New Home - When to switch?

Jeshkar

Hello everyone

My partner and I have just signed to buy a house and will be getting the keys soon. As we've never done this before, we are a little unsure when it is we need to choose an energy supplier.
We've had a look around and we know who we want to be with and which tariff we will be choosing but it's the WHEN that is puzzling.
When do we apply? Do we need to let the current energy supplier at that address know that they are no longer wanted? Do we apply with a new supplier on the day of receiving the keys or should we do it before?

We have so so many questions and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you (:

System

Hi - welcome to the forum. Your property will be on a Deemed Contract with the existing supplier/s. If it's a new house, then ask the builder. If it is not, then ask the seller. Contact the supplier/s on the day that you move in with ACTUAL meter readings. You are then free to initiate a switch. The new supplier/s manage all aspects of the switch. You will be billed by the old supplier/s at their standard variable tariff rate until the switch/es go through. It's in your interests not to delay the start of the switching process. DO NOT try and circumvent this process; if you do, the old supplier/s will just block the switch/es. Enjoy your new home.

ps I should have added that whilst 17 day switching is the aim, suppliers have 35 days under the terms of their licences to implement switches (cooling off 14 days plus 3 weeks).

AndyPK

I would recommend you select the best tariff from the existing supplier while waiting for the switch to go through.

Obviously one without exit fee's, rather than be on the standard poor rate.

You don't know how long the switch will drag on for.

Jeshkar

Unfortunately the current supplier to the property doesn't offer much in the way of a cheap tariff. It's British Gas and even their fixed rates and standard rates have only a few pounds difference.

Thank you for both replies. Very helpful and really appreciate it (:

[Deleted User]

Jeshkar wrote: »

Unfortunately the current supplier to the property doesn't offer much in the way of a cheap tariff. It's British Gas and even their fixed rates and standard rates have only a few pounds difference.

Thank you for both replies. Very helpful and really appreciate it (:

Yes BG are quite expensive but their white label supplier, Sainsburys Energy is competitve. You can switch (exit fee charge free) at any time to Sainsburys.

Jeshkar

So I can do this instead of being on a standard tariff with BG until our chosen supplier has completed the switch?

How would we go about doing this?
I'm so confused! ):

[Deleted User]

Jeshkar wrote: »

So I can do this instead of being on a standard tariff with BG until our chosen supplier has completed the switch?

How would we go about doing this?
I'm so confused! ):

You will just have to register with BG then go onto MSE Cheap Energy Club and select a one year fix with Sainsburys Energy on a direct debit (dual fuel ). You should be collecting some cashback of approx £30 at the same time. Sainsburys wont be the cheapest but they will be up in the top 6 .

System

Jeshkar wrote: »

So I can do this instead of being on a standard tariff with BG until our chosen supplier has completed the switch?

How would we go about doing this?
I'm so confused! ):

No, If you decide to go with Sainsburys it will be seen as a switch. As far as energy is concerned, Sainsburys and BG are two separate companies. The poster just happens to like Sainsburys Energy!!!

Moving into a new house is stressful enough without complicating matters. Register with the Deemed supplier and then initiate a switch through MSE Cheap Energy Club. You may even get £30 Cashback.

Jeshkar

Thanks for clearing that up, I was thinking that might be a switch too but obviously not knowing much about it I was getting a little confused.
I've already got the form filled out I'm just waiting for the keys to be handed over so we can get the meter readings.

You've been so helpful than you so much! (:

[Deleted User]

Of course its a switch, so what. We have all said that is what you have to do. Sainsburys Energy have some excellent tariffs they are very popular, very reliable with the expertise and huge call centres of BG at their disposal. Hengus, you have just copied exactly what I have said about the cashback. The OP will only be on standard tariff for a couple of weeks, offset by the cashback. Switching between BG and Sainsburys is seamless and straightforward, as they are the same company as the CEO of BG has admitted.
I suppose the OP could try his luck with, say GB Energy etc( who ! ) I am a big fan of BG, I work for them, but not a fan of their prices, thats where Sainsburys step in. The CEO has said they offer a no frills tariff which BG don t have

System

No problem. Choosing an energy supplier can be a bit of a lottery but provided you give the supplier frequent meter readings then there shouldn't be any unexpected billing shocks. I use two of the new suppliers and my monthly DDs come to £56. I have just checked and If I switched to Sainsburys, then their cheapest quote would be £78 per month.