Switching gas tariff to get a fixed price

Pat38493

Simple question I hope - if I switch my gas tariff from Octopus to another supplier to get a better fixed price, am I locking in the fix at the moment that I sign up?

I am checking because when you move suppliers it always says you are automatically moved to their standard tariff at first. Does this mean that it's possible that the deal you specifically signed up for is no longer available by the time your switch occurs?

I am thinking of switching away from Octopus for gas only to get an 18month fix at 7.47 whereas Octopus are offering 8.13

Ayr_Rage

If you switch to a fix you DO NOT move onto the standard tariff, I don't know why you think that is the case.

la531983

It will take a few days but as above, you wont move onto their standard rate first. Think you are confusing it with a house move where that can happen as you have to register with whoever supplies the new property.

Pat38493

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82113851#Comment_82113851

Maybe I am confusing it - I guess it might be because sometimes if you get a quote on sites, there is wording like "you will first go onto our standard tariff for a few days until your account is fully set up", but if I am correctly signed up to the fix that I requested at the switching time then that's fine - that is what I suspected I just wanted to 100% confirm it.

QrizB

FWIW I switched my gas to Fuse last week. It went through in two days and I have been on the fixed tariff I chose from the very start.

Most of the "variable first" examples I can think of are smart tariffs that need half-hourly meter data. Sensible suppliers don't promise this sort of tariff until they know can connect to your meter and get the readings!

Pat38493

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82113937#Comment_82113937

I just caved and did the same as it is looking increasingly likely that the gas prices will continue to remain high and potentially increasing through the winter. Also - I noted the Fuse energy standing charge is a lot cheaper than Octopus - in fact it's nearly 50% less which is mad.

In parallel I also have an appointment later this week to discuss a project to install A2A heat pumps bit by bit in the house during the next few years, starting with the 2 rooms we use most of the time.

t0rt0ise

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82114216#Comment_82114216

I just looked at Fuse with its low standing charge and higher kWh charge. I'm a high gas user. I worked it all out and found that the cost is almost exactly the same over a year as I'm paying now on Octopus flexible. And Octopus are offering a fix at the same price as flexible so I thought there was no point in moving supplier so just fixed with Octopus. Now I foresee months of working out if it's worth losing the 50quid leaving fee to jump elsewhere when prices eventually drop.

Staying on Agile for electricity.

Pat38493

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82114729#Comment_82114729

OK - but Fuse energy offered me an 18 month fix at 7.571p and 16.860p standing charge. Yes the annual cost is about the same as Octopus, but that’s based on the July Octopus price cap figure - those numbers were going to go up significantly in October and probably again in January.

Octopus was offering a fix at 8.3p with an SC that’s almost double.

I am not sure if that Fuse tariff was classed as a low standing charge tariff but it came out about the same as various others, and in the end my main motivation is to shield against potential 9p rates in January according to some forecasters. If I have to pay a £50 exit fee to get back off it again it will be worth it for peace of mind over the winter.

tlcgrantham

• @ Pat38493
• 1. Make sure you get a referral if you know someone who’s with Fuse worth £100 each.
• 2. If Fuse bring out a cheaper Tariff within your 14 day cooling off period you can switch to it without exit fees.

t0rt0ise

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82114760#Comment_82114760

Exactly, and as the Octopus fix is exactly the same as the current variable it made sense to stick before October. That was my thinking which may prove to be wrong come next year if prices fall. Who knows? At least I'm protected against the rises in October and January. I think it just shows that the right thing to do is dependent on individual circumstances.

Pat38493

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82114803#Comment_82114803

OK - but I have already triggered the switch from a 3rd party site. Will they accept a referral code after the fact?