Careful when switching to a new fuel deal

Thanks for the heads up

Thanks for the information.

I switched and then realised that it would start straight away so I did a 'chat' online with my energy company and they stopped the switch immediately and I waited until the date my tariff ran out.

Checked with Octopus after reading this, but they say the my new tariff doesn't kick in until the existing contract is finished, even though I’d signed up before the end date.

My new deal with Ovo will not start till the current one ends in November.

I had an email saying that my current fixed deal was ending and offering me a new one, when I signed up for it they said it would not start until the old cheaper one finished (Octopus).

Just shows it's best to check out the terms and conditions over the phone and talk to someone at the company. Sounds dodgy to me you should have reported the m to offend.

I think a lot of companies use blurred underhanded tactics these days in the way they do business.. Little integrity.

I remember years back only getting a certain fixed rate tariff from Eon. If I signed up to have a Smart Meter installed.

I was aware that we were all being panicked in to going for a fixed deal. We only have electricity so I did a lot of homework (or ChatGPT did for me!) and found I'd be much better off staying on the dreaded standard variable and submitting readings online on the last day of each month. Result being a £50 a month reduction in what I'd been paying. It really pays to really check it all.out.

Be careful with your mobile phone / Internet providers too.
We are with Vodaphone - they seem to start sending out very misleading warnings about renewal months before they are actually due, and as with energy, you risk paying a higher price long before it is necessary unless you are on the ball.

It's lucky we're retired and have the time to really check out all prices of utilities, phones, TV packages etc. I don't know how others get it all sorted out to their advantage.

Thanks for that ClicketyClick.
My offer is similar. EDF says offer only open till a shortly upcoming date in Oct even though the existing deal runs out last day of Nov, plus I have exit fees. Misleading indeed.
However I note with.interest that the standard variable rate will only be about £3 a month extra for me with no exit fees so I might just wait till I see what's available later.
P.S. Just heard that a rumour is going round that there might be a reduction coming up on VAT on energy.