Section 4: Free Choice of Supplier
1. Who are the active suppliers in my area?
The active suppliers in your area can be found on the Consumer Council website at http://www.consumercouncil.org.uk/energy/gas/ or http://www.consumercouncil.org.uk/energy/electricity/ . Alternatively you can telephone the Consumer Council on 0800 121 6022.
2. How do I cancel my contract and switch to a new supplier?
Contact your chosen supplier – they will explain what details they require for you to switch to them. You will normally need your name, address, meter number and meter reading.
The Consumer Council has produced two leaflets to help you through the switching process.
3. What are the minimum general conditions for cancellation in case of switching?
You should check the Terms and Conditions of your contract.
4. I found a more interesting offer for energy supply and have decided to switch. Who takes care of the paperwork?
Contact the new supplier; they will contact your old supplier and your new supplier will deal with the paperwork.
5. When switching supplier, is there a risk of disconnection?
No. There will be no interruption to your supply because you switch. Nor will there be any changes to your meter, your wiring, your pipe work or connection. For electricity customers there will be no change to how and when your meter is read. For gas customers, your meter will be read by your new supplier.
The Consumer Council have produced two leaflets to help you through the switching process.
6. What reasons may exist that would stop me switching supplier?
There are currently no reasons that would stop you switching supplier unless your chosen new supplier refuses to supply you. You cannot be stopped from switching supplier because you are in debt; choosing a cheaper tariff can help you pay off your debt sooner. Your old supplier will tell the new supplier you have outstanding charges and they will decide who you need to pay the debt to after the switch. You should however consider:
Electricity.
The supplier may require a positive credit check and/or security deposit;
Natural gas
The supplier may require a positive credit check and/or security deposit;
If you owe £100 or more to your current supplier the new supplier will offer either to :
Take the debt and agree repayments terms with you;
Take the debt and install a Pay As you Go Meter that can recover the debt in instalments; or,
Require you to clear the debt with your current supplier within three working days, prior to the customer transfer taking place.
If you refuse the option given to you the new supplier may refuse to accept you as a customer
7. Are there situations that would prevent me from switching to a new supplier without penalties?
Unless your contract states there are penalties for terminating the contract your supplier cannot penalise you for switching.
8. How much will it cost me to change supplier?
There is no charge for switching supplier, however some contracts include a cancellation charge. This will be detailed in your terms and conditions.
9. What is the maximum duration a supplier is able to tie a consumer for contractually?
There is no maximum period.
10. Who should I contact if I think that I have been unfairly charged to change supplier?
Contact the supplier who charged you first; if the supplier does not deal with your complaint then contact the Consumer Council who may be able to assist you in resolving the issue.