Confused about Energy Supplier

BikingBud

PeterJames123 said:

Hi,

My wife and have moved into a rental property a few days ago and signed the tenancy agreement. The letting agent gave us a move-in pack with a space for us to write meter readings for gas, electric, and water, as well as the keys. However, they didn’t explain what we’re supposed to do about the energy supplier.

There’s a bill from Scottish Power addressed to “Owner/Occupier” (dated 3rd September 2024) for the “Standard Online” tariff how you pay Direct Debit. When I contacted Scottish Power to ask about switching providers, they said they couldn’t discuss the account with me.

I’ve also tried contacting the letting agent for guidance, but I haven’t received any reply.

So, I’m a bit confused. Are we allowed to switch energy suppliers, or do we need to set up an account with Scottish Power first?

Would appreciate any advice!

Yes you are liable from the start of your tenancy but without getting agreed readings what does that actually mean?

Why did the agent not go through the meter readings with you, not only to ensure you know where the meters are and you can verify that, especially in flats, the wrong meter has not been used. This would protect their client as much as anything else.

A smart meter might or might not provide a benefit. Depends if you will bother looking at the readings and adjusting your behaviour, that can be done with traditional meters, as can taking periodic readings manually and submitting those to the supplier via their website, but that might require access that is not always convenient. 


A health warning as we see it often:

DO NOT ASSUME - the DD you are paying means anything other than you are transferring money to them. It may or may not cover the amount of energy that you will use. YOU need to determine if those 2 things are closely aligned and that you do not end up underpaying because you thought the DD was correct.

Out of interest what did you do previously and if you have just left a property how did you close down that account? Or did you?

BikingBud

Albermarle said:

I think it's always cheaper to pay by direct debit (lower unit rate?) - some suppliers offer 'variable direct debit' (I think that's what it's called) where you only pay for the units you've actually used, but obviously you must have smart meters for that - otherwise it's a fixed amount each month based on estimated usage (if no smart meter, you should supply readings regularly to ensure you're not going to end up with a massive bill / overpay hugely)

With some providers at least even if you have a fixed amount you pay each month, they allow you to change that ( within reason) if it seems you are building up too much credit.

Some providers will bully might be too strong a term but "encourage" you to keep a sum in your account that provides benefit to them rather than you. The forecasting SW that drives out the DD will ensure you overpay and if you do personally monitor and keep on top then it should work out OK.