When can I switch?

Bungle73

Hi. I'm coming to the end of my one year fix with So Energy. I'm wanting to switch somewhere else. My tariff ends on the 17th September. The other day they sent my an email notifying me of my tariff coming to an end, and offering me a couple of options if I stay with them. Can I start the process of switching to a new supplier now, or do I have to wait some more time?

Netexporter

You can switch up to 49 days before the end of the contract without incurring penalties.

Bungle73

Netexporter said:

You can switch up to 49 days before the end of the contract without incurring penalties.

Thanks. I guess I need to sit tight for a while then.

Bungle73

The supplier I'm thinking of moving to lets me specify a moving date quite a while into the future, into mid August. I could do that and be fine, if I chose a date within 49 days of the end of my contract, right?

Malifax

Just a word of warning. I recently switched to  Octopus from So Energy, who seem to be less competitive in the energy market than they were. I also didn't want to make the same mistake as last year, when I thought I was being canny by taking a fixed deal but which ended up costing substantially more than capped variable rates. So the Octopus fixed but zero exit cost deal appears a better option. 

I tried to set the switch in motion but was delayed by my address being scrambled somewhere along the line - not certain whether So Energy was to blame, but they eventually got this sorted, and the process got under way. The general advice seemed to be not to cancel a Direct Debit if in credit, as I was (comfortably), to enable a refund to take place. What I was not expecting, however, was for So Energy to help themselves to another DD  payment after the switch was under way. Now they are sitting on several hundred pounds of mine, which they say I will not see for some weeks - quite why so long I know not - which doesn't help cash flow. I have protested but they seem to be denying me even the courtesy of a reply.

So if you can, ensure that you minimise the amount you are in credit with So Energy before you make the switch!

BarelySentientAI

Just a point of clarification - taking a regularly scheduled direct debit whilst a switch is in process is completely normal.

Bungle73

Malifax said:

Just a word of warning. I recently switched to  Octopus from So Energy, who seem to be less competitive in the energy market than they were. I also didn't want to make the same mistake as last year, when I thought I was being canny by taking a fixed deal but which ended up costing substantially more than capped variable rates. So the Octopus fixed but zero exit cost deal appears a better option. 

I tried to set the switch in motion but was delayed by my address being scrambled somewhere along the line - not certain whether So Energy was to blame, but they eventually got this sorted, and the process got under way. The general advice seemed to be not to cancel a Direct Debit if in credit, as I was (comfortably), to enable a refund to take place. What I was not expecting, however, was for So Energy to help themselves to another DD  payment after the switch was under way. Now they are sitting on several hundred pounds of mine, which they say I will not see for some weeks - quite why so long I know not - which doesn't help cash flow. I have protested but they seem to be denying me even the courtesy of a reply.

So if you can, ensure that you minimise the amount you are in credit with So Energy before you make the switch!

I've decided to make the switch to Outfox the Market. But I've delayed the switch date until I'm well within my 49 days. What should be my last statement and last DD from So are due only a few days after the switch is due to happen.

Rustlingduck

Bungle73 said:

I've decided to make the switch to Outfox the Market. But I've delayed the switch date until I'm well within my 49 days. What should be my last statement and last DD from So are due only a few days after the switch is due to happen.

Would be really interested to know if you were charged any exit fees when you actually switched doing this?

I've got hefty exit fees and my 49 days only starts on the 12th March so concerned there won't be any fixed deals still around if I have to wait... but if I sign up to  a new deal now but delay the actual switch date till in the 49 days I'm hoping to get round the fee. Not sure if that will work though...