Just moved - What are the switching procedures?

datimms

Hello,

We've just moved into a rented house a month ago and have received our first estimated bill from British Gas for both Gas and Electricity. We don't want to be with BG and would like to switch.

When would the switch be effective from? Can we make it from the start of our tenancy? Also, BG have put us on their standard tariff which is surely unfair given that we haven't even been asked whether we want to be with them. What can we do about that? We are being asked to pay by 6th June to receive a "prompt payment discount" off our next bill.

Thanks
Dave

keith1950

If you have registered with BG you can start a switch anytime, it will take between 3-5 weeks.

Until then you will have to pay BG up and until you give your new supplier your readings just before the switch.

It is actually a good thing that you are on the standard tariff as this means you will not be locked to BG and not have to pay any exit fees.

Don't delay, switch today.

macman

You were in a deemed contract with BG (as the existing supplier) from day one when you moved in and used the services. It's your job to register at that time and give meter readings and chose a tariff. If not, you are placed on Standard and estimated billing is the result.
As soon as you register with BG you can commence a switch, which will take 4-5 weeks.
No, you can't set a retrospective start date!

Wywth

datimms wrote: »

Hello,

We've just moved into a rented house a month ago and have received our first estimated bill from British Gas for both Gas and Electricity. We don't want to be with BG and would like to switch.

When would the switch be effective from? Can we make it from the start of our tenancy? Also, BG have put us on their standard tariff which is surely unfair given that we haven't even been asked whether we want to be with them. What can we do about that? We are being asked to pay by 6th June to receive a "prompt payment discount" off our next bill.

Thanks
Dave

If you don't wish to be on BG's standard tariff, you could have asked them them when you originally registered with them (i.e. on the day you moved in) for the tariff you wanted.
You can still contact them and change tariff if you would like
Switches of tariff by the same supplier usually occur immediately (unless you request otherwise), or within a day or so. Beware of any early exit fees if you decide to switch tariff and still plan to go ahead and switch supplier shortly.

It would be worth contacting British Gas anyway to give them an accurate, up to date, meter reading