Early exit fee dilema!

jencmk

I'm looking to switch dual fuel from British Gas, hoping that I wouldn't have to pay the early exit fees (I'm out of the country when my contract expires) as there is less than 50 days to end of contract but it appears that because it was a collective switch this doesn't apply! I've found a switch to First Utility on Topcashback (cash back more than the £60 exit fee) and a 3 year fix I'm sorely tempted to go for it! What would you do??

molerat

It does not matter what type of contract you have, if there is less than 49 days to go then you are free to switch penalty free.

jencmk

This is what I thought, but not according to British Gas!!! They seem to be a law unto themselves .... !

molerat

Their idiot call centre monkeys keep saying that, they obviously are too stupid to understand the rules. If they do decide to charge you complain and go to the ombudsman if necessary.

SammenForLivet2

The good news is British Gas does not charge exit fees in the last 49 days of a fixed-term contract, and as with many energy firms they'll protect your prices for up-to 20 working days after the tariff comes to an end, provided a switch is in play before your tariff end date.

It's a good idea to be able to obtain readings five days either side of your switching window (not sure if a friend would be able to get these) to ensure that your new energy suppliers start readings and final bills aren't estimated.

jencmk

I've just had written confirmation that my tariff with British Gas is due to end soon stating that 'you can move to a different supplier without paying us any exit fees from 11th January 2017'. Their call centre staff obviously need to have much better training before they're let loose on the unsuspecting public!