Switching supplier....

TheDebtinator

Moved into my house just over a month ago. BG have sent us a bill with an estimate way over our actual usage. This isn't an issue as we can just give them accurate figures.

We are on their standard tariff but want to look to move supplier. Thing is, we only have 1 months usage, and this is unlikely to be indicative of our annual usage. As a result any figures that I may put into a switching site may be under / maybe over what we use, and the risk there is that should we choose a new supplier, that they will end up costing more than another one based on a longer term sample of usage.

How have others gotten around this issue? Do you over estimate your usage? To give an example, we have used 9 units of gas (we haven't used the CH much, but we do have a gas hob and oven, which we use maybe 4 days a week on average up to now) and have used 180 units of electricity. This is from May 19th or June 22nd.

Thanks.

footyguy

TheDebtinator wrote: »

Moved into my house just over a month ago. BG have sent us a bill with an estimate way over our actual usage. This isn't an issue as we can just give them accurate figures.

We are on their standard tariff but want to look to move supplier. Thing is, we only have 1 months usage, and this is unlikely to be indicative of our annual usage. As a result any figures that I may put into a switching site may be under / maybe over what we use, and the risk there is that should we choose a new supplier, that they will end up costing more than another one based on a longer term sample of usage.

How have others gotten around this issue? Do you over estimate your usage? To give an example, we have used 9 units of gas (we haven't used the CH much, but we do have a gas hob and oven, which we use maybe 4 days a week on average up to now) and have used 180 units of electricity. This is from May 19th or June 22nd.

Thanks.

Others usually consult a comparison site.

Most such sites offer an alternative for those like you who do not have any reasonable estimation of anticipated annual consumption, so by answering a few other questions, the site provides such estimation for you.

Having switched based on the estimation provided, it's best to keep an eye on this compared to actual usage, and if you find later a huge discrepancy, then consider your options again at that point.

rob879

If you are on BG's standard tariff, you will be paying significantly more than you need to - so it pays to switch straightaway. Use a comparison site to find the best supplier: eg Cheap Energy Club or Which? Switch.

Both the above sites allow you to provide annual usage estimates in sterling. Just enter what you think is a reasonable amount. If you are really worried about the accuracy of your estimate: do it 3 times using low, medium and high figures. You will probably find the same suppliers recommended for each of the estimates.

Note, Dual Fuel deals are not necessarily the cheapest, so repeat the exercise with gas only and then electricity only - to see whether it pays to have separate suppliers.

Using Which? Switch, I entered (random) estimates of £400 pa for electricity and £500 pa for gas, and I found I could save £160 by switching away from the BG standard tariff (assuming monthly direct debit). That's nearly 18% saving!

Choose a supplier with no (or low) exit charge - in case you need to switch again.

Once you've switched, make sure you monitor your actual usage. If you've got your estimate significantly wrong, ask your supplier change your monthly payment. Once you have an accurate estimate of annual consumption, use a comparison site to see whether your are still on the best deal: if not, switch again.

TheDebtinator

Thanks, I'll do this today!