Switching to new energy deal before previous one finishes

peter021072

Hi, I was wondering if it's possible to book an energy deal in advance, so the contract under that tariff starts only after my current energy deal finishes. That is even if the new companies tariff increases in the interim period.

MWT

Depends on the supplier, but Octopus for example will let you lock-in a fixed rate deal to run from the end of your current fixed rate deal once you are within 49 days of the current deal ending.

peter021072

I chose Home Energy in the end, however they are taking a payment almost immediately after the switch so I'm crediting them. Is this standard nowadays, when did it start? It makes me wonder if this was the case with my last supplier Ovo, and the one before that. I recall in my last telecom switchover I was paying twice in one month. Since I often switch every year or contract, it takes a lot of time to look back and check if at least one of the firms haven't double billed me.

victor2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82033477#Comment_82033477

Many (most?) suppliers do take a payment as soon as the tariff starts. You're paying up front, but it does mean you will probably not owe anything when your tariff ends, if the payments accurately reflect your usage of course. When I last switched, I had a small credit with the losing supplier and payments started immediately with the new supplier, so my cash flow was hardly affected.

Edit: I've dealt with a few suppliers where I've selected a new tariff with them, and they've arranged it to start when the current one ends. Did your new supplier allow you to delay the start?

peter021072

Did your new supplier allow you to delay the start?

Yes, it starts in just over a week when my old contract finishes.