Exit penalty on switching - 49 days

latinaid

I understand that energy supplies are not able to charge an exit fee for switching within 49 days of the end of the fix period.

My question is - what date counts as switching? Is it when you request to switch to another supplier, or when the change to the new supplier actually happens? (as it can take several weeks between the two events).

My elec. fix end date is October 16th (gas, bizarrely, is Sept, 6th), but I want to request the switch process now (which is more than 49 days earlier than Oct. 16th) - would I be charged the penalty, or not be charged as the actual switch-over will happen within 49 days?

ossie

Only 48 days until October 16th!

latinaid

ossie wrote: »

Only 48 days until October 16th!

True. But I read somewhere that its 42 - 49 days - I'm not sure what that means, surely there should be one date rather than a range? 42 days would be next Saturday, but I really wanted to get it started before then.

dogshome

Between 42 and 49 days before your fix ends your supplier must contact you, (notification on your online account/letter), to advise of the contracts end.
If you have not had this notice on day 42, contact your supplier as it's been known for suppliers to 'forget' this notice

latinaid

dogshome wrote: »

Between 42 and 49 days before your fix ends your supplier must contact you, (notification on your online account/letter), to advise of the contracts end.
If you have not had this notice on day 42, contact your supplier as it's been known for suppliers to 'forget' this notice

Thanks. I guess I just need to be patient! I really wanted to get it sorted ASAP as I have free time now and am going to be very busy in a week or two.

Still wonder what they count as the date of switching - actual changeover or date of request?

dogshome

The date of Switching is the day the actual Switch takes place - Your new provider will advise you of this, but the Gas and Elec are sometimes on different dates.

Don't take any Bullsh*t that the 'Switch' day is the day your present supplier was advised by the new, that a Switch is underway- Brit Gas of all people tried this on and got a BIG slap on the wrist from Ofgem

latinaid

dogshome wrote: »

The date of Switching is the day the actual Switch takes place - Your new provider will advise you of this, but the Gas and Elec are sometimes on different dates.

Don't take any Bullsh*t that the 'Switch' day is the day your present supplier was advised by the new, that a Switch is underway- Brit Gas of all people tried this on and got a BIG slap on the wrist from Ofgem

Ah, that's really useful, thanks - I didn't know what the definition was.

I found an email from my supplier anyway, which reminds me that the deal is coming to an end and I'm now free to switch without penalty, so at least I have that in writing!