New Flat - Energy Advice

Owlykatz

Hi All,

So, I have recently moved into a new flat let by a Housing Association. The gas and electric were connected before I moved in and obviously I now need to sort out the bills...

The HA read the meter on the day I got the keys, but despite requests, they haven't given me the reading. I now have a British Gas letter, addressed to the HA at my address. This letter details a temporary tariff. My address is a brand new build, so nothing to go on from the past.

I am likely to be a light user of both gas and electricity as I'm living alone and am in and out. So my question is, do I need to search and set up with a supplier now - or would I be better off waiting for the first bill from British Gas before I do anything?

My problem is, I don't want to overpay for months as money is tight. I estimate I'll use about £30 a month but the cheapest tariff I've found is £50.

Any advice would be hugely appreciated.

Streaky_Bacon

Do you have a access to the meters? If so, make sure you take readings now. Take a picture of the meters too.

Contact British Gas and set up an account with them, and give them the readings if you have them. You need to do this even if you switch supplier.

Make sure that they put you on the cheapest tariff that does not have exit fees.

Now look for better deals on a site such as

https://energycompare.citizensadvice.org.uk/

https://clubs.moneysavingexpert.com/cheapenergyclub/register

They include options to estimate usage if you have no history.

Check dual fuel and individual gas and electric tariffs.

Switching is straightforward but post again if you need more advice

Richie-from-the-Boro

Owlykatz wrote: »

Hi All,

So, I have recently moved into a new flat let by a Housing Association. The gas and electric were connected before I moved in and obviously I now need to sort out the bills...

The HA read the meter on the day I got the keys, but despite requests, they haven't given me the reading. I now have a British Gas letter, addressed to the HA at my address. This letter details a temporary tariff. My address is a brand new build, so nothing to go on from the past.

I am likely to be a light user of both gas and electricity as I'm living alone and am in and out. So my question is, do I need to search and set up with a supplier now - or would I be better off waiting for the first bill from British Gas before I do anything?

My problem is, I don't want to overpay for months as money is tight. I estimate I'll use about £30 a month but the cheapest tariff I've found is £50.

Any advice would be hugely appreciated.

You do NOT have a contract with anyone till you agree one. You are on a "deemed contact"

A deemed contract is normally in place when any type of customer moves into new premises and starts to consume gas, electricity.

You need to contact BG, contract with them, get the cheapest tariff they offer immediately (or you will get most expensive default). Then you need comparison sites for best offer and swap providers. Best of luck.

Robin9

Owlykatz wrote: »

…………………...
My problem is, I don't want to overpay for months as money is tight. I estimate I'll use about £30 a month but the cheapest tariff I've found is £50.

Any advice would be hugely appreciated.

THen you are not putting your figures into the comparison site correctly.

How are you estimating the £30 - that sounds very low. Assuming say 1500 kwh (and that is low) of electric at (say) 15p gives about £25 a month ………. then there is gas say 5000 kwh at 3p gives another £20

Hint - do not use the same supplier for both fuels and you'll save a bit.

Follow Streaky Bacon's advice - now - not tomorrow, every day you delay costs you more than it need to.

Gerry1

Stop thinking in £ per month. Start thinking annual kWh from actual meter readings, do the sums (pence per kWh + standing charges) and that will give you £ annual.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/lower-energy-direct-debits/#whatyoupay

Owlykatz

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. You are all so very kind. I have gotten in touch with BG and can now access the account (now need to get in touch to remove all the other homes !!) The other tariffs on BG are the same practically to the rates for the current temporary one... should I just look to switch on a comparison site?

Gerry1

Owlykatz wrote: »

should I just look to switch on a comparison site?

Don't delay, do it TODAY !

Make sure that you compare the whole market. CA defaults to this, but most others don't so beware of missing the cheapest suppliers that don't pay commission.

Have a look at Gulf's gas rate and Neon Reef's electricity rate (missing from some sites including CEC) and see whether you can beat their annual costs. Not much feedback on them so far...