How To Change Your Bulk LPG Supplier

Your Current Arrangement

A copy of your current metered estate LPG contract from your supplier, or your latest invoice/statement if you are a single domestic customer.

Check With Neighbours

Ask your neighbours whether they are on a fixed-term contract or out of contract. For metered estates, you will likely need to form a Residents' Committee or formally involve the management company.

Current Yearly Usage

You need an estimate or a calculation of how much LPG you use per year.

Identify Tank Ownership

Check whether the LPG tank is owned or leased by your current supplier (the most common scenario) or if the tank is customer-owned. The process is significantly different depending on who owns the physical tank.

Research Your Current Arrangement

Find out who manages your LPG contract (management company, residents' association, or landlord) and review your current contract terms. Ask your neighbours if you are not sure. Check our section on types of LPG arrangements. Be aware of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) LPG Supply Competition Order. This Order regulates the industry and is key to knowing your rights.

Check Contract End Dates

Identify when your current contract expires and any mandatory notice periods required for changes. Some contracts auto-renew if not cancelled in time. If you switch while still in contract, you may be liable for a Transfer Fee (sometimes called a termination or exit fee), which can be substantial. You will need your neighbours' information for this, as the supplier typically won't tell you for privacy reasons. Send a formal termination letter to your existing supplier well within the notice period. From the 31st December 2022, suppliers will permit the switching of estates where less than 10% of residents or 1 resident where less than 10 homes are in an exclusive supply term.

Gather Usage Data

Collect historical usage data for your estate to provide accurate information to potential suppliers for competitive quotes. Some suppliers may be able to tell you the typical annual usage for your estate.

Request Multiple Quotes

Contact several suppliers for quotes. Include details about your estate size, annual usage, infrastructure requirements, and preferred contract length. They will need a copy of your Letter of Authority (LOA) form before they can speak to you or request usage data from your existing supplier. When applying to change from Calor Gas to Flogas, they wanted to know the following:

• Existing Supplier
• Contract end date
• Site name and full address
• Number of tank/s
• Size of the tank/s
• Above or below ground
• Tank age (if known)
• Average or annual usage
• Number of houses on estate
• Is there an existing umbrella agreement in place?
• Is there an existing Letter of Authority in place?
• Photograph of tank data plate, located on side of tank / under tank hood
• Photograph of the tank/tanks showing the surrounding area

Compare Total Costs

Look beyond unit prices. Consider standing charges, infrastructure costs, contract terms, any additional fees, and minimum delivery requirements. Also, check if the new supplier charges for a mandatory site survey. Check how much you could save per year with our handy LPG calculator.

Consult Your Neighbours

If switching requires resident approval, present the options clearly with potential savings and any impacts on service.

Manage the Transition

Work with both old and new suppliers to ensure a smooth changeover. The new supplier will conduct a Site Survey and safety check and will take over the responsibility for the maintenance and safety of the tank upon transfer. This may involve infrastructure modifications or new metering systems. In the event that you run-out of LPG during the switching process, contact the new supplier immediately, as they may be able to provide an emergency delivery.