Urgent(ish): SSE vs OVO vs Utilita vs Energy Billing

[Simon Ferrol]

Hi, I have time until next Monday to move to a new flat (1 bed council
flat, quite nice). My existing flat has SSE (now OVO) PAYG smart meters
for both gas and electricity. My new flat has Utilita (contract) for
electrics and EnergyBilling (PAYG) for Gas.

I wasn't extremely happy with SSE but I am not sure if these providers
are better. I have limited time. What would be your gut instinct between
these providers?

SF

[Jack Harry Teesdale]

The first thing to do is to check the prices of the new providers, they
should be price cap rates but the Utilita contract may be different.

Service wise, I have no experience of either Utilita or Energy Billing
but if you start with the premise that all suppliers are equally poor
you can only not be disappointed.

Changing suppliers is not something to be entered into lightly these
days unless there are compelling reasons for doing so, e.g high price,
especially when moving into a new property, there are enough things to
go wrong on COT without adding another layer of complexity.

Good luck with the move!

[Andy Burns]

Simon Ferrol wrote:

> I have limited time.

First of all, check if your rental agreement even allows you to change
supplier, if not you'd be wasting time ...

[Theo]

Unless utilities are included in the rent, it's the law that tenants are
able to change energy suppliers. (an OFT ruling from 2004)

However there's no urgency to make a decision now: a rental will typically
come in a default tariff, and you are free to change it later. So you can
move in and then make a decision later - you'll only pay the old supplier
for a few days on their tariff.

However I'm not sure why the OP reckons they only have two suppliers to choose
from, since they should be able to go with any energy supplier.

Theo

[Andy Burns]

Theo wrote:

> Unless utilities are included in the rent, it's the law that tenants are
> able to change energy suppliers. (an OFT ruling from 2004)

OK thanks, I've just been reading a shorthold tenancy from april 2004
where the wording says no changing, or installing pre-paid meters.

[John Armstrong]

On 27/07/2023 15:48, Simon Ferrol wrote:

As others have said, move in and then do a price comparison for all
available suppliers. Pay particular attention to standing charges,
which have shot up so that we can all pay for the suply companies which
went bust.

Also, if at all possible, change prepayment meters for credit meters, as
again they are much cheaper.

[Robin]

I agree with the advice to leave the gas and electricity until you are
settled in. (Well, except for taking readings as soon as you are in.
Take photos if possible.) Moving is stressful enough.

I did just want to add one point of detail for when you do get around to
it. If you want to change from the PAYG meter try to get your landlord's
agreement. They can't stop your supplier doing it but they could insist
you get it switched back at the end of the tenancy at your expense.

--
Robin
reply-to address is (intended to be) valid

[Chris Green]

Robin <r...@outlook.com> wrote:
> I agree with the advice to leave the gas and electricity until you are
> settled in. (Well, except for taking readings as soon as you are in.
> Take photos if possible.) Moving is stressful enough.
>

I've always wondered how taking a photo proves anything at all, surely
the timestamp can be changed very easily.

--
Chris Green
·

[Robin]

It's a matter of evidence for the balance of probabilities if the
previous tenants lied. But emailing them to your suppliers soon after
you move in is even better :)

[Harry Bloomfield Esq]

On 27/07/2023 18:34, Theo wrote:
> However there's no urgency to make a decision now: a rental will typically
> come in a default tariff, and you are free to change it later. So you can
> move in and then make a decision later - you'll only pay the old supplier
> for a few days on their tariff.

I decided to switch suppliers Tuesday evening, to Octopus. I did it
online. My switch is now completed, 3 days later.