Select date for energy switch

mojo29_2

I am currently with First Utility on a dual fuel fixed package that expires on April 30th, which has a fee to quit the package early.

Having had a look at various companies, I have found a new company which is cheaper, and I applied two nights ago to commence the switch. I was sort of expecting it to be like buying insurance, where you specify the date you want it to start, however I could see no such option.

I've since had a communication from the new company, that states that the switch will take place on April 18th!

I see Ofgem states that within the final 49 days, I can't be charged an early exit fee. Is this right, so I should be okay to leave on the 18th. Will this affect any money I've paid First Utility/Shell Energy upfront with my Direct debit?

Also, I had Smart Meters fitted in June last year.
Should my new company be able to read these or will I have to manually do readings?

Robin9

No problem with the 18th -and you won't be charged an exit fee.
Be aware that you may well be asked for a DD from your new company before the switch (ie you nay may two DD's this month)
and yes you will have to get into the habit of reading your meter as it will probably no longer be smart.

MWT

mojo29_2 said:

Also, I had Smart Meters fitted in June last year.
Should my new company be able to read these or will I have to manually do readings?

That depends on who you've switched to and what type of meters you had fitted.

If you can add a bit more detail it will be easier to give the correct answer...

matelodave

Assume that you'll have to send in readings, ideally monthly - dont forget to record them yourself some where as well. If the meter becomes smart with the new supplier then consider it a bonus. TBH I'd still read the meter myself at least once a month and check that the bills are correctly using the smart meter readings even if they do become smart again.

Dont forget that the thing in your house on the sideboard is not the meter and does not send info back to the supplier it's an IHD- the meter is connected to the incoming gas and electricity supplies. So make sure you read the meter not the IHD.

May I suggest that you download as much data as you can (bills and statements) from your old supplier and save them as PDF files so you've got a your own records, just in case something happens in the future

mojo29_2

Thanks for the replies all. Company is going to be “Green Network Energy.”

mojo29_2

Just thought I’d let people know I was smart meters have been converted to the new supplier therefore I do not need to provide me to readings every month as the smart meters fitted are suitable for switching to the new supplier. The IHD has also switched over.