New home

A question about : New home

I've always kept on top of gas/electricity tariffs and changed if I've found better deals.

I've now moved into a brand new house, hence no previous readings. The developer signed up to British Gas for both services.

My question is, is there an ideal period of readings to use prior to checking for better tariffs and is there a minimum period.

I would have thought a full 12 Months would be best. My guess on previous experience is that British Gas would not be that competitive but I don't want to switch on a guess.

Any advice appreciated.

Best answers:

• If only life was that simple. If you do nothing, just to monitor your energy usage, then all the energy that you use will be at BG's standard variable tariff rate. Personally, I would take the medium user OFGEM figures and switch to a fixed tariff with no exit fees. You can then monitor knowing that you are not paying top rate for your energy. BG will bill you for all energy used so call them with your details and initial meter reading and then you are free to switch.
• I have just gone a full year in my newbuild on the standard tariff with Br Gas mainly to see how it panned out.Have now fixed till Feb 2016 on their price promise tariff and will pay Ј67 pm for dual fuel (DD).The insulation etc in this place is outstanding compared to my old house and I didn't find it dear even on the standard tariff.
  hth
• Many thanks.
• As suggested take an educated estimate. No need to spend hundreds extra over a year for fear of missing out on an extra few tenners.