How soon after changing gas supplier can I change again?

swinstan

This isn't a whim; it's desperation. I changed dual fuel to npower last October and whilst the electricity was changed efficiently, the gas still hasn't been sorted. I no longer have bills from my old supplier but npower claim that it's not been sorted because our pipeline is supplied by someone other than TRANSCO. I know this to be true because of changing before - and there were no delays at that time. With the costs mounting, I'd like to swap suppliers again to get a better customer service, even if it costs a little more. Is there any reason why I shouldn't?

footyguy

swinstan wrote: »

This isn't a whim; it's desperation. I changed dual fuel to npower last October and whilst the electricity was changed efficiently, the gas still hasn't been sorted. I no longer have bills from my old supplier but npower claim that it's not been sorted because our pipeline is supplied by someone other than TRANSCO. I know this to be true because of changing before - and there were no delays at that time. With the costs mounting, I'd like to swap suppliers again to get a better customer service, even if it costs a little more. Is there any reason why I shouldn't?

So who is charging you for your gas consumption since last October? No one?

Ask nPower who the database says is your current gas supplier, and if it's not nPower ask why not? nPower supply IGT customers. Transco don't exist - they are called National Grid nowadays

Raise a formal written complaint (not email, text or twitter) following their complaint process if nPower are not your gas supplier.

If nPower say your gas is still being supplied by your previous supplier, call them and check.

If you are being supplied by either nPower or your previous supplier, you can switch now to a reassuringly expensive supplier if you prefer.

If there is confusion who is supplying you gas now, best to wait until the formal complaint is resolved.

swinstan

Thanks footyguy for a rapid response. In short, no-one is charging us although npower agree that they are our supplier. A reading has been agreed for the transfer of supply but still no bill recieved. I have raised a formal complaint which has been acknowledged in writing - and I've emailed recently for an update on progress. As part of the MSE Energy Club, they have emailed to say I can probably get a cheaper deal elsewhere but at this stage break even would be good rather than stay with npower whilst they (over) charge for their services. From what you have explained, since npower are my supplier, there's no reason not to change and allow them to sort it out in their own time. Many thanks

MorbidX

Sounds maybe like Npower took over an IGT supply they probably cant support?

You do need to raise a complaint with them and get clarification ASAP. By changing suppliers all you will end up doing is burying the problem with Npower and then i would expect a whole world fo billing problems with Npower and your new supplier for a while after the transfer.

In short you need to get this sorted out with Npower and get everything correct first

This is purely my own advice but i have been dealing with change of supplies for 4 1/2 years and see a lot of these issues

macman

You can if you wish commence another switch the same day you go on supply with the new provider. But obviously subject to any ETC applicable to your tariff.

Biscuit_Tin

swinstan wrote: »

Thanks footyguy for a rapid response. In short, no-one is charging us although npower agree that they are our supplier. A reading has been agreed for the transfer of supply but still no bill recieved. I have raised a formal complaint which has been acknowledged in writing - and I've emailed recently for an update on progress. As part of the MSE Energy Club, they have emailed to say I can probably get a cheaper deal elsewhere but at this stage break even would be good rather than stay with npower whilst they (over) charge for their services. From what you have explained, since npower are my supplier, there's no reason not to change and allow them to sort it out in their own time. Many thanks

If nPower agree they are your supplier, then you can start a switch immediately. Presumably you have also received a final bill from the previous supplier regarding this supply.

But I doubt anyone is cheaper than free for supply of gas, especially via an IGT.

Note that the CEC, like all comparison sites, takes no account of the fact you are supplied via an IGT
Most large suppliers make no extra charge, although I thought nPower charge £10.50 per year. Most small suppliers still do charge significantly more, or simply refuse to supply customers where an IGT is involved.

Edit: Probably your supply will not be free, but the supplier can only back bill you 12 months at most, so unless they get their act together soon, it will be free
Presumably you chose to switch to nPower as they were the cheapest. Not sure why you are so keen to pay, and then presumably a higher price???
Just stick the money you would otherwise pay in a nice savings account, or even an ISA, and earn a little money whilst they sort out their billing issues.

Of course, following the suppliers official complaints process would be the proper way forward.
(Failure to do so may jeopardise the 12 month back billing agreement)

scorpio_biker

Hi,
Just popped in to say I had a similar problem when I switched to OVO, it turned out that I was with an IGT, it took about 5 months to get it all sorted. However I was paying OVO the dual fuel amount agreed, so I knew once it was sorted I'd be covered. I'd also had a final bill from my old suppliers so I knew it was on its way. I just had to wait for it to be finalised.

swinstan

Many thanks to all for advice. The fog is clearing somewhat. The reason for changing was that the npower tariff I swapped to can now be bettered by about £200 a year, but I hadn't realised that I would cease to be liable for any costs after 12 months if not billed. A formal complaint has been raised already with a (verbal) promise of a cost reduction and a subsequent written acknowledgement from them. The bill from the original supplier has been done and dusted. Cash is being stashed to cover likely costs, so as many are saying, I might as well stay put.

Again, many thanks

pooch

swinstan wrote: »

Many thanks to all for advice. The fog is clearing somewhat. The reason for changing was that the npower tariff I swapped to can now be bettered by about £200 a year, ...

That doesn't sound right. Or else you chose the wrong tariff when you switched to nPower last Ocober.

Probably if you made a mistake last time, you are making the same mistake this time if you think you can still save £200.

nPower

swinstan wrote: »

This isn't a whim; it's desperation. I changed dual fuel to npower last October and whilst the electricity was changed efficiently, the gas still hasn't been sorted. I no longer have bills from my old supplier but npower claim that it's not been sorted because our pipeline is supplied by someone other than TRANSCO. I know this to be true because of changing before - and there were no delays at that time. With the costs mounting, I'd like to swap suppliers again to get a better customer service, even if it costs a little more. Is there any reason why I shouldn't?

Hello swinstan,

Thank you for your post.

I would like to look into your Gas contract with us and see if I can get this sorted for you.

Can you send me your details to the email address on my profile page and I'll look into this.

Thanks

Carmel