How to Choose and Change Your Energy Supplier

Competition in the gas and electricity markets means that you can now choose who supplies your gas and electricity. This information guides you through the process of changing supplier so you can choose the supplier best for you.

Choosing a new supplier

There are many suppliers to choose from, wherever you live in the UK. You can choose separate companies to supply your gas and electricity, or one company to supply both - this is known as dual fuel.

To compare the prices being offered by different suppliers with the price from your current supplier, you will need to calculate how much you are paying for your fuel each year. You can work this out by looking at your last four quarterly bills.

You should also consider the following before deciding to change:

How much will the new supplier charge?

All suppliers are required to publish their prices and can send you details of their prices on request. You can also compare their prices on the internet.

To make sure you get the best deal, shop around and compare the prices of suppliers in your area.

How can I pay?

Suppliers offer various payment options. You can pay weekly, monthly or quarterly, by cash, postal order, cheque, direct debit, or prepayment meter. Ask suppliers to tell you about all the payment options available to you so that you can make the best choice for you. It is also a good idea to make sure there are no penalties for cancelling the contract.

Which tariff should I choose?

Some payment methods are cheaper than others. For example, it is usually cheaper to pay your fuel bills by monthly direct debit than by cheque 4 times a year. Different prices are offered to different consumers according to their circumstances.

The amount of fuel you use will also affect the price you pay. Someone who uses a lot of energy may be offered an energy supply at a cheaper rate than someone who uses less. Whatever price you are quoted, make sure it includes VAT.

Will the supplier offer any special discounts, schemes, or incentives?

Some suppliers may offer special discounts or incentives to supply you with both gas and electricity (i.e. dual fuel). Other suppliers have packages that may include other services such as cheaper telephone services or discounted air travel.

Some suppliers offer special payment schemes for pensioners. Make sure you ask for details before signing up.

Do they have any extra or hidden charges?

Some suppliers add a standing charge to your fuel bill and others do not. Companies that do not add a standing charge may charge a higher unit price for the gas and electricity you use instead.

Do they have many complaints?

If you are interested in the quality of service you are likely to receive from a new supplier, it is worth enquiring about their performance.

Changing supplier

Once you are happy that you have chosen the supplier best suited to meet your needs, changing is a simple process.

Step 1: Get in touch with the new supplier and agree a contract with them. Your new supplier will keep you informed about how your transfer is being progressed.

Step 2: Give your old supplier 28 days' notice that you are changing to a new supplier. The best way to do this is to telephone first, and then follow up with written confirmation. The transfer to your new supplier can be delayed if you do not tell your old supplier that you are changing.

Step 3: Pay any outstanding bills owed to your existing supplier. They may stop you transferring if you do not do this.

Step 4: Take a meter reading on the day you change supplier. If your old supplier uses a different figure to work out your final bill, or your new supplier uses a different figure as the starting point for your first bill, let them know the meter reading you have taken.

Energywatch

Energywatch is the independent gas and electricity watchdog. It was set up in November 2000 to protect and promote the interests of all gas and electricity consumers.

Energywatch provides free, independent information and advice and will also take up complaints on behalf of consumers who have been unable to resolve problems directly with their energy supplier.

A list of the supply companies operating in your area and the prices they charge is available from Energywatch by telephone or by visiting their website. They can also provide details of the amount and types of complaints they have received from consumers about individual suppliers.

Contact Energywatch:
Tel: 08459 06 07 08
Website: www.energywatch.org.uk

If you need further energy advice please contact Energy Officer, Elaine Gibbs, on (01245) 613104 or e-mail:elaine.gibbs@chelmerhp.org.uk