Unable to switch!

jiimmy

Hi,

I moved into my flat a year ago (only has electricity supply, no gas) and found out SSE supply the property. I signed up and discovered I was on a special tariff because I have two electric circuits. One economy-7 style day and night rate circuit and also a storage heater circuit that is much cheaper but only on between midnight and 7am, and then an hour in the afternoon about 3pm (I think, but I'm not sure how accurate the timing is!?).

It took a few phone calls to SSE to actually figure out what tariff I was on because the callcenter staff didn't understand it either. However, they've told me I can't switch because no other companies offer this two-circuit tariff. I have run the maths and switching to economy 7 or a normal one-rate supply with SSE would both be more expensive, mostly because of the heating. I would also have to have the meter changed and adapted to the two-circuit system.

So my question is am I indeed completely stuck with SSE? I haven't had any problems with them but being unable to switch without paying more just doesn't seem right! I also can't imagine I am the only MSE'er in this situation!

Thanks forum,

James

Neil_Jones

You're not totally stuck but you will need a replacement meter at a minimum to get off what you're on now, it sounds like an Eco package but as you say it will most certainly work out more expensive BUT on the other hand it will allow you to move provider at a later date.

These are propriety tariffs and setups, many of them date from before we could switch provider. Unfortunately most electric only properties will be expensive to run and heat and the most economical setup for "modern" setups is Economy 7 for your storage heaters.