Collective Switch

davidsuffolk

Good luck guys!

I was on the collective switch this time last year to Sainsburys (BG) who made such a dogs dinner of it I vowed never again.

I still switched this year and maybe I have lost out a bit compared to the collective switch but so far no aggravation!

nickcc

I switched from BG to Npower a couple of years ago as MSE advised cheapest at the time, now switched back to BG as the MSE comparison site advised me to. Had no problems with earlier switch so should hopefully be ok this time.

basketcase

Hi. I made the switch about a week ago. I've had the notification from MSE but nothing from BG yet. I'm expecting it to take a bit longer because I'm one of many bIut don't want to leave it too long before checking.

What do you think is a reasonable amount of time? If the figures are correct, I'm cutting my bills by about 40% so don't want to miss out...
Apologies for typos. I'm on my phone!
:eek:

nickcc

Had the MSE notification email on the 8/2 and the BG email confirming next day.

jcontest

Looks like My billing was not done by BG, but by Sainsburys Energy. Missed the fact that Sainsburys rings through as BG on the DD!

No real issues then

bobstheboy

jcontest wrote: »

Hi everyone.
I switched about a week ago, my start date is on the 1st of march.
I have asked for the payment date to be on the 20th of the month.
My expected "Montly" payment is £107, but they just took £182 via direct debit. This would mean that they are billing two months in advance, has anyone else seen this?.. I cant see mention of it in the terms and conditions.

My start date is today. Just submitted both readings and checked my account online. It says my first DD payment is 20th March and is £87 which is my projected monthly payment.. I would query with BG as to why the early payment and the amount.

critchley

I was with British Gas dual fuel on Standard Tariff and took advantage of the savings offered by switching to the Fixed Tariff til 2017. My projected monthly payment was £77 if we changed from quarterly debit card payment to monthly Direct Debit which seemed a good idea.
Just had letter from British Gas saying thanks for changing to Direct Debit and our monthly payment will be £120 .. what?
I thought maybe my "switch" hadn't yet taken place but when I checked my online account it now says I'm on the Fixed Tariff. I'm confused.

MSE_Dan_L

Hi all

The process for setting the direct debit works a little differently for existing British Gas customers to those switching from another provider.

- New to British Gas - your direct debit should be set-up as shown on Cheap Energy Club (watch out for a confusing BG letter which includes an illustrative figure of £100 - this isn't your actual payment)

- Existing British Gas - if already paying by direct debit, your payment won't be amended until your next payment review (which should be every 6 months). This'll likely mean you build up a credit on your account. However you can ask BG to reduce this if you prefer. But if you're moving to DD having previously paid by another method, BG should set the DD based on your previous usage levels with it. This will also take into account any debit balance on your account (e.g. to cover costs of usage from your last payment).

If you're confused or unhappy with the DD amount, I'd suggest contacting BG's specialist collective team who are dedicated to this switch. You can reach it on 0800 975 9712.

I hope this helps.

luckwudaveit

I applied for the switch on 10th Feb (previously with the last BG Collective Switch) and got the CEC email, but nothing from BG. I have checked my BG online account and the switch was made, effectively a tariff-only switch, on 11th Feb. I suppose the main thing is that the switch has gone through, but an email from BG would have been nice. I wasn't given the option to give meter readings at the point of switch, but provided one at the end of Jan (as I do every month), so presumably it will be estimated.

British_Gas_Rep_Matt

Civvy21 wrote: »

Hope it all goes well for everybody.

Some more queries. Hope someone can advise.

I had another email this morning. It stated my personal projection for gas use over next is approx. £410 (ie £35 per month). It then says my direct debit has been set up for £57 per month. Should it be that high?

There is no mention of electricity. Does electricity have a separate direct debit?

Also notice on my BG account page there are two separate electricity accounts - although they do have the same account number.

Hopefully everything will progress smoothly, although I am starting to have some doubts. Feel slightly more reassured doing this switch through money saving expert.

Good luck to all.

Hi Civvy 21, your monthly payments do look a bit high compared to your predicted usage & I'll be happy to look into this. Please just pop your details on an email to talktous@britishgas.co.uk, including your MSE username & MSE Forums in the subject heading. Cheers, Matt