British Gas Exit Fee

Rhys's_Dad

Our fixed tariff with British Gas is due to end on 31 Dec 2020. having checked the tariff details, I couldn't see a mention of any leeway, normally 50 days before the tariff ends, in which I could switch to another supplier, so I contacted BG and they insist any move before 31st Dec will incur and early exit fee.  I could give the new supplier the 31 Dec as the date to switch of course, but if there's a hitch somewhere and the switch goes through early, I don't want to give BG an excuse to impose the early exit fee. Any thoughts anyone.

JGB1955

Ofgem rules state that your energy provider is not allowed to charge you fees for switching if you are in the final 49 calendar days of a fixed-term contract.  It seems that BG have 'previous' for this - see https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/british-gas-pays-out-265-million-over-invalid-exit-fees-and-overcharging

Gerry1

You can't give the new supplier a specified switch date.

BTW: Wrong forum, should have been in Energy.

dogshome

BG getting it wrong yet again, despite already being slapped on the wrist by Ofgem for exactly this problem

You can start a Switch 49 days before your contract end date - The Switch is usually completed in around 21 days, and even though it's completed before your Contact End Date, BG cannot charge Exit Fee's