Just moved into a house supplied by British Gas. How do I proceed so I can move provider?

marka87uk

I've just moved into my first house and I'm now trying to sort out the utility providers (not helped by the COVID-19 situation!).
British Gas currently supply the gas and electric but I wish to move to another provider. Do I still need to contact British Gas to tell them the meter readings on the day I moved into the property (I took photos on the day) or can I go straight to another provider? I'm struggling to get in contact with British Gas as they are only accepting emergency calls, and following the procedure online seems to indicate I'll get caught up in a new contract with them (which I don't want as there are early leaving fees).
Any help would be much appreciated - thanks.

Smodlet

You are in what is called a "deemed" contract with BG as they are your supplier by default so you should be on their "Standard",  most expensive tariff; these do not usually incur exit fees.  Does the website tell you the name of the tariff and the t's and c's?

Yes, you do need to give them opening readings and well done for obtaining proof of what they were.  You are already deemed to be in contract with them so, unless you sign up to a different tariff with them, you should be able to leave for another provider penalty free.  If you do not give them readings, you will be stuck with them until you do so I would submit them online if you can.  HTH.

brewerdave

You need to set up an account with BG for both utilities before anything else .This will be on their standard variable rate deal with no exit fees . DON'T allow them to talk you into a "cheaper" fixed deal as it will come with various strings such as exit fees and the need to fit a smart meter.
 Once they confirm that your account is live ,you will be free to find cheaper suppliers in the open market. Unfortunately you may be stuck with BG for a while in the current circumstances. 

marka87uk

OK thanks both for your help.

[Deleted User]

A photo of a meter reading  is never proof but better than nothing and probably accepted . BG may use their idea of what the opening reading is..Bear in mind that the last occupier may not have sent in end readings for as long as over a year 

marka87uk

I finally managed to complete the process online however when signing up for an account I had to pick a tariff to continue (even though I was completing the form to tell them that I've moved into the house, including giving them the meter readings on the day of moving in, etc.).

I hope this doesn't mean I've been forced into a contract with them which will endure exit fees, as I am now on the HomeEnergy Fix Nov 2021 tariff and the details state there are fees for leaving early... There appears to be a 14 day cooling off period though which I could invoke if need be.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

with that tariff you're tied in until Nov 2021, better shop around now and get out if you want within the 14 days.

marka87uk

Yes, looks like I can switch supplier within 14 days as the following is stated in the tariff T&Cs.

You can switch to another supplier without giving us any notice. If you switch to another energy supplier after the cool off period and before 13 October 2021 we’ll charge you an exit fee of £30 for electricity and £30 for gas.

Gerry1

marka87uk said:

I hope this doesn't mean I've been forced into a contract with them which will endure exit fees, as I am now on the HomeEnergy Fix Nov 2021 tariff and the details state there are fees for leaving early.

If you don't bother to find out what a contract involves before you sign it, you may well find it all ends in tears...