Why switch supplier?
In today’s turbulent environment, we’re all having to watch the pennies, and as the saying goes ‘look after the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves’. For many people, especially now with rising fuel prices, heating is a significant household cost whatever fuel you use to heat your home. And if you use LPG, otherwise known as Liquid Petroleum Gas, it’s important to make sure you choose the best supplier for your needs. Making sure you’re not paying too much for your LPG has never been more important – after all, the money is better in your pocket than in the pocket of your supplier. But saving money is perhaps not the only reason you may be thinking about switching to another LPG supplier.
As we head into the colder winter months, none of us wants to be left without heating or hot water in the depths of winter and reliability of supply comes to the forefront of all of our minds. Imagine watching your supply dwindle with no sight of a delivery wagon bring your LPG refill, or even worse running out of gas and being told your supplier can’t get to you for several days.
And then there’s service. Are you fed up with constantly chasing your current LPG supplier for a top up? Or waiting on hold for long spells when trying to speak to someone about your account?
If your current supplier isn’t delivering on their promises, whether it’s down to price, reliability, service – or all three - it makes sense to think about switching to another LPG supplier. In this blog we’ll take a look at what you need to know when switching LPG suppliers, including when you can switch and how the whole process works.
When can I switch?
Unhappy with your supplier and ready to make the move? Well unfortunately you must wait until you have reached the end of, or are nearing the end of your current contract before you are free to switch. Domestic bulk LPG contracts run for a maximum period of 2 years and within this period you are tied to your LPG supplier and cannot purchase your fuel from anyone else. This 2 year period is known as the exclusivity period. But the good news is that as long as you are out of (or nearly out of) this exclusivity period, you are free to switch your LPG supplier – and even better, it’s free to do so.
So how do you know when your contract ends? Well, your existing LPG supplier will advise you a month before you become eligible to switch, so this is the time to start looking around if you haven’t already, as you’re now able to switch. Alternatively, why wait till then? You can check your supply contract which will detail the end of contract date so you can start looking around and be armed and prepared with the information you need to make the best choice possible when deciding whether to switch or stay with your current supplier.
How do I switch?
The good news is it really is easy and hassle free to switch supplier. You just need to get in touch with your existing supplier and/or your new supplier in writing to let them know. They’ll require you to complete ‘a supplier switch notice’ - then your new supplier will take care of everything else. It’s as simple as that. They’ll liaise with your out-going supplier, do an on-site survey, and sort out all the paperwork, and the good news is you shouldn’t even need to change your LPG storage tank as long as it complies with current LPG tank installation regulations UK. Domestic LPG storage tanks, whether they are above ground or underground LPG tanks, are usually owned by the customer’s supplier, so your new supplier will purchase your tank from your old supplier and take over ownership and responsibility for maintaining it. Meaning there will be absolutely no disruption to your supply of LPG propane and you’ll be kept warm and cozy even in the depths of winter - you can just sit back and relax.
How long does it take?
Normally it takes around a month for the whole switch process to fully complete, although sometimes it can be a little more, sometimes a little less.
I’m on a metered estate – how do I switch?
If you’re living on a metered estate with shared LPG bulk storage tanks which supply all the homes on your estate with LPG, you’ll still want to make sure you’re getting the best value and service from your LPG supplier. But the difference for you is that everyone on your metered estate will need to be out of contract and ready to go if you want to switch supplier. So speak to your neighbours as switching LPG supplier has to be a collective and unanimous decision between everyone who lives on the estate – a group decision!
New to LPG?
If you currently use heating oil, electricity or any other source of off-grid energy to heat your home but are thinking of making the switch to LPG, our experts will guide you through making the change from installing your LPG storage tank to connecting your gas and receiving your first delivery. We’ll make the whole process seamless. The benefits are there waiting for you - as a cleaner, greener option for heating your home with a smaller carbon footprint than other fuel alternatives, LPG is known for being safe, efficient, cost-effective and easy to manage. The perfect gas choice if you’re living off-grid!
So whether you’re looking to switch supplier or are new to LPG, as your local independent supplier we’ll provide you with great value, reliability and an unrivalled service that other LPG suppliers just can’t beat. You can be completely confident we’ll always put you first and go that extra mile with a tailor-made solution with loads of great value-for-money benefits with our LPG package*.
Just give us a call today on 01423 772 789 or email us at helplpg@northernenergy.co.uk. We’ll get the ball rolling and before you know it you'll be receiving your first delivery from Northern Energy.
*T's and C's apply