EDF backdating start of new tariff - can they do that?

SonOfPearl

So I applied to switch to a new dual fuel tariff with EDF via MSE's Cheap Energy Club on 21st August. I'm already with EDF on a different cheaper tariff which was running out at the end of September.

Today (17th Sept) I had an email from EDF to confirm that I'm moving onto the new tariff on...21st August! The new tariff was the best currently available, but it's more expensive than the one I was on already, so I'd much rather have had that tariff continue until near the expected end of the fixed term, not change from the day I applied for the new tariff! :mad:

Has this happened to anyone else? Are they allowed to do this? I very much doubt they would be backdating the switch if the new tariff was cheaper!

tizerbelle

They're not backdating it. You asked to change tariffs on the 21st August, they've changed you from the 21st August.

They've done what you asked. You could have delayed your request until later in September but then you're playing the gamble of whether the same new tariff would still have been available.

System

Tariff changes with an existing supplier are treated as mutual variations of contract under Standard Licence Conditions. There is no cooling off period and tariff changes are normally implemented within 5 days. The difference in cost to you is marginal for such a short period during the summer. You could have waited but the tariff may well have come and gone.

AndyPK

had you phoned them up you could have agreed the cut in date.


But you chose to get a 3rd party involved!

The_Fat_Controller

@AndyPK, the tariff wasn't available direct with EDF and only available via third party websites !

I created my EDF bill online around the same time and on the back of that bill it told me the cheapest tariff with EDF, but on investigation, it was only available via MSE and others.

I queried this directly with EDF and they advised that they are obliged by law to advise the customer of the cheapest tariff available with them on the back of the bill BUT this may not be available directly with EDF, a pretty odd situation.

I am still waiting for my switch via MSE to be actioned but as has been said above, if it is backdated then EDF are not breaking any rules.

Raxiel

Don't forget the flip side of switching through a third party rather than direct with the supplier. You might loose out by not being able to defer the switch, but if you use a site like CEC or ESH you can get cashback that's probably worth more.

The_Fat_Controller

The cashback by switching through MSE CEC outweighs the tariff difference even if the switch is backdated.

Stokesey

Yes exactly the same I've lost 43 days on the old cheaper tariff within EDF . I challenged them on live chat and they said it was normal practise when I said I would enlighten all of my Face book friends they offered to put me back on the old tariff ...but the current one would not be available to me at September 30th.. I said I thought that was a threat rather than resolving the issue and I would have expected the refund of the higher cost for the 43 days ....but they kept repeating "do you wish to return to the old tarrif" I gave in and stayed but will be on the look out for a better deal. ALSO..If you had warm home discount with British gas EDF WILL NOT automatically allow it , you are unaware of this until you swap and apply ..they do do it but have different criteria than BG.

System

Stokesey wrote: »

Yes exactly the same I've lost 43 days on the old cheaper tariff within EDF . I challenged them on live chat and they said it was normal practise when I said I would enlighten all of my Face book friends they offered to put me back on the old tariff ...but the current one would not be available to me at September 30th.. I said I thought that was a threat rather than resolving the issue and I would have expected the refund of the higher cost for the 43 days ....but they kept repeating "do you wish to return to the old tarrif" I gave in and stayed but will be on the look out for a better deal. ALSO..If you had warm home discount with British gas EDF WILL NOT automatically allow it , you are unaware of this until you swap and apply ..they do do it but have different criteria than BG.

Suppliers do not have to agree tariff changes whilst customers are in a fixed contract. Standard Licence Conditions require suppliers to implement mutually agreed contract variations ASAP. You have no cooling off period, so the supplier did not have to agree to transfer you back to your old tariff. Many of the smaller suppliers will charge you the exit fee for a tariff change. In REAL terms, how much would 43 days on the higher tariff actually cost you? Remember, you need to deduct 43 days on your present tariff to calculate the difference. CS were correct: tariffs come and and go so there is no guarantee that a 43 day delay wouldn’t result in a higher tariff than is currently on on offer.

Futuristic

Stokesey wrote: »

ALSO..If you had warm home discount with British gas EDF WILL NOT automatically allow it , you are unaware of this until you swap and apply ..they do do it but have different criteria than BG.

This is normal, every provider has their own criteria which varies slightly to what they will accept. You can apply here once setup for 2018/19: https://www.edfenergy.com/for-home/help-support/warm-home-discount