Chosing the cheapest gas & electricity

[filthiestfis]

When I moved into my current rented flat the gas and electricity were already being supplied but I didnt know by which company. I rang British Gas and they were able to tell me that in fact they were supplying me with both.
The question is, as the gas and electricity were already there without me signing into any kind of agreement, if I now wish to change to another company or companies to supply me either, will British Gas charge me a penalty for "leaving them"?

[Jan1957]

Did you not take meter readings when you moved in and inform anyone of them?

[filthiestfis]

Yes took meter readings and informed british gas once I knew it was them supplying. Why you ask?

[Jan1957]

Just wondered because at least you will be able to work out how much you have to pay British Gas to close the account. If you did not agree to stay with them when you gave them the meter readings you can change to who you want without a penalty. Just moved myself so had all this hassle.

[Jan1957]

I changed to Eon for electricity as they were the cheapest. Don't have gas.

[filthiestfis]

But I didnt say "yes I want to stay with you" nor did I say I didnt want to stay with British Gas. Nor was I told anything over the phone about entering into any agreement. Is it that by merely calling them to ask who is supplying me entering into a contract?

[filthiestfis]

Jan I have to have gas, I live in rented and dont get to choose.

[Jan1957]

No, if you didn't agree you don't have to stay. Just find out who is cheapest for you and they will transfer it all over for you. You don't have to contact British Gas as they do it for you.

[filthiestfis]

OK thanks Jan and thank you for being the only one to bother sending me replies.
BTW, I am using several comparison websites like uswitch.com to see which companies are cheapest but each comparison website gives me a different answer! So I really do not know which one to choose. I think the majority of companies have penalties if you leave them within a year of joining, something like £30-£50 fee for leaving.

[Jan1957]

When I was looking it was very close between Eon and Scottish Power and they were definitely the cheapest. Unfortunately I have moved into sheltered housing and the whole building is with EDF but they came about 5th on the list anyway. Good luck sorting it out.

[filthiestfis]

OK thanks a lot Jan. Anyone else would like to give their two cents>?

[dragongiraffe]

EDF has always worked for us

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