Zero standing charge supplier for gas?

jmh99

I need a zero standing charge supplier for mains gas.  I have installed a heat pump and no longer use any gas on the property and there are no appliances connected to the gas meter. Removing the gas meter isn't an option as the network provider estimates £2000 to do this (it involves digging up the street).  Does anyone know of a zero standing charge gas supplier or am I forced to forever pay for a meter that I'll never use? 
  

GingerTim

I think your only option is Utilita, though I can't tell from the website if you can take a tariff that's only for gas without electricity (and the first unit rate for electricity is very painful)

https://utilita.co.uk/help/our-tariffs

MattMattMattUK

Have it capped off above the meter, then generally after six months they will remove the meter free of charge, although they will not "make good" on paving, driveways etc. beyond the very basics but will on the public space. 

Scot_39

The gas SC on DD is c£100pa+VAT - so not a lot if you are rich enough to spend £1000s on ASHP and associated upgrades - but £2000 is a lot.

You might want to do a search. There's been some debate about whether such charges would always apply.

Re zero SC supply.

Think about it logically - why would any energy reseller take on a true zero use case.  The companies have to pay the fixed network costs per customer.  They have to supply a new Smart meter if thats their terms - and support your existing one - that all costs money too.

You would have to check any who do offer SC free tariffs T&Cs carefully - they if wise - are likely to include recovery of such fixed costs in some way.

Utilita was one - on smart pay as you go - that loaded 1st 2 units on each fuel daily - but the website won't quote for just gas - I suspect as above - it is easiest fuel to avoid any significant re 2kWH recovery daily use for several months of the year - leaving them with fixed costs and no income.

You might want to change your subject - or start another - to attract specific comments about say "gas supply disconnection charges"

There was a few posts in not too distant past - re whether needed to pay that fee - cannot remember scenarios or conclusions.

Try doing a forum search.

redchiz

Maybe I'm missing something here, but can you not simply cancel your gas supply contract and just leave the meter in place?

wrf12345

a lot of people only use gas for a few months of the year so capping will not work, though the govn should be giving grants to people willing to discontinue use of gas...

Scot_39

GingerTim said:

I think your only option is Utilita, though I can't tell from the website if you can take a tariff that's only for gas without electricity (and the first unit rate for electricity is very painful)

https://utilita.co.uk/help/our-tariffs

It used to be 1st 2 units per fuel - and were nominally higher because it's how they recover the missing SC on a day when you use more than 2kWh.

Their online quote tool wont quote gas only.   And if ring - I would hazard a guess they will ask about future expected / typical usage.

Never seen how their rates actually compare to Ofgem / EPG SVTs - but they are potentially not standard default tariffs - so may not have to comply at all.

MWT

redchiz said:

Maybe I'm missing something here, but can you not simply cancel your gas supply contract and just leave the meter in place?

No, as long as the meter is there the standing charge has to be paid as the supply is available to be used...

Scot_39

wrf12345 said:

a lot of people only use gas for a few months of the year so capping will not work, though the govn should be giving grants to people willing to discontinue use of gas...

There's a £5000 grant in England - and a higher upto £7500 iirc depending on location - in Scotland - for fitting ASHP as an alternative to gas boiler.

That brings a simple ASHP install with likes of BG or Octopus - down to a similar level to a gas boiler in England - and nearly free in right parts of Scotland.

What more help do you expect ?

GingerTim

Scot_39 said:

GingerTim said:

I think your only option is Utilita, though I can't tell from the website if you can take a tariff that's only for gas without electricity (and the first unit rate for electricity is very painful)

https://utilita.co.uk/help/our-tariffs

It used to be 1st 2 units per fuel - and were nominally higher because it's how they recover the missing SC on a day when you use more than 2kWh.

Their online quote tool wont quote gas only.   And if ring - I would hazard a guess they will ask about future expected / typical usage.

Never seen how their rates actually compare to Ofgem / EPG SVTs - but they are potentially not standard default tariffs - so may not have to comply at all.

Yes, I suspect they won't allow gas-only accounts to avoid having to take on non-profitable customers like the OP!

TheElectricCow

Obviously will depend on your exact circumstances, but I’d suggest pursuing getting the meter disconnected further over looking for a new supplier to supply nothing.

I’ve heard that the supply can usually be capped leaving all pipework etc. in place. I believe Octopus, currently, will disconnect a standard gas supply free of charge for their customers, provided there are no complications to add additional costs.

If I remember correctly, at some point later on the network operator will then come to remove the old pipework without charge.