How many days before to start my duel fuel switch so as not to incur early exit fees?

milgo

Looking to change my current dual fuel plan to something cheaper. My current plan with EDF ends on 31st July and has £35 per fuel exit fees and I am aware that I cannot switch earlier than 49 days from this date or be penalised.

I was hoping to get some advice/opinion on the 2 options that I have set out below.

This morning I read on the uswitch website the following...

"Though shorter switching times have been introduced, it's worth noting that switching still takes at least 17 days (two-week "cooling off" period plus three days to switch)."

With that statement in mind I have calculated that I can go ahead and start my switch on...

a) 12th June (49 days out)
or
b) Now (58 days out) if the information on the uswitch website is accurate then the actual switch is not going to take place until at least 20th June at the earliest which again would keep me within the 49 days.

Thanks

Robin9

49

and don't go for dual fuel

Late1stTimeBuyer

I'm in a similar position to you, I was planning on starting the switch process 49 days out from the end date just to be on the safe side. 

milgo

Thank you both.  I will wait until the 12th of June to start the switch.
Just checked both uswitch and citizensadvice for quotes based on my known annual kWh usage (gas 22340 - Electric  4510) and for separate suppliers, Zog (gas) & Symbio (electric) were together £43 cheaper than the best dual fuel.

MWT

milgo said:

... and for separate suppliers, Zog (gas) & Symbio (electric) were together £43 cheaper than the best dual fuel.

Often the case that you can beat dual fuel deals like that.

Do go read the reviews on here though so you know what you are getting into with Symbio...

milgo

Thanks I will do.

Late1stTimeBuyer

I've previously always gone for dual fuel for convenience, might have to have a look at separate suppliers if it's that much cheaper. 

Talldave

I recently spotted that for certain SE London postcodes it's cheaper to sign up for separate fuels, both with OutFox The Matket than to go for OFTM's dual fuel deal. The energy market is quirky beyond belief!

dogshome

The 17 days refers to the time it takes for the Switch to be completed after you have set the Switch in motion, ( 14 days of that time is taken up by your right to cancel the Switch  )

The 17 days is not set in stone, if there is a hitch among the two suppliers and the other two 'hidden' agencies in the system, it can take far longer 

milgo

Symbio - reading the latest 3 months of feedback on here does not leave me feeling very confident of a trouble-free time with them as my prospective new supplier! Shame.

HonestJohn

It is the switch date that counts, not the date that you sign up to a new supplier. Therefore 49 + 17 should be okay but I would err on the safe side and go for 59 days.