Moved into new flat - electricity sign-up?

radioj

Hi all. I've just moved into a new flat which I believe was previously supplied by SSE. It has a smart meter (electricity only, no gas). I started signing up to SSE under their 'moving in' section of the website and it quoted me about £79 a month which seems a bit much for someone in a 1 bed flat living alone! Price comparison sites had me more at the £50 mark but couldn't sign me up because of the 'energy crisis'.

Considering this 'crisis' what can I do to get the best deal as someone moving in to a new flat? I was interested in Octopus but their website wouldn't even let me sign up! It said I should stay with my current supplier, but I don't even have an account.

bsms1147

If the property is being supplied by SSE, you are already with them by default. You do need to register so you have an account set up, but you’re currently on a deemed tariff with them by virtue of living at the property.

The deemed tariff will be at the cap (or fractionally below), and you won’t do any better (barring a few pounds per year) anywhere else.

So sign up with SSE (as you have to) and stay on their standard (variable) rate. You can choose to opt for a fixed rate with them (or elsewhere, after you’ve signed up to SSE) but it will be more expensive in the here and now. Only time will tell whether signing up for a fixed rate was a good move in retrospect. People will argue it both ways.

£79 could be right for a single occupier 1 bedroom all-electric flat, but don’t forget, you pay for what you use; the amount you pay is just a contribution to what you owe, it might be enough, it might not be. Use less and you’ll pay less. Use more and you’ll pay more. But it’s unlikely to be any cheaper for the same useage with another supplier.

radioj

Thanks. I think I was thrown when they wanted me to sign up to a fixed price thingy on their website. Perhaps I need to phone them to get on the standard one.