End contract without penalties????

janey1a_2

I am on a contract with Scottish Power until 31st July 2013 and wish to switch to a new supplier after that date, so as not to incur any penalties.

I can't get a clear answer as to when to apply to the new supplier - Scottish Power told me to wait until a week before the end of July so I don't incur charges as they take it from the date the new supplier contacts them; the new supplier told me there's no need to wait as it won't switch over until around 10th August.

The small print with Scottish Power states "The Agreement shall end on the date a new Supplier is permitted by the relevant supply industry processes to supply gas/electricity to the Premises" which is about as clear as mud!

any help please?

macman

You can start your switch now, it takes 3-4 weeks to switch so the new suplier is correct. The switch date is the day you go on supply with the new company, not the date that SP are informed of your intention.

dogshome

The Switch process takes about 6 weeks, (often the date on which the Elec switch takes place is different to that of the Gas).

Interesting that SP's Customer Service advised you that they regard the date on which the new supplier contacts them, as the date where they will or will not charge an Early Exit Fee - They did make a charge on this 'First Communication' basis, to another poster a week ago who quiried it here - the consensus reply was COMPLAIN
The correct respose should have been the day(s) the actual Switch takes place

If you re-read the T&C's "....the date a new supplier is permitted by the relevant supply industry processes to supply gas/electricity to the premises" actually means the date the Switch takes place