How to choose gas/electricity supplier(s)?

Habbakuk

I will be moving into this property I purchase in a couple of month's time. I telephoned SWALEC today as that's who was supplying the property to the last owner. I spoke to a lady and I have to admitt, I was quite confused by the different tarrifs and various variables. In the end I said to here that I would prefer to read up on their web site rather than sighn up there and then.

I've been looking on this web site and you get links to comparison pages which look really good. Unfortunately, I don't have anything to compare with. Where do I start with finding a good deal for my electicity/gas suppliers when I'm starting from 'scratch'? Thank you.

macman

You were in a deemed contract with SWALEC from day one of your purchase, with whom you should have registered for an account and submitted opening readings then.
On the comp sites, use their Standard tariff, which is what you'll be billed on for the period since purchase, with UK average kWh consumption figures.. Or indeed use any tariff you like, it doesn't matter. The point is to get the comparative data.
It will then take 4-5 weeks to switch.

Habbakuk

Thank you. I've been looking over a letter I recently got from SWALEC and it says that the Electricity Tariff is 'Standard Economy 7'. The former proprietor had old storage heaters in the house. I'll be taking them out. I don't think I should then need Economy 7?

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

Habbakuk wrote: »

Thank you. I've been looking over a letter I recently got from SWALEC and it says that the Electricity Tariff is 'Standard Economy 7'. The former proprietor had old storage heaters in the house. I'll be taking them out. I don't think I should then need Economy 7?

In that case it's unlikely (but not impossible) that E7 will be suitable. Be prepared to pay to get the meter changed, though.

macman

You'll typically need to be using around 33% of your power on the cheaper E7 rate to make it pay, but it varies by region and usage. However, if you switch to a single rate tariff and continue to heat and hot weather by electricity, then your costs will increase by about 350%-so what are your alternative methods?
Get off Standard whatever else you do-that's the most expensive.

Habbakuk

I will be converting to gas central heating. I've stuck in my postcode into the SWALEC web site in order to get an estimate and the cheapest comes out for the Fixed Energy fixed for 1 YR. The most expensive being the Standard. Should I go for the ! YR Fixed? Although this is for both gas and elec. I had thought of going for British Gas for my gas supply.

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

Habbakuk wrote: »

I will be converting to gas central heating. I've stuck in my postcode into the SWALEC web site in order to get an estimate and the cheapest comes out for the Fixed Energy fixed for 1 YR. The most expensive being the Standard. Should I go for the ! YR Fixed? Although this is for both gas and elec. I had thought of going for British Gas for my gas supply.

Having gas with BG and electricity with the "old" regional supplier is often a very expensive way of doing things. BG are much more competitive on elec prices, for instance.

Put average consumption into a price comparison site using the postcode of the property. Average consumption is 13,500 KWh for gas, and 3,200 KWh for electricity; annually. It's not going to be spot on, but it's a starting point to get a feel for the market, and you can adjust up or down if needs be.