new gas / eletric contract - not switching

JeffMason

Hello,

A friend has asked me to suggest a place to look for the best gas / electric deals and I suggested the MSE Energy Club, but it seems that it's just for switching... They are moving out with family for first time and so wont be switching from another supplier, is there a way to find the best deals in that situation?

Thank you!

Petriix

They will have an existing supplier by default. They inherit the supplier from the previous occupier (or the developer for a new build) and will be on the most expensive 'deemed' tariff to start with. Here's what they need to do:
1. Take meter readings as soon as they get the keys - take photos in case of a dispute later. 
2. Find out the current supplers (Google how). 
3. Contact the current supplier, setup an account with a direct debit and switch to their cheapest tariff that doesn't have any exit fees.
4. Do a comparison and initiate a switch to the cheapest supplier - use Citizens Advice or Which for a full market comparison.

molerat

They will be switching from the incumbent supplier of the property to the supplier of their choice, be it their current supplier or someone new.  Don't use the MSE compare site as their are many suppliers not included, it used to be good but not any more.  I like the citizens advice site https://energycompare.citizensadvice.org.uk/

macman

Use any tariff on the comp site as the existing supplier-the point is to get the comparative data.

Gerry1

Separate suppliers are often cheaper than dual fuel.

JeffMason

So they have to go with whichever is set up in the flat already? And get onto a no exit fees tariff, and then switch away from it quickly?

They can't just pick a supplier and contact them with the address and meter readings?

They say the flat has been empty for a while and are not sure any supplier is current..? 

Robin9

Correct - you must go with the existing supplier (ask the agent)  Don't go with a new supplier until you have done - that's a recipe for disaster.

Gerry1

Never rely on asking the agent, they may not know, may not care, may have out of date or wrong information, or may dream up incorrect suppliers just to get you off the phone.

It's far quicker and easier  to get accurate information online.  For gas it's Find My Gas Supplier and for electricity it's Find My Network Operator and then check on your DNO's website.

macman

JeffMason said:

So they have to go with whichever is set up in the flat already? And get onto a no exit fees tariff, and then switch away from it quickly?

They can't just pick a supplier and contact them with the address and meter readings?

They say the flat has been empty for a while and are not sure any supplier is current..? 

There is always a current supplier, and standing charges continue to accrue, unless the supply has been disconnected. It takes 3 to 5 weeks to switch, and that initial period must be billed and paid to the existing supplier. 
As soon as they register and give readings, they can commence a switch.

MWT

JeffMason said:

So they have to go with whichever is set up in the flat already? And get onto a no exit fees tariff, and then switch away from it quickly?

They can't just pick a supplier and contact them with the address and meter readings?

They say the flat has been empty for a while and are not sure any supplier is current..? 

I can feel the resistance and disbelief from here

Don't fight this one, doom and disaster awaits if they decide to take the 'easy' route of just picking a new supplier without dealing with the current suppliers first.

brewerdave

MWT said:

JeffMason said:

So they have to go with whichever is set up in the flat already? And get onto a no exit fees tariff, and then switch away from it quickly?

They can't just pick a supplier and contact them with the address and meter readings?

They say the flat has been empty for a while and are not sure any supplier is current..? 

I can feel the resistance and disbelief from here

Don't fight this one, doom and disaster awaits if they decide to take the 'easy' route of just picking a new supplier without dealing with the current suppliers first.

Especially if the flat has been empty "for some time" - the "occupier" will presumably owe quite a bit in standing charges and possibly kwh charges if things have been left switched on eg gas boiler ,immersion heater (!!!) , fridge/freezer.