Difficulty switching

SQUIDS_2

Hi all,
Grateful if someone else has had this same problem. I am 65 and a retired pensioner. I have been with the same utility supplier embarrassingly for at least 25 years. I do however keep a close watch on my utility bills, but after watching a programme about getting the 'best deal' (and my fixed rate was about to expire) I finally decided to investigate other less well known utility companies with a view of switching. It transpired that when I found the idea company and decided to switch - I was told by the new company that Scottish Power had not kept the national utility database (ecoes.co.uk) up-to-date and my address and Post Code was hopelessly unrecognisable. They advised me that before I could apply I was to get Scottish Power to update the records. After several calls and given the run around it seems that it will take at least 30 days for Scottish Power to arrange the amendment. They will however not confirm in writing/email that they will undertake the change. I have escalated the complaint and was told that they would investigate the complaint within 10 days - but not confirm that they are doing anything about the database update. I am therefore caught in a loop of not being able to change supplier unless Scottish Power agrees to amend the database at their behest - as they seem to be dragging their feet. I am told by the new Utility Group that this happens to several new applicants per day. Surely this is unacceptable and does not allow a 'level playing field' for the smaller Utility Companies to complete against the big six - let alone making it easy for people like me to move my business to another company. I thought the Prime Minister said it was supposed to be easy to shift energy accounts!

espresso

After 25 years with the same supplier, you are now fretting about waiting 30 days before you can switch!

Simply phone SP now and switch to their cheapest tariff which is likely to be their 'Online Fixed Price Energy February 2016'. This tariff has no exit fee, so when they have sorted out the national utility database, you would then be free to switch if you can find a better deal with no exit fee.

SQUIDS_2

Thank you for your reply Espresso.
I think you may have missed my point, or perhaps I could have elaborated further. I have been with Scottish Power for that period because it was my choice - I have been happy with their service and my tariff up to now. Although I watched the market carefully, I never considered it personally worthwhile to switch. I am conscience of my energy usage and have a usage database which can be compared over the years. I do plan, as a matter of course, to take up the new SP fixed tariff when my old one expires at the end of Feb 2015 anyway. My concern however is, judging by the conversations I have had with them, I do not believe Scottish Power will have any intention of sorting out the supply address issues in 'any number of days'. Judging by similar threads, the power company providing the service are the only ones who can sort this, and it would appear that it is in their interest to drag their feet for as long as possible.
Watch this space!!

Lurker21

SQUIDS wrote: »

I do plan, as a matter of course, to take up the new SP fixed tariff when my old one expires at the end of Feb 2015 anyway.

Are you sure you have to wait until end Feb 2015? Is there a penalty if you switch NOW to the Feb 2016?

Current fixed tariffs usually do not have exit penalties. It is a commonly held, but wrong, belief that you have to stay with a fixed rate until its end date. Fixed rate does not usually mean locked in.

How much would you save by moving from SP's Feb 2016 tariff to another company? uSwitch would give you that info.