Switching energy supplier at the end of a tenancy

Sensory

I wish to continue using my energy current supplier when I move home (to a purchased property), but there'll likely be a few days/weeks of overlap where I'll have to cover bills for both properties until a replacement tenant moves in (early surrender). My tenancy agreement includes a clause stipulating I must switch back to the original energy supplier (British Gas) at the end of the tenancy; does this mean I'll have to re-open the account and pay my final bill(s) with British Gas, or is there a process in place that facilitates switching suppliers without actually becoming a customer (again)?

Update: I've just reread my original AST signed in August 2016 (originally for one year). Specifically:

• To inform the Landlord or the Landlord’s Agent of any change to the supplier of the utilities to the Premises and provide the name and address of the new supplier to the Landlord or the Landlord’s Agent at the termination of the Tenancy.

• To pay for any transfer and reconnection costs to return the supplier to the original utility provider at the termination of the Tenancy.

My current agreement is a Memorandum of Agreement, signed in July 2019, and doesn't mention anything regarding energy suppliers, except in reference to passing on my details in relation to GDPR.

davidmcn

Or you could just ignore that provision. I'm not sure why the landlord would care or what loss they'll suffer by the supplier not being British Gas.

Petriix

That seems like very strange clause. It seems like the sensible thing to do is to switch to British Gas in your own name ASAP to avoid any complications. Make sure that you get photos of the meter readings on the day you switch and again on the day your tenancy ends.

Better would be to persuade your landlord to waive the pointless clause. In any case, whoever moves in (or your landlord if the property will be empty) will need to register with the supplier and take responsibility for the bills when your tenancy is over.

greatcrested

You cannot be forced to switch energy company. Just inform the LL when you leave who the supplier is. He may not care. He may not like it. But nothing he can do.

Q. Do I have the right to change my gas and electricity provider?If you are directly responsible for paying the gas or electricity bill, you have the right to choose the supplier. Landlords or agents are not allowed to prevent you from doing this. Ofgem has published guidance on its website to explain your right to choose your energy supplier

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/819635/TFA_Tenant_Guidance_190722.pdf

Sensory

I switched away from British Gas soon after I moved in. I thought reverting to the original supplier was a fairly common clause in tenancy agreements, but the practicalities of doing so seem messy and nonsensical if I don't want to be British Gas customer again (in my case).
Ofgem states:

Check: if you are required by a clause in the contract to return the account to the original supplier, or the original meters if you have them changed, at the end of the tenancy.

Citizens Advice:

You may have to return the account to the original supplier at the end of your tenancy.

I suppose the real question is what repercussions would there be if I chose not to switch back, as I'd technically be breaking a clause in my tenancy agreement?

davidmcn

Sensory said:

I suppose the real question is what repercussions would there be if I chose not to switch back, as I'd technically be breaking a clause in my tenancy agreement?

Exactly. What are they going to do? Evict you after you've already left? Sue you for their non-existent losses?

[Deleted User]

The CAB is wrong, which is pretty suprising.  You don't have to change supplier.  Although it does say 'may'.  See
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consumers/household-gas-and-electricity-guide/how-switch-energy-supplier-and-shop-better-deal/how-switch-energy-supplier-if-you-re-tenant
I had a similar problem with my private LL.., but I sent the above link to him and he questioned the supplier no further.  Its a commonly held belief that is not correct that the LL can say you must keep x supplier for utilities. He even tried to tell me I couldn't put a water meter in (until the water company put one in themselves without me asking them to).