Switching Electricity only - have to pay money up front?

Money_saving_Martyn

Hi all

I'm just trying to talk my parents into switching electricity suppliers (there's no gas installed where they live) and the cheapest tarrif is British Gas Click something.

My parents tell me that they've tried to change before, but British Gas wanted £100 deposite/up front payment because they "had no record of them paying a gas bill". (They probably got the response "well, install gas in our village then!") This was a few years ago.

My parents don't have any credit problems and have always paid bills on time and haveno problems getting credit card or overdrafts (for example).

Has anyone else had to pay money up front when they've switched suppliers?

Thanks for your answers!

SwanJon

I've not heard that excuse (could be the advisor getting it wrong), but they do sometimes credit check before offering a contract.

Not sure if they do this if you sign up online (and get the cashback).
Anyone?

mute_posting

The only reason I can think of is if they are moveing from pre-pay meter to bills, the supplier may want a security deposit?

MP

Supercali

I am just in the process of switching my electricity from EON to British Gas and haven't had a deposit to pay . I don't have gas as we use oil.

The laughable thing is that when BG rang up to confirm details they wanted to start my monthly direct debit at £21 :rolleyes: . I am currently using about £100 a month as we have had no boiler for a year and been using fan heaters :eek: (although new boiler soon to be commissioned)

I signed up via a cashback site.