Timing the switch to a new supplier

slb2008

I am currently on the British Gas Online Variable tariff, which expires on 30-nov-13. If I switch before then I pay a £60 exit fee. I see the MSE statements promoting the Cheap Energy Club and telling me to 'fix now' before the best deals end. It is also stated that switching takes 4-6 weeks. So, should I wait until the current tariff ends and I can switch without penalty or do I start the switch now and hope it takes long enough to avoid the penalty?

Thanks for any suggestions.

frank777

Phone British Gas and ask if you are in the renewal period and can you change without incurring leaving fees, don't forget to get the contact name and make a note of the call time if you are in the renewal period!

FIXED CONTRACTS TAKEN OUT SINCE JULY 15th 2013
Before a fixed deal ends, customers will be given a penalty-free switching window of up to 49 days

slb2008

Useful advice and I found more detail about the rule changes here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/household-bills/10395942/New-rules-for-customers-on-fixed-energy-tariffs.html

From the telegraph's description the switching window will begin when the fixed term ends on Nov 30. They also say that 'energy suppliers are now banned from increasing prices on fixed term tariffs, following new rules' but BG are increasing their charges to me on Nov 23.

Will ask BG to clarify.

frank777

Keep the phone call to BG simple, are you in the renewal period. No problems, make the changeover. From past experience providing that the new supplier transfers within the limits of British Gas, your Online Variable tariff will remain in force after the 30th November - until you changeover. Once you receive new contract, phone BG about the finer details.

slb2008

Spoke to them today. They say it takes a minimum of 28 days to switch so I can start a switch 28 days before the fixed term ends. They also say 6 weeks is a typical switching time, so I will incur their higher charges for about 3 weeks. Not too bad I suppose and eventually faster switching will make this better, maybe:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24747183

keith1950

One of my switches only took 21 days so personally I wouldn't risk it until after the 10th of the month.