Can't switch electricity

ThomasP

I've just moved into a new build apartment block and it turns out I can only buy electricity from my landlord (a large investor type). Something to do with the building set-up.

My tenancy never mentioned this and I'm pretty sure the rates aren't great. Anyone know what I can do or how common this is? Feels a bit like a con.

Owain_Moneysaver

Your landlord isn't allowed to charge you more than he pays for electricity, and you're entitled to see his bills to verify that. On the upside, if he's bulk buying for the while building it should actually be a pretty good rate.

The submeters must also be MID approved.

ThomasP

Thanks - really helpful. The usage charge looks low (ish) but there's a standing charge of about £20 a month. Is this normal?

PennineAcute

That is around 33p a day for each fuel. That is a lot in my book.

ThomasP

Thanks all. Will look into this further!

wavelets

ThomasP wrote: »

I've just moved into a new build apartment block and it turns out I can only buy electricity from my landlord (a large investor type). Something to do with the building set-up.

My tenancy never mentioned this and I'm pretty sure the rates aren't great. Anyone know what I can do or how common this is? Feels a bit like a con.

Is this some sort of communal heating arrangement?
Usually the cost of such includes the maintenance of that heating etc

Who did the landlord/agent say was the supplier when you agreed meter readings with them at the start of the tenancy?
Does the meter look like a standard supplier's main meter?

If not, please explain what exactly the building set up is.

What did the electricity supplier you originally thought was supplying you, when you called them on the day you moved in, to provide them with the agreed opening meter read? :huh: