Switching from fix ending 31st January 2017

pierrored

Can anyone advise me when is the earliest I can start the switch process with the Cheap Energy Club?

I have done a comparison with the CEC and have chosen a new supplier, but I have a £60 penalty if I leave my present supplier before the end of my contract on 31/1/2017.

I have read about the 42-49 days before the end of your contract when you will not be charged.I have also read about the 14 day cooling off period.

Does the switching process start from the moment you send your online application form,with present supplier,tariff,annual gas and electric kw usage and bank details, to your new supplier?

[Deleted User]

Day 49 day is the start of the countdown and that is the day your current supplier should notify you. However they are allowed another 7 days to get the notice to you (to allow for postal delays etc) (that is where 42 days comes into it 49 minus 7 is 42)
Once you have the notification then you can start a switch without exit fees.
On day 42, if you have not received the notification , you are now free to switch regardless without exit fees.

I would always assume that switching starts from when you apply. The new company will tell your current supplier at some point in your 14 days cooling off period and you have no control over that. All you want is for this to happen before day zero so that your current supplier has to keep you on your current (and probably much cheaper) tariff until the switch is completed (within reason).