New house - energy provider rip off?

[3sixty]

We have just moved in 3 weeks ago and after sorting everything out, I am in the process of arranging to change utility/energy providers to get us the best deal.

Not sure about naming people on the forums, so our provider who gives energy in the country to the north of England are the developments provider, so everyone is on with them as soon as they move in.

I've given them my final reading as I am looking to swap, to be told that I owe them £87 for gas & electricity over the past 2 and a bit weeks, which I thought was high. Upon telling the customer representative this, she said "Yes, I know, you are on one of the higher charges tariff"

Since I didn't get to decide who to go with as it was already 'with' them when we moved in, do I have any options? I think its slightly cheeky that they can just shove you on the extortionate rate tariffs.

[Simpo Two]

Yep, change tariffs. But of course they won't tell you; it's in their interests not to.

[3sixty]

I am changing provider now, but I had to wait for them to send me through the documentation, hence the 2/3 week delay on the existing provider.

Seems a bit unfair that I couldn't do anything about it, especially at such high cost.... guess I'll have to take it on the chin.

[Simpo Two]

Strange, most places let you do it instantly online. Cheapest is an online tariff where you send them meter readings each month.

Have a go on one of the comparison websites, put your current usage in and see what you can find.

[Sour Kraut]

If you're with Sweaty Power (not the Sweaty and Southern mob) you want Online Energy Saver 12 for combined gas and electricity.

[scirocco265]

3sixty said:

We have just moved in 3 weeks ago and after sorting everything out, I am in the process of arranging to change utility/energy providers to get us the best deal.

Not sure about naming people on the forums, so our provider who gives energy in the country to the north of England are the developments provider, so everyone is on with them as soon as they move in.

I've given them my final reading as I am looking to swap, to be told that I owe them £87 for gas & electricity over the past 2 and a bit weeks, which I thought was high. Upon telling the customer representative this, she said "Yes, I know, you are on one of the higher charges tariff"

Since I didn't get to decide who to go with as it was already 'with' them when we moved in, do I have any options? I think its slightly cheeky that they can just shove you on the extortionate rate tariffs.

As soon as you move ino any property, the existing gas/electricity provider will put you onto their highest tariff as a matter of industry practice. If you call them up straight away, you can be put onto a lower tariff whilst you swap around for a new provider. Remember that swapping energy suppliers takes a while (I think 4-6 weeks is the norm) so is always best to contact them sooner rather than later.