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How soon can you switch?

Sabelt
Sabelt Posts: 8 Forumite
Fourth Anniversary
Hi all , I'm about to move into my first property that I will own. Obviously I want to save on bills as much as I can so I wondered how soon I could start to see about switching energy providers? What info would I need in order to submit a comparison etc?
Thanks in advance

Comments

  • CashStrapped
    CashStrapped Posts: 1,302 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    You are already in a deemed contract with whoever the existing supplier is when you moved in. You have to create an account with that supplier.

    If you cannot find any letters from an energy company ring your local distributor and they will tell you who supplies the property already.

    You need to ensure you take the meter readings for when you moved in and take note of any debt left on the meter. Take a photo of every screen on the meter to give yourself some evidence in case an issue arises.

    Ensure you get put on a standard tariff initially with the deemed supplier. This will prevent you from getting put on a tariff with exit fees.

    Then do a comparison. As you have no data for you property you will have to use national average figures.

    If it is a small property and you live on your own then use average figures for low users which is about:

    9000kwh Gas
    2500kwh Electric.

    Average figures for normal use is:

    15,000kwh Gas
    3500KWh Electric

    So use those figures and see what come sup cheapest in your area.

    Switching takes around 2-4 weeks. You can start the switching process as soon as you have created an account with your deemed supplier and given them an opening reading.
  • spiro
    spiro Posts: 6,405 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    You can do it on the day you move in. Phone existing supplier with your details and the current meter reading and also go on a switching site to find the best deal. Switching date should be 2 weeks plus 3 working days after you initiate the switch.
    IT Consultant in the utilities industry specialising in the retail electricity market.

    4 Credit Card and 1 Loan PPI claims settled for £26k, 1 rejected (Opus).
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