Switching Fuel Supplier

Since the deregulation of the energy industry, customers have been able to switch their gas and electricity supplier with the aim of reducing their household energy bills.

Before deciding to switch supplier, you can consult energywatch (telephone 0845 906 0708) the independent gas and electricity watchdog for advice. Their website has a price calculator which can produce a comparison table of suppliers highlighting the cheapest fuel price options for your postcode area.

When viewing a price comparison table, figures are often based on the household's level of usage, low, medium or high. The table below shows how these correspond to actual figures and from this you can work out which category of user you are.

It is important when comparing suppliers that you use the amount of energy that you use in a year, you can work this out from your old bills, as in these days of rising costs in energy, using a monetary value can be misleading.

Energy price comparison table
Definition of user	Low	Medium	High
Eletricity/year (kWh)	1,650	3,300	4,950
Gas/year (kWh)	10,000	19,050	28,000

It is important after viewing a price comparison table that you check that the prices displayed are up-to-date. This is particularly important when prices are going up.

No one supplier will ever be cheapest in all departments. The overall cost of each bill will vary in respect to fuel tariff/consumption, standing charge, payment method, capped offers and discounts i.e. duel fuel. It is important that you switch to a package that suits your lifestyle and pattern of energy use.

Some useful questions to consider prior to changing supplier

Fuel charges (pence per kWh) and how long are they guaranteed for?
What payment methods are available?
Do different methods affect the price?
Is there a standing charge?
Does the supplier have a high rate of complaints?
What happens if you cannot pay the bill?

The "switching process"

Make contact with the chosen supplier and agree a contract.
Give old supplier 28 days notice by telephone.
Give old supplier 28 days notice in writing.
Settle existing bills with the old supplier.
Take a meter reading on the day of changeover.
Ensure you cancel any direct debit or standing order to your previous suppler.

This whole process should take around 6 weeks to complete and your new supplier will be able to update you on progress. If you sign a contract but later change your mind there is a 7-day cooling off period in which you can cancel the contract without a penalty.

Always remember...

Do not change supplier if you not want to.
Be cautious of the claims salespeople make regarding the savings to be made by switching. Investigate yourself.
Do not invite door step salespeople into your home.
Always ask for identification.
Do not sign anything on the doorstep; be sure to read over information first.

Further information can be found on the Trading Standards pages on ClacksWeb.