Switching electric/gas providers (see first post for links)

Does it matter when? They will announce the same-ish 10-15% reduction, for the same-ish october-november timeframe.

I would be extremely surprised - I can't see why they would, looking at past cycles of increases, decreases, and discounts, all 4 are always broadly in line (and that makes sense).

I would add, while I understand that whether it's 10% or 15% might play a role in your decision, keep in mind these prices are unlikely to apply for 12 months anyway, so whoever is 2% cheaper today might be 1% dearer after the next reductions in a few months. With this in mind, I favoured the largest % discount from their respective standard rates (my 33% renewal from BGE, significantly higher than the 10-20% others are offering), as this will apply to all future reductions, so there's a better chance it gives me the best deal over the 12 months.

Not a single poster reported this happening to them. But I've read posters giving advice based on this, even though there's no indication of it happening. It could happen, just like BGE could withdraw the renewal offer without warning. I've also read here countless times that there was no chance of a price reduction before next year, and that prices would go up this winter. Don't believe everything people write.

In my case the 33% discount from BGE is still the best on offer when applied to their unit rate it is still roughly double what I was paying pre March 2022. Rates are still sky high but a 20% move in the right direction from BGE would soften things a bit.

I should have been more precise, but I was responding to the OP who has the current wave of renewal offers from BGE (depending on your current rate, it could be 33, 38, 39, or 44%). There was no case of BGE improving over this renewal offer. Including no case of people like myself and the OP who had 33% and were offered more (38%) closer to renewal - this was mentioned several times in the thread, but not a single poster reported getting such a +5% last minute offer. It's a case of people maybe misunderstanding/extrapolating or wishful thinking, I don't know, but it's not helpful as it's baseless.

Your experience was different, they were improving a discount, but that discount was not a renewal of your existing 39% in the first place.

Sounds about right for the ESB!

If you'd read the thread you'd have known if you cancel within the cooling off period, you're not allowed to change to another supplier for 20 days. It stops people from jumping from supplier to supplier to supplier and effects such a small number of people, who cares???

Didn't think it would matter if you're staying with your original provider. Trying them & ask, could be flowgas agent spoofing

In fairness it could be clearer. I had seen the 20 days, but missed the "working days" part. What's a working day anyway? Mon-Fri or Mon-Sat?

Indeed. Your contract has to go to review across 3 or 4 divisions with your new supplier. Make sure the last bill is paid, check the address, the lease etc if renting, then credit control, then ops.

Then the ESB are informed of change of supply and then....well its the ESB. They have to do all that on their end and switch you over. Youre dealing with Irish civil service pace.

Cant see prices significantly dropping in the next 12 months. They'll be the same ish. Likely a little higher through winter.

Flogas and Energia standing charge has a big difference, just do a price comparison on your last bill at proposed new rates and anyone else you think might be close, if you’re a low user Energia might suit better