Final readings for switch

Rollinghome

My date for switching electricity and gas from Scottish Energy to SainsburyEnergy (Eon Next) is 11 Sep, with Sainburys taking the first DD on 13 Sep.

Sainsbury originally asked for a reading for today, 6 Sep, but had a reminder today now saying today or within 10 days, ie 5 days either side of 10th.  Scottish Power asked for a reading on the 10 Sep.  Could someone tell me if it matters if the dates are different?   If not, which date do they work from?

I ask mainly from idle curiosity because the most obvious approach would be for both to have the same figure,  but also because when we were switched to Scottish on the demise of Tonik, both parties tried to charge me for the same overlapping five days. 

The obvious thing  would be to wait and give them both the same reading on the 10th - or possibly the same reading today as I've just taken it. Your thoughts please.

Gerry1

The exact date doesn't matter as long as it's within the window, otherwise an estimate will be used.  You should only give the reading to the gaining supplier.  They drive the process, and both parties should use the same reading.

However, it may be tweaked by The Mysterious Third Party.

[Deleted User]

Rollinghome said:

because when we were switched to Scottish on the demise of Tonik, both parties tried to charge me for the same overlapping five days. 

The obvious thing  would be to wait and give them both the same reading on the 10th - or possibly the same reading today as I've just taken it. Your thoughts please.

This graphic outlines the switching process. As @Gerry1 has said, the gaining supplier manages the switching process which includes getting the reading that you provide validated for switching purposes. Both suppliers are required to use the validated reading to open and close your accounts. The losing supplier should not use any reading that you provide to close your account. The validation process is designed to avoid disputes. Some consumers do not provide switch meter readings; some misread their meters, and some provide an erroneous reading if they think it will save them a few £s.

Rollinghome

Gerry1 said:

 The Mysterious Third Party.

Thanks to you both for that.  I'll post the readings to Sainsburys today then and ignore Scottish Energy.

We may cause the MTP man a bit of head scratching as our antique boiler went down in the winter and our reading are this year are all over the place - anything but typical.

I'd vote for bringing back "the meter man" with the peaked cap and the torch to do his stuff.