New flat; can I change energy provider?

philpot24

Hello MSE members,

I have a question that I can't find the answer to and MSE Forum was the first place I thought of posting, always end up on this forum when trying to find answers so thought I'd give it a go!

I've just moved into a new rented flat with my girlfriend (moving finally complete....). The previous place I lived was with a friend and our energy was provided by EDF and we've closed this account as it was a joint account in credit.

The flat I've just moved into is using EON Energy who I've used in the past and really disliked (found them pretty expensive and tedious customer service). Do I have to go with eon or can I just sign up with a new energy provider without notifying them? (will the new energy provider do the work of notifying eon and taking over the account?) The only reason I know the flat is with eon is because they've sent a letter address to the previous tenants.

This will be for both electricity and gas and isn't prepaid.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Philpot

Alter_ego

You have the right to change, your landlord may not like it if you do.

trickytree1963

You do need to register with Eon, provide them with meter readings from when you moved and if you then want to switch you can.

Do it any other way and it will end in tears

philpot24

Thanks for your replies guys and Tricky Tree, I thought that would be the case.

I'll register with eon and take it from there.

poppasmurf_bewdley

Alter_ego wrote: »

You have the right to change, your landlord may not like it if you do.

Why would the landlord even know?

Neil_Jones

poppasmurf_bewdley wrote: »

Why would the landlord even know?

Depends on whether the rent includes utilities or not. If the OP pays Eon directly he/she can switch provider, otherwise the energy may in the Landlord's name.

poppasmurf_bewdley

Neil_Jones wrote: »

Depends on whether the rent includes utilities or not. If the OP pays Eon directly he/she can switch provider, otherwise the energy may in the Landlord's name.

In which case the OP would have no reason to change supplier, ie it would not be his call in the first place. But as the OP has stated a letter has been received from Eon to the previous tenant, I think we can exclude the possibility of what you suggest.

ChaunceyGardiner

Alter_ego wrote: »

You have the right to change, your landlord may not like it if you do.

Pfft. Too bad.

ryan121

Yes, you can switch if you like. Remember it's you paying it, not them. Any tenancy agreement stating otherwise is unenforceable. It's unlikely you would get one anyway these days that would state you couldn't switch.

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

philpot24 wrote: »

Hello MSE members,

I have a question that I can't find the answer to and MSE Forum was the first place I thought of posting, always end up on this forum when trying to find answers so thought I'd give it a go!

I've just moved into a new rented flat with my girlfriend (moving finally complete....). The previous place I lived was with a friend and our energy was provided by EDF and we've closed this account as it was a joint account in credit.

The flat I've just moved into is using EON Energy who I've used in the past and really disliked (found them pretty expensive and tedious customer service). Do I have to go with eon or can I just sign up with a new energy provider without notifying them? (will the new energy provider do the work of notifying eon and taking over the account?) The only reason I know the flat is with eon is because they've sent a letter address to the previous tenants.

This will be for both electricity and gas and isn't prepaid.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Philpot

philpot24 wrote: »

Thanks for your replies guys and Tricky Tree, I thought that would be the case.

I'll register with eon and take it from there.

Hello Philpot and welcome to the Forums. Already some good advice on here. Thanks all.

To confirm, you don't have to stay with us and can switch supplier at any time. Thought I'd let you know, if you haven't been in touch yet, you can give us all the details through an online form on our website. Alternatively, we've a specialist Home Moves team who will be happy to help. Contact details are also on our website.

We'll set up an account for you from the day you took over responsibility and, unless you tell us otherwise, start you on our standard Energy Plan tariff. There aren't any exit fees with this tariff leaving you free to change supplier without picking up a charge. We've other tariffs available without exit fees that might be a bit cheaper whilst the switch goes through. Again, details are on our website. You can switch tariff online too. The change will take effect immediately.

Your chosen supplier will drive the switch and contact us to take over. Provided they've signed up to Faster Switching (most have but there are exceptions), the switch will go through in about two and half weeks. If not, it could take around 5-6 weeks. Either way, going on to another of our tariffs without an exit fee might save you a bit whilst you wait to switch.

Hope this helps Philpot and that you've settled in to your new flat.

Malc