Energy Supplier contract length?

hardleyouth

Hi all,

Please excuse my ignorance, but I am one of 4 students who are renting our first property, so this is all very new to us all.

Our tenancy started back on 29th July 2013, but we didn't really move in until a week or two ago and we've not sorted out our energy supplier yet, it's still in the previous tenants names.

Thing is, we wish to switch supplier because E-on (the current supplier) appears to be more expensive than a fair few other suppliers.

My question is, if we switch now, which I understand can also be a lengthy process, will we be legally bound by the contract into paying for a full 12 months meaning that we will be paying until September/October 2014, despite our tenancy expiring end of July 2014? Or can the contract be backdated to July 29th of this year, so that it only lasts until our tenancy expires?

Thanks in advance,
Chris

macman

You were in a deemed contract with the existing suppliers from the start of your tenancy. You can't begin to switch suppliers until you have registered with Eon and given opening readings (I hope you took them on 29/7). Energy contracts do not all have minimum terms (and if they do, they're usually to a fixed date and not to a 12m term), but even those that do allow you to void your contract without paying an ETC if you move out. So go for the cheapest, even if it does have a lock in.
Due to the delay in registering, Eon may want evidence of your start date by way of a copy of your STA-and you'll probably get a fairly quick bill for the two months already elapsed (which will be billed on Standard tariff-the most expensive).

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi Chris

I'd follow macman's advice and let us know you've taken over responsibility for the property.

If you give us as much info as poss, like meter readings and dates, we can make sure everything is ok for you.

As macman says, unless you tell us differently, you'll be on our standard contract. This has no cancellation charges or tie-ins leaving you free to switch supplier without penalty.

Hope this helps Chris. Give me a shout if you need any more details as happy to help.

Malc