Switching to a different tariff with same dual fuel supplier

XDA

Quick (and probably stupid) question - Would there be any issues if I was to use one of the comparison websites to switch to a different tariff with my existing supplier?

I've got quotes on 3 different comparison websites and my existing supplier is coming back as the cheapest on all 3 websites. I can't find anything that says you can or can't use them to stay with your existing supplier and just change tariff?

Am I overthinking this? :think:

AndyCF

Would it not be easier to call/email them to tell them you want to switch tariffs rather than go through the external site ?

Is there some kind of problem with that in that they say you can't etc until you've been on the current one for x months without paying a fee ?

bonus2010

In my view, you’ve got a top question here as it’s something I’ve been thinking about as well.

As suggested by above member’s post here, I’d see if the tariff you’re finding on the comparison site is available directly from your present supplier and if it is, its normally just the matter of a phone call to them as your supplier will be obligated to switch you over instantly.

However, if your supplier is like my supplier, ScottishPower, what they’re doing is making cheaper tariffs available only on the comparison sites, but these tariffs are not available to their staff to use when customers call them directly.

All I’ve heard on here is a member who was with ScottishPower switching through the MSE’s Energy Club for the cheaper SP tariff and it went through successfully. It seems a crazy situation that an existing customer had to go through a comparison site to get the cheaper tariff with the same supplier.

As you say there’s nothing written to exclude existing customers selecting tariffs of the same energy company, they’re with, but I’m interested to hear the feedback from members of their experience when doing this.

Benight

XDA wrote: »

Quick (and probably stupid) question - Would there be any issues if I was to use one of the comparison websites to switch to a different tariff with my existing supplier?

I've got quotes on 3 different comparison websites and my existing supplier is coming back as the cheapest on all 3 websites. I can't find anything that says you can or can't use them to stay with your existing supplier and just change tariff?

Am I overthinking this? :think:

No issue at all if the comparison site you are using indicates it is willing to allow you to do this via them.

If comparison site also pays cashback, you will be entitled to that too if you use the comparison site for the tariff transfer :money:

XDA

AndyCF wrote: »

Would it not be easier to call/email them to tell them you want to switch tariffs rather than go through the external site ?

Is there some kind of problem with that in that they say you can't etc until you've been on the current one for x months without paying a fee ?

I can get cash back via a comparison site, whereas going direct I won't.

I've been with my current supplier for years and I'm on a standard tariff with no exit fees so there's nothing preventing me from switching.

XDA

bonus2010 wrote: »

In my view, you’ve got a top question here as it’s something I’ve been thinking about as well.

As suggested by above member’s post here, I’d see if the tariff you’re finding on the comparison site is available directly from your present supplier and if it is, its normally just the matter of a phone call to them as your supplier will be obligated to switch you over instantly.

However, if your supplier is like my supplier, ScottishPower, what they’re doing is making cheaper tariffs available only on the comparison sites, but these tariffs are not available to their staff to use when customers call them directly.

All I’ve heard on here is a member who was with ScottishPower switching through the MSE’s Energy Club for the cheaper SP tariff and it went through successfully. It seems a crazy situation that an existing customer had to go through a comparison site to get the cheaper tariff with the same supplier.

As you say there’s nothing written to exclude existing customers selecting tariffs of the same energy company, they’re with, but I’m interested to hear the feedback from members of their experience when doing this.

The tariff I want to switch to is available on the suppliers website but if I switch via a comparison website, I'll get cash back.

I don't think there would be any issues but I don't want to be in a situation where my current supplier closes my existing account and then starts me up as new customer when all is required is a simple change of tariff.

I'll start the switch process off this afternoon and see what happens over the next week or so. What's the worst that could happen! :rotfl:

AndyCF

XDA wrote: »

I can get cash back via a comparison site, whereas going direct I won't.

That explains it thanks. As I say it just seemed at the time a case of "why use a third party if you can do it direct" but now you've mentioned there might be a few ££ for it, yes its well worth the few extra steps, I'd do that too!

XDA wrote: »

I've been with my current supplier for years and I'm on a standard tariff with no exit fees so there's nothing preventing me from switching.

Makes sense.

XDA

Benight wrote: »

No issue at all if the comparsison site you are using indicates it is willing to allow you to do this via them.

If comparison site also pays cashback, you will be entitled to that too if you use the coomparison site for the traiff transfer :money:

Thanks for that.

Yes, comparison site offers me a much better tariff with my existing supplier and part of the comparison process asks for current supplier and tariff.

There is cash back on offer hence why I'm going to switch via a comparison site rather than contact supplier directly.

XDA

AndyCF wrote: »

That explains it thanks. As I say it just seemed at the time a case of "why use a third party if you can do it direct" but now you've mentioned there might be a few ££ for it, yes its well worth the few extra steps, I'd do that too!



Makes sense.

I'll start the switch process this afternoon and I'll report back once complete. :money:

Robisere

Every year I switch Tariffs with EDF, there is always an option on the website for another tariff, usually well before the current tariff end date. Admittedly, I think it only applies to online and paperless tariffs (may be wrong) but this year I have saved £10 a month by switching to another. I have gone from paying £95 a month last 12 months or so, to £85, dual fuel, with the new tariff. Been with EDF almost 9 years now and enjoy tariff changes and very good customer service. There may be others who say they have not received the same CS, but I can only speak from my own experience.