get the switch pushed back to 1st April. You can ask but practical experience of others in this situation says it won't be possible.

You are in real danger of being switched too early if you switch now.

You will be able to see an estimated switch date from EDF when they give you on-line access and can then cancel the switch and reapply if it is too early see this thread and this thread (in particular post 23). My experience is that the actual switch date can be a couple of days after the estimated switch date it showed.

It depends on the old supplier whether you will face a penalty. From my experience SSE amongst others are reasonable here and Npower are unreasonable. Worth checking with your supplier.

EDF will calculate your direct debit based on either the usage you entered when using the comparison site or based on usage figures given by your old supplier. You can choose what date of the month you wand the direct debit to be paid.

Wywth

Middy wrote: »

I have signed up to a new provider hopefully to start April 1st when my current deal ends.

If my new supplier (EDF) say they can start with me say March 26th, can I ask to delay it to April 1st (probably 2nd as 1st is Easter Monday) or will my current provider still fine me £31 for switching early, or as I put down my current tariff on the online form, they know to switch me on April 1st/2nd.

Also when do they contact me on how much I want them to deduct on my DD?

If you don't wish to switch yet, I suggest you contact the supplier and cancel your application.

It typically takes about 4-6 weeks for a switch to occur but you can't set the date a switch will happen.

Also be aware that tarriffs are being introduced, recised and withdrawn all the time, so what is on offer when you do decide to switch may well differ from when you applied to switch earlier.

Finally, no energy supplier asks you what amount you want them to deduct by direct debit.

macman

You cannot specify a particular start date. If not already out of the cooling-off period, cancel and reapply about 7/3.