Prior to the energy price crisis the first option laid out in front of energy consumers, when considering how to save money on their energy bills, was to switch suppliers.
Following the current crisis, both concerning the price of energy and the sustainability of numerous energy suppliers, it has become conventional to think switching suppliers is “off the table” as something to still be thinking about. We don’t believe this is the full picture.
Contrary to popular wisdom, not every energy supplier is the same. As energy suppliers vary in size and customer base so their consumer obligations also vary.
Some are obligated to provide a full range of consumer support options while others, usually newer or smaller suppliers, aren’t.
Some enjoy a scale of supply that leaves them relatively resilient to volatility in the energy market while, for others, their market flexibility and nimbleness has left them vulnerable to rapidly rising wholesale energy prices.
Energy suppliers may also differ in where-how they source their energy or in the balance between energy sourced from fossil fuels, nuclear or “green” alternatives.
Separately, energy supplier customer service will vary in quality.
If you are more concerned with the quality of customer service then look at the customer service comparison website shared by Citizens Advice. This can be found at: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-a-better-energy-deal/compare-domestic-energy-suppliers-customer-service1/ .
Despite the comments above, most consumers will compare suppliers on cost; and no-one denies there are, currently, few good switching options in this regard.
However, if you want to check for yourself, please use Ofgem’s accredited list of price comparison websites. This can be found at: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/switching-energy-tariff-or-supplier .
Before you take any next steps you should always check with your current supplier that they have you on the best deal for your circumstances.
Beyond that, if you are tempted to switch suppliers, there are some basic questions you need to answer before going further.
Questions to ask yourself if you are considering switching energy suppliers:
- Does your current contract have an exit fee?
- Can you still access the Warm Homes Discount with a new supplier?
- Will your ‘smart meter’ still work in ‘smart’ mode with your new supplier?
- If you are on a prepayment meter how will switching affect the tariffs open to you?
- If you have a two rate or ‘Economy 7’ electricity meter how will switching affect you?
For answers to these and other questions visit the Citizens Advice website at:
Or, for an independent point of view on switching, visit the Which? consumer support website at:
In the current crisis it is more important than ever to review every option available to you to as an energy consumer. Switching supplier is still one of those options – especially if price is not your only point of comparison.
Use the switching website and customer service comparison website referenced above to see if switching energy supplier can work for you but be sure to complete your due diligence before making any big decisions.
-Ends.
