MSE News: MoneySavingExpert.com launches the 10 day big winter switch event

Nada666

flashgit wrote: »

People should be aware that switching supplier is never as simple and straightforward as this site makes out.

No, they should be aware it very occasionally is not simple and straightforward. It nearly always is.

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

flashgit wrote: »

Having recently used the collective switch to change from SSE to Eon, I find that yet again I am mired down in arguments with suppliers over a switch. Having changed suppliers several times over the years, some sort of problem always crops up that takes time and effort to resolve.

This time Eon have used an estimated reading to pass to SSE upon which my final bill was based. I was told by SSE to query the final reading with Eon which I did. They said I had not replied to their letter within 5 days although it only arrived with me 11 days after the date on the letter. They also said that my first bill with Eon would be based on the estimated reading and if I had not reached the estimated reading I paid nothing on that bill.

I now find Eon are using the actual reading so I am paying twice for electricity used. I am now sending an email to Eon to get this matter resolved but anticipate a lengthy battle. Any saving to be made by the switch may well be taken up by being overcharged.

People should be aware that switching supplier is never as simple and straightforward as this site makes out.

Hi flashgit

There's no way you should be paying twice for the same energy. To make sure, our opening meter readings need to be the same as your old supplier's closing readings.

With a change of supplier, it's the responsibility of the new supplier (us in this case) to let the old supplier have the readings they intend to use to open the account. The old supplier uses the same readings to close their account.

Where there's a discrepancy over the readings, we may need to use an industry wide process called an Agreed Reads Dispute (ARD). It depends if the difference between the readings is above certain limits.

These limits are 250 units for electricity and either 45 units for a 4 dial gas meter or 125 units for a 5 dial gas meter.

If above these limits, we'll need two sets of readings at least 7 days apart to start an ARD. The new readings need to be agreed by both suppliers and this is usually sorted out within 28 working days. Once sorted, bills will be revised based on the new readings.

Where the difference is below these limits, the readings won't be changed, Here, we'll need to make a manual adjustment based on the readings used to make sure you're not losing out.

Sorry for the hassle but hope this explains what needs to happen.

Malc

Cardew

Let's be frank about this. Some people switching to a cheaper tariff cannot resist 'fudging' the meter readings to their advantage. Those readings then get rejected and

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AndyPK

Its not only the home owners that accidently record one of the meter digits incorrectly!

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

grumpycrab wrote: »

I'm having problems with eon too. They totally refuse to accept my electric meter reading (via website update or via their paper form). Will try via phone on Monday,

Morning grumpycrab

Hope you've been able to sort out the meter reading issue you were having. I suspect the reading was out of kilter with what was on your account. If it was, this will block online entries. A phone call usually sorts this out.

Once sorted, you'll be able to continue entering readings online.

Sorry for the late reply grumpycrab. Still catching up after the break.

Malc

cancunia

I just spoke with EON. Apparently they now have a new fixed tariff that is better than the MSE collective rate and can be switched at no cost if you are an EON customer. The difference is not huge but may save a few pounds.

grumpycrab

E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc wrote: »

Morning grumpycrab

Hope you've been able to sort out the meter reading issue you were having.

The readings that EON have, according to EON on the phone, are correct. It wasn't explained why I haven't had a final bill for gas yet (although EDF -my previous supplier- had said there was a problem with the electric!?). I can just wait.

tronator

cancunia wrote: »

I just spoke with EON. Apparently they now have a new fixed tariff that is better than the MSE collective rate and can be switched at no cost if you are an EON customer. The difference is not huge but may save a few pounds.

The question is whether you will receive the cash back from the switch if you change tariffs?

I have the same problem. NPower has a better tariff now, but I don't know whether I should switch now or whether I should wait for the cash back to be credited?

cancunia

Good question!

Maybe someone from MSE can help?

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According to Dan @ CEC, no probs with cashback.

flyingflea

Don't know if this has been mentioned but this site claims to have the cheapest energy tariff in the UK, even cheaper than Sainsbury's Energy Discount Fix Feb 2016. The deal is from First Utility and is called iSave Fixed v46 March (The Big Deal Collective Switch):

https://bigdealswitch.com/