How long would this take?

keith1950

Hi, it's all very well talking about what should happen or what you might like to happen but there is an industry laid down procedure that normally has to be followed.

Circumventing this procedure usually results in confusion and inevitable errors occurring making things worse.

Even on 'new builds' the builder has a supply during the final stages of construction and the new purchaser signs up with the existing supplier before switching.

Why risk things going wrong for the sake of a few weeks on a standard tariff ??

Wywth

undaunted wrote: »

Whilst it may be common practice on what basis does anyone conclude you must register with EDF tarrifs or wait several weeks?

It may be theoretically possible (I don't know) to change supplier under certain circumstances without first having an account with the existing supplier to the property, but the basis of the advice given on this forum is the result of the numerous people in the past that have posted not following the advice and invariably ending up in tears

undaunted

keith1950 wrote: »

Hi, it doesn't work like that, to switch you must have a supplier ( at that house ) to switch from.

You give your opening meter readings and the previous occupants account is then finalised.

It takes 3-5 weeks to switch.



If you have experience that your suggestion is possible please post evidence to back it up.

I accept that this is what normally happens but for whose benefit and, as I asked above, on what basis? The property will have a registered supplier but there is no legal requirement for the poster to open an account with them, nor any bar to the property supply being transferred to another supplier. Who says that it has to take weeks and why?

Could it be that the big suppliers are quietly, but cynically, using this "procedure" as a customer retention tool? (ie make it seem a difficult / time consuming process & they will become apathetic / not bother switching ?)

keith1950

Could it be that the big suppliers are quietly, but cynically, using this "procedure" as a customer retention tool? (ie make it seem a difficult / time consuming process & they will become apathetic / not bother switching ?)

It may be that you are right but even if the previous tenants account is finalised during probate the official supplier for that property will be EDF.

The OP will be in a deemed contract with EDF and needs to register with them before the supplier can be changed.

I am giving the advice so the OP can have as smooth a transition to a new supplier as possible.

but the basis of the advice given on this forum is the result of the numerous people in the past that have posted not following the advice and invariably ending up in tears

As above, things can and do go wrong so there is no point advising the OP to do otherwise unless you ( undaunted ) can prove that it can be done seamlessly.

You don't have any contract with them - as they are basically keen to point out when to their advantage so I fail to see how they can force you to use their supply.

The OP will be in a deemed contract with them.

ANGLICANPAT

Thanks folk. I will let you know what Ebico say out of interest , but I do indeed need a troublefree changeover, so unless Ebico is convincing and EDF higher up,change their minds and both totally convince me it can be done that way in a straightforward manner, I will stick with advice offered. Experience is a wonderful tool.

macman

The fact that the current account holder is deceased doesn't alter the procedure for switching. You can't commence a switch until you first register with EDF-and there is no 'instant switch' procedure. Not wanting power for a couple of weeks is not relevant-the supply remains connected regardless, and standing charges will be applied.

undaunted

keith1950 wrote: »

It may be that you are right but even if the previous tenants account is finalised during probate the official supplier for that property will be EDF.

The OP will be in a deemed contract with EDF and needs to register with them before the supplier can be changed.

I am giving the advice so the OP can have as smooth a transition to a new supplier as possible.



As above, things can and do go wrong so there is no point advising the OP to do otherwise unless you ( undaunted ) can prove that it can be done seamlessly.



The OP will be in a deemed contract with them.

According to legislation and Ofgems interpretation of it they will only be in a deemed contract if they actually begin to use the supply

If there is no contract what basis can there be for standing charges? Supplier is of course free to disconnect the supply. Suppliers & Ofgem have seemingly not thought this through properly, but merely rely on consumer apathy to accept that the above is true and / or fair to them when it is not.

keith1950

The point is, why make it complicated and risk errors happening by not following the set down procedure.

I accept that if the OP doesn't take possession of the house and the solicitor during probate asks for the supply to be cut off , then the OP could , in theory later take possession and ask for the supply's to reconnected.

Not worth the hassle.

ANGLICANPAT

Hello again. Thought to complete the thread, Id report back that Ebico will not consider any way but a transfer from the previous supplier.
So, if it could be fought in law ( if undaunted's right about Ofgems interpretation of the legislation side of things) , maybe the case could be won, but in practice, its probably not in the interests of the companies to have to run with two methods of changeovers , so they havent developed it.
Whether its legally possible or not, as someone said, there is apathy from consumers . When the reason for change has been a bereavement, its even less likely that the person handling the changeover is going to want to challenge the 'norm'. Maybe someone will be in a position to 'test' the theory one day - but for me, the way forward has to be smooth --Im just hoping that the word 'smooth' and 'EDF can sit comfortably together !
Thanks for all you views and advice , much appreciated and very interesting .

undaunted

For the avoidance of any doubt as to whether or not I correctly understand Ofgems stated position here are a couple of links referring to Ofgems interpretation.

http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Markets/RetMkts/Compet/Documents1/Guidance%20on%20deemed%20contracts%20as%20per%20Standard%20Licence%20Condition%207.3%20of%20the%20Gas%20and%20Electricity%20Supply%20Licences.pdf

http://www.utilityweek.co.uk/news/news_story.asp?id=183385&title=The+ins+and+outs+of+'deemed'+contracts