Energy Club and Buying House

Legacy_user

I'm moving house in the next few weeks and I am keen to take up the British Gas offer with the cheap energy club. However, the property I am buying has the utilities supplied by a different company.

How does it work in this situation? Presumably, when I move in and contact the current supplier, they will set up an account and I'll be tied into a contract with them. Is there any way I can switch to the energy club deal from completion day?

MSE_Dan_L

Hi GrrArrgh

I've included below the steps that you need to consider.

Technically you're not supposed to make a switch before you become formally responsible for the property, so you will have a period where the current owner's supplier has you on a 'deemed contract'.

Step 1: Before you move…

Notify your existing supplier that you're moving - you can do this on the date you move, although you'll probably have a lot to think about, so most suppliers will let you inform them up to 14 days in advance of your move date (although 10 days with Npower).

Will I be charged an exit fee? - We've been told that you shouldn't be charged an exit fee (if one applies to your tariff) as your supplier should recognise your request as a home move rather than a change of supply. However it is worth checking this with your supplier to be sure.

Can I move my fixed tariff over from my old property to my new property? - This varies from supplier to supplier. Generally you can, but check the terms and conditions of your tariff, and call your existing supplier.

Find out the supplier of your new property - if you're buying a new build you should be able to find out from the builder, otherwise you can see our FAQ on 'How to Find My Existing Supplier - https://cheapenergyclub.moneysavingexpert.com/faq#existingsupplier.
When you first move in the current supplier will provide your energy, although you can switch as soon as you become responsible for the property.

What tariff will I be on in my new property? - You'll initially be on the existing supplier's standard tariff. If you want to get an idea of what tariffs are available before you move in, you can get an up-to-date comparison through Cheap Energy Club. Just don't submit the switch until you're responsible for the property.

Step 2: On the day you move…

Take a note of the final meter reading for your old property - you'll need to take the meter reading on the day you move out and inform your existing supplier of this and your new address so that they can send you a final bill. If your account is in credit, it should refund this to you.

Take opening meter readings at your new property - Take a meter reading as soon as you move in and send it to the current supplier. This will ensure that your opening bill in the property is accurate.

Step 3: Once you’ve unpacked the boxes…

Check to see if you can get a better deal - if you haven't already, now's the time to see if you can get a better deal, you can use Cheap Energy Club to do this.

How do I estimate my usage? - If you're a first time buyer, or you're unsure of how much your usage might be it is worth asking the property seller to get an idea of their bills. Alternatively you could use the estimator on the Cheap Energy Club site, you'll be able to input your answers to a few questions which will help to calculate your expected usage.

Hope this helps.

footyguy

GrrArrgh wrote: »

I'm moving house in the next few weeks and I am keen to take up the British Gas offer with the cheap energy club. However, the property I am buying has the utilities supplied by a different company.

How does it work in this situation? Presumably, when I move in and contact the current supplier, they will set up an account and I'll be tied into a contract with them. Is there any way I can switch to the energy club deal from completion day?

You'll need to get the BG dual fuel tariff at the current address (because it probably won't be available any more by the time you move).

Then tell BG you are moving and you will be wanting to take the tariff with you

Then, as you said, when you move in to the new address, you need to register with the existing suppliers to that address. But there is no need to be tied in to them or incur early exit fees. At worst, opt for their standard variable tariff. But see if they can offer anything better with no early exit fees.

Then get BG to take over the supplies, reminding them you want the tariff you had at the previous (your current) address.