I've jsut moved in and want to switch providers

MOT1919

Hello

I'm a first-time buyer and have just moved into my new home. The gas and electricity suppliers are British Gas and I've looked at setting up a tariff directly through them. However, their options - whether fixed or variable - are way more expensive than what I've seen on comparison sites (including some other British Gas quotes)

Am I able to set up a new tariff with a different supplier today and then separately square up with British Gas for what I've used since moving in? I moved in on March 14th and have meter readings from that date. Alternatively, should I just get their variable tariff and immediately search for a different supplier as there would be no exit fees?

Thank you

Neil49

You will be on the BG variable tariff from the time you took ownership of the property. You can now search for a better tariff elsewhere and arrange a switch asap.

Keep_pedalling

To get a proper comparison you need to look at the standing charges and unit costs not estimated monthly costs which can be misleading.

Robin9

(Removed by Forum Team) New to your or brandnew ?

What is your heating - gas/ eectric (storage or panel)

If gas heating and a modern house - typical electric 2900 kWh and gas 11000 kWh. What figures have you been using ?

WiserMiser

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81935114#Comment_81935114

AFAIK the average annual Typical Domestic Consumer Values for a dual fuel household are 11,500kWh p.a. for gas and 2,700kWh for electricity.

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2023-05/TDCV%202023%20Decision%20Letter.pdf

For a well insulated modern house the consumption may be lower.

Start by guesstimating your annual kWh usage. A bit more if you work from home, are in the north or Scotland, are high up or in a shady or windy spot, have an old or draughty property, a house not a flat etc. Make sure 5% VAT is included and don't forget the daily or standing charge.

Then look at several approved comparison sites (some have exclusive deals) and the MSE Cheap Energy Club.

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/switch-energy-supplier

Critically important to view the Whole Market otherwise you'll see only the more expensive suppliers who pay commission. There will be a Whole Market option but it's often well hidden and need more clicks. It can be cheaper to have separate suppliers.

For 'Fixed' tariffs only the kWh price and standing charge are fixed; use more and you'll pay more. There's usually an exit fee, so best avoided until you've been there a year; most have recently been withdrawn anyway. Always compare annual ££ costs, not DD amounts which can be set unrealistically.

Monthly Variable Direct Debit can be helpful because credit or debit won't build up and you get a better idea of the real costs and earlier warning if youre using too much. Of course, bigger bills in winter, smaller ones in summer. Make sure you send monthly meter readings.

You can often share a welcome bonus of c.£100 with a friend or relative who recommends a supplier.

Finally, remember that BG, EDF, Ovo and Scottish Power don't have great ratings.

https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/uk-best-worst-energy-suppliers-000100581.html

t0rt0ise

You need to contact British Gas to set up an account, if you haven't already done so, giving them the opening read. Then you can sign up with any supplier of your choice and the new supplier will do everything needed to swap you over. In time British Gas will send you a final bill. No need to contact British Gas to tell them you're leaving, the new supplier will do that. Good luck.

Scot_39

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6661018/i-039-ve-jsut-moved-in-and-want-to-switch-providers

You have to set up an account with BG as your deemed supplier - even if only for a few days or weeks - and then move the supply in your name if you want to.

So you need to register on a variable rate for now - until decide if they have a suitable fix or you find a better deal elsewhere.

Moving is very quick these days - days not weeks - and its a pull system - you give the readings and the instruction only to the new supplier - they liaise with the others involved - inc BG.

And if you are thinking of moving - check if the company offers a referral scheme - where you and a relative / friend etc can benefit from a reward for switching - some offer £50 to you and the referrer.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/energy-supplier-rewards-and-referral-schemes/

luci

If you do decide to swittch from BG to another supplier, make sure you take photos of your meter readings at every stage. BG are known for disputing customer's readings.

MOT1919

Thank you for your answers everyone

I have supplied my meter readings - they weren't accepted by the sign up form so had to send photos on webchat

Should I just sign up for a variable account and then immediately start shopping around for a cheaper quote(no exit fee)? I'm still not technically a British Gas customer as I don't have an account with them - their standard tariff is way more expensive than other options on comparison sites/other suppliers

WiserMiser

Yes, sign up for a variable account and then immediately start shopping around. But whether it's cheaper or is a fix with or without an exit fee, is down to crystal ball gazing and your attitude to risk, as previously mentioned.

No, even without an account you became a BG customer on a deemed tariff the moment you turned on a light or fired up the boiler or cooker. In reality that's often the moment you took possession because the GCH and HW are usually left on.