Each year the price of gas and electricity continues to increase, this means higher energy bills for consumers. As a result, it’s now more important than ever to lock in a more competitive deal. You can compare and switch energy supplier online through a price comparison site. The process has been simplified and should take you around 15 minutes to complete. Here are the steps you need to follow to make the switch:
Step 1 – Locate your most recent bill
To get the most accurate energy quotes, you’ll need to provide details about your existing gas and electricity usage, in addition to the name of the supplier and tariff you’re currently on.
Step 2 – Get competitive quotes
The comparison site will help you get competitive quotes for gas and electricity within minutes.
Step 3 – Compare energy deals
You can now compare energy deals from more than 55 providers. You will be shown how much you’re likely to save by switching to a given provider. There are tools to filter deals e.g. lowest price first, contract length, renewable energy plans.
Step 4 – Make your switch
Now that you have chosen a new tariff, it’s time to press ‘confirm’. To complete the process, enter your contact and payment information.
Step 5 – Transition period
Once the switch has been confirmed, a meter reading will need to be given to your new supplier, they will hand this over to your old supplier, allowing them to calculate your final bill. Any customer who is in credit should be eligible for a refund.
What info do I need to compare energy deals online?
To compare home energy deals online, you will need your full address, the name of your existing supplier and how much you pay for your gas and electricity. A copy of your latest bill or annual energy statement will help you receive a much more accurate quotation.
How long will the switch take?
According to the Energy Switch Guarantee, which most suppliers have signed up for, you should be switched over to your new supplier within 21 days. To avoid any unnecessary confusion, your new energy supplier will be able to give you the date when the switchover is expected to take place.
Remember that your existing electricity and gas supply won’t experience any disruption whatsoever, and will continue to function as normal. You don’t need new pipes or cabling, as your supply will come through the same channels. The only thing you need to be aware of is cheaper bills from a new supplier.
What if I decide to change my mind about all of this?
No problem. You will be given a 14-day cooling off period if you have decided to change your mind. This period will start once you have agreed to a new contract, whether it’s online, over the phone or face-to-face.
Can I switch if I owe money to my current supplier?
You may still be able to switch providers if you owe money to your existing supplier, this is sometimes referred to as ‘energy debt’. You can still switch if you have been in debt with your current supplier for less than 28 days. This amount will be added to your final bill by your old supplier. For those that have debts that are more than 28 days old, these will need to be paid off before you can make the move.
Anyone who is on a pre-payment meter and owes £500 or less can ask for their outstanding balance to be transferred to their new energy supplier, under the Debt Assignment Protocol (DAP).
I’m renting, can I still switch energy suppliers?
Yes, normally you should be able to switch energy suppliers if you are renting. If you pay the supplier directly, you have the right to switch as a tenant. If you are planning to switch, it’s worth letting your landlord know.
For anyone that does not have a smart meter installed and selects a tariff that requires one, they will need permission from their landlord beforehand. If your landlord pays for your energy bills and charges you this within the rent, you may not have the right to switch. If you’re unsure about where you stand, speak to your landlord to see if a suitable solution can be found.
How do I switch providers if I’m moving home?
When you’re moving home, it is usually the perfect opportunity to compare and switch to a more competitive energy tariff. You will need to give your existing supplier notice, ideally at least two days before the move is due to take place.
If you’re content with the tariff you have already got in place, you will need to inform your supplier where you are moving to as well as the date of the move.
Regardless of if you’re changing supplier or not, make sure to take a meter reading right before you leave your home. This should be passed on to your current supplier. This will ensure that you only pay for the energy you have used.
