CEC - Changing to Different Tariff with Same Supplier

seanbrown86

Stupid question. I am currently with British Gas on a contract until September. If I changed to a new tariff also with British Gas through CEC, will there be any issues or should it be straight forward?

Smodlet

Should not make an atom of difference about changing tariff other than it taking even longer than if you did so directly with your supplier; not sure whether you would receive any cash back.  Once upon a time, you did but I have a feeling that ceased when Mr. Lewis sold this site; I am not sure.  There are cash back sites; you should be able to find them on here.  HTH.

Streaky_Bacon

If there a reason that you want to use the CEC website to switch tariff, rather than do it through your online BG account?

Smodlet

Streaky_Bacon said:

If there a reason that you want to use the CEC website to switch tariff, rather than do it through your online BG account?

I'd guess the answer is potential cash back.  Used to work; not sure it does any more.  It's all gone to hell since ML sold this site, not least the flippin' icons with this last "improvement".

seanbrown86

Thanks, the reason I was going to go through CEC is that the deal is only through them. I've checked through the BG account tariff comparer and it doesn't come up. £8/month cheaper through CEC. Cashback would be nice but it's not the driving factor.

Smodlet

seanbrown86 said:

Thanks, the reason I was going to go through CEC is that the deal is only through them. I've checked through the BG account tariff comparer and it doesn't come up. £8/month cheaper through CEC. Cashback would be nice but it's not the driving factor.

This is so.  Many of the best tariffs across all providers are available only through comparison sites; it really is a matter of trawling through the bargain buckets and yes, it does take time and effort:  You get nothing for nothing, right?

DawnCrush

seanbrown86 said:

Stupid question. I am currently with British Gas on a contract until September. If I changed to a new tariff also with British Gas through CEC, will there be any issues or should it be straight forward?

No issues whatsoever. Very straightforward, and you will earn £25 cashback (£12.50 per fuel), payable in 3-6 months time

DawnCrush

Streaky_Bacon said:

If there a reason that you want to use the CEC website to switch tariff, rather than do it through your online BG account?

Cashback, presumably!

elle_may

I have changed tariffs with my supplier 6 times through  MSE as they have the cheaper tariff than through my account.  I have  always received my cashback within 3mths.  I  don't pay exit fees if i switch with same supplier. It's quicker that way.

tk47

elle_may said:

.... I  don't pay exit fees if i switch with same supplier. It's quicker that way.

Whether exit fees apply for a tariff transfer depends on the terms of the individual supplier, but it can be quicker to transfer a tariff rather than switch. Transfers can usually be done immediately if you go direct - going via a third party may cause a short delay until the supplier recieves the instruction. Switches take 15-21 days typically.

Also, some suppliers will only transfer when your current tariff is due to end, whilst others may action immediately, unless you instruct otherwise. Going via a third party, you probably won't be able to give such instructions.

Nebulous2

I switched last summer, from a BG tariff to another one through the energy club. No drama, didn’t notice any difference, and got the cash back. The British Gas offer was the best one I could get at the time,  and was much better than anything they would provide direct. It appears to be a consequence of them having to offer their ‘best’ tariff to people whose deal is coming to an end. It only has to be the best available from them, not the best they offer.