cheapest Gas and Electrics for beginners

foleyartist01

Hi,

We have just bought and are looking for the best gas and electric deal. As we have never used utilities before we do not know what our estimated usage will be. The property will also be unocupied for about 3 months whilst work is done to it.

Have found out the current suppliers are British gas and Seeboard for electrics.

Instead of just picking up the old tariff from the previous owners I thought it would be better to switch now to a better deal, most switching websites go on estimates based on current usage but as we do not have any it is dificult to see who is the cheapest for beginners.

I Presume we are looking for the lowest figures of KWH for the best deal?? Does anyone know?

Help greatly appreciated

Thanks

UtilityMan_3

Your present suppliers will be able to provide your estimate annual consumption, based on the previous occupiers.

Personally, I would stick with the same while it is vacant and prepare to change when you move in based on their estimates. Keep an eye on your usage against the estimate and get the supplier to alter the DD accordingly.

Always phone the supplier if you get an estimated bill with the present read.

As previously stated, most comparison websites promote suppliers who pay them for the priviliege, so you now have to compare the comparison websites!

Good Luck!

mute_posting

Whilst you aren't living there it will probably be worthwhile to go on the current suppliers no-standing-charge tarrif as the usage probably wont reach the tier 2 units during renovations thus you will save (albeit only a bit)

MP

foleyartist01

Many thanks for the replies.

Am I right in thinking though that if the charges before thresholds are still cheaper with other suppliers then it would make sense to switch?

I ask because British gas charge 6.2003p pKWh up to 2680 kwh
whereas Scottish power charge

mute_posting

possibly, althought by the time the switch goes through the renovations may be finished anyway.

AFAIK, switching tarrif but staying with the same supplier can happen next day so that should be a "quick hit" (note changing tarrif - not supply type i.e. std to E7)

MP