Can you switch suppliers from a date in the future?

PippyG

My current supplier has just notified me that my fixed rate price deal on Dual Fuel is due to reach an end on 28th Feb. I have a penalty for switching supplier prior to this date. However, can I get the ball rolling with a switch to a new supplier now but indicate that it can't actually switch until after that date?
Can anyone confirm if that is possible?

macman

No, you cannot specify a switch date. Typically it takes 4-5 weeks, so you can safely commence any time after about 7/2.

jobdone1

This should be made available. Why is it not, because short and curly's spring to mind.

smokey1218

I notice another thread on this forum regarding Online variable feb 2014 from British Gas. I too am on this tariff and it will end on 28th Feb like everyone else. I am concerned that if I switch too early British Gas may impose the £60 exit fee on me (£30 for gas & £30 for elec). I know it will take 4-6 weeks to switch according to MSE but question is exactly when to switch to absolutely avoid no exit fees + not have British Gas move me on to their standard tariff for a period of time. Would be ideal if I could switch exactly on the 28th but doesn't look possible according to previous thread. Any feedback welcome. I have looked at MSE's website to find some answers on this but can't see anything of relevance.

SnowMan

jobdone1 wrote: »

This should be made available. Why is it not, because short and curly's spring to mind.

To be fair they are doing something about this for fixed tarriffs agreed after 15th July 2013

http://www.consumerfutures.org.uk/information-for-advice-providers

Fixed Term - Fixed Rate

If you have signed up to this type of contract (and a termination fee is stipulated in the terms and conditions) then you must remain on the tariff for a specified period of time and at a fixed tariff price.

Some consumers have contacted us as they are concerned about the increase in costs they will experience once their contract ends. Previously if a consumers supply transferred prior to the end date of their Fixed Term tariff, it would be up to the supplier and the terms of conditions of the contract regarding whether a termination fee was added to the final bill or not.

However if a fixed term contract was agreed after 15 July 2013, then the supplier must provide notification to the consumer between 42 and 49 days before the fixed term contract ends about the rates they will move onto if they remain with the supplier and don't agree a new contract, and informing them that they are now able to switch supplier without the risk of having to pay termination fees.

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

From BG's website:

The price rise or change will not affect you as long as:

1. (i) you arrange for another supplier to supply your gas and electricity and we receive notice of this from your new supplier within 20 working days of the day that the price rise or change takes effect and your new supplier starts to supply your gas and electricity within a reasonable time after we receive the notice from your new supplier; and
   (ii) within 30 working days of us telling you that we may stop you switching to another supplier (in line with our rights under clause 8.2), you have paid any money that you owe us under this contract

Bark01

I can’t remember the exact time frame but new rules from Ofgem mean going forward tariffs will not be able charge cancellation rates for the last month or two of the contract. This will enable customers to initiate switches earlier without the fear of either switching early and generating a cancellation fee or switching late and moving on to a standard tariff.


*** Edit others have beaten me to it***

MSE should really do an article of how Retail Market Review changes are going to benefit consumers. A lot of the regular complaints (high prices aside) that are made here are lessened by the changes.

smokey1218

Thanks all for the responses. Very useful indeed and glad something is being done to counter this problem. As the British Gas tariff was agreed prior to 15 July 2013 I expect these new recommendations won't apply to me. Question is then if tariff end date is 28th Feb, am I OK to change now? 28th Feb is 6 weeks away now which is 30 working days.

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

I think you need to wait a little - if you read closely BG state they need to know within 20 days of the price change going live (the 30 day section was to do with you paying what you owe!)