New Tenant - Which Gas and Elec Supplier to use

shakey1961

Hi all.


I've just moved into a new flat and I need to get gas and electricity.


I'm confused about all the different deals, so let me tell you some of my circumstances.


Obviously, my new flat is my main home, but I'm going to be out most of the day, only there of an evening, and even some nights I'll be staying with a friend.


I have what I would call standard meters i.e.. not pre paid ones.


Would I be right in thinking I would be best on a tariff that I pay the bill when it arrives rather than a duel fuel one where I pay a set amount each month?


Central heating is Gas by a combi-boiler


And who is the best provider? Do I also get a tariff that has a slightly higher unit cost but has no standing charge?


I shall be installing LED light bulbs and trying to save as much as possible on costs.


Many thanks for your help

HappyMJ

You would be best paying by direct debit monthly as you'll get a small discount each month. You could pay when the bill arrives but it will cost more.

The best provider? Could be anyone depends on your usage and where you live.

I wouldn't recommend a no standing charge tariff unless it's a holiday home which you only visit on weekends.

LED bulbs are great...but they're expensive to buy. CFL's or halogen's will cost much less to buy but cost a little more than LED's to run. Whatever you do you need to keep the original bulb's to put back at the end of your tenancy.

If you can find out what the previous occupier used each year that would be a great help but it won't be perfect.

You can also look at the EPC of the property which will tell you what kWh is required per square metre each year. Multiply the two together and that will give you an idea of what it should need to keep the living rooms at 21 and the bedrooms at 18 year round. You could divide that figure by 7 then multiply it by the number of days you'll be in the property each week.

It's really all guesswork so don't get a tariff with a high exit fee and review it regularly and be prepared to switch again even if only in a few months.

[Deleted User]

If you have time, ( I think there are about 8 days left to apply ) just jump on the latest BG MSE FEB collective and forget about other suppliers.. Cashback too.. dual fuel credit meters only. Feb 2017 fix. cheapest UK dual fuel for average users.

gt94sss2

sacsquacco wrote: »

If you have time, ( I think there are about 8 days left to apply ) just jump on the latest BG MSE FEB collective and forget about other suppliers.. Cashback too.. dual fuel credit meters only. Feb 2017 fix. cheapest UK dual fuel for average users.

Worth pointing out that unlike previous collective tariffs shakey1961 can only sign up to it if he/she "qualifies" (due to Ofgem changing the rules)

Nevertheless, good advice to go to a comparison site and choose the best deal for them - but don't forget it is often cheaper to get seperate suppliers for gas and electricity rather than a dual fuel deal.

dogshome

You hopefully have got this already covered.

When you move to a new home, you must contact the existing Gas & Elec supplier/s to that dwelling and give them the meter readings and the date you moved in

They will send you a 'Welcome pack', and once you have this you are free to move to any other supplier you wish