One Energy supplier in a apartment building

paddymc88

Hi All, I am currently renting an apartment and hoping to purchase a different apartment in the same apartment building. 
When we moved in to rent, we were informed that we wouldn't be able to change energy supplier by the landlord which we were OK with however speaking with neighbours they have all informed us that they have the same energy supplier and they believe that no one in the apartment building is able to move away from the supplier. They also have everyone on the same expensive tariff and they have informed me numerous times on the phone, that they can not move us away from this tariff.  My understanding was that you would be able to change energy supplier if required. Has anyone ever come across this before as our current supplier is extremely expensive?

Robin9

This sounds like a District Heating scheme where there is one big boiler supplying the water and central heating. If so yes you are stuck.
You should still be able to switch electricity.

Gerry1

Is this a district heating scheme, i.e. you don't have your own boiler, just a central one?

To whom do you pay the bills?  Does this apply to both gas and electricity?

What does your tenancy agreement say?

paddymc88

Thanks for your Replies. We have our own boiler etc however we are on an economy 10 tariff with EDF. There is no gas in our apartment building only electricity.

Gerry1

If you pay EDF directly then you are free to switch.  However, Economy 10 is a twilight tariff so you may find few suppliers will offer it.  You could try Economy 7, but your heating system may miss the afternoon boost so you might need to make some changes.  Do you have an electric boiler with wet radiators?  That will always be hideously expensive and is unlikely to be suitable for a conventional electric boiler.

Restricted Meter Good Practice Guide.pdf

Ofgem RHT to single rate

btr30

From previous experience when I was required to arrange new supply installation, there was option to pay for the installation  cost up front, or pay a reduced installation cost and tie in a supply deal over a period (3-5) years.
This was for business supplies.
Could it be possible that the developer has made a similar arrangement?

FaceHead

If you directly pay EDF then you can switch, the information is quite clear here: 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

It's likely that someone is getting a kickback from this expensive tariff, so is telling people not to switch. Developers do usually get an initial payment from energy companies on new properties, but there is nothing other than consumer apathy to stop them switching.  Have you simply tried switching? Your landlord has no right to object, and if your account is up to date, EDF don't either. An even simple first step would be to call EDF and ask if they have a better tariff for you - it might be that they don't offer their cheap tariffs in Economy 10, but they (or someone else) might have a cheap single rate electricity deal that works out cheaper.