This month’s theme for Big Energy Saving Winter is ‘switch’. We’ll be highlighting the benefits of switching energy tariffs or providers on our social media and sharing some tips on where you can find the best deal for your energy.
Why switch energy providers?
Did you know that 27% of people in the UK have never switched energy providers? Switching your energy provider or energy tariff can save you hundreds of pounds. It’s also an opportunity to find an energy plan that’s more suitable for you, for instance, moving away from economy 7 or choosing an environmentally friendlier tariff.
Last year the Big Energy Saving Winter campaign helped over 18,000 people switch their supplier or tariff, helping save over £1.2million on energy bills. Here’s how you can start saving on your energy costs this winter.
How to switch energy providers
Before you switch, you should check which type of meter you have and find out if you have an ‘exit fee’ for cancelling your current tariff early.
The citizens advice website can help you compare gas and electricity prices. All you need is the name of your supplier and tariff (you can find this on your energy bill). If you have an idea of your annual consumption (gas and electricity you’ve used in the last year in kwh) this will give you a more accurate quote.
When deciding on an energy supplier, it’s important to think about which tariff would work best for you. For instance, if you’re looking to heat your home in an environmentally friendly way, then you’ll want to choose a 100% renewable energy tariff from a supplier that is 100% green.
Once you found the right deal for you, simply go to that provider’s website and fill in your details. When you receive a quote from that provider, you’ll be able to sign up for their service. Your new energy supplier will contact your old energy supplier on your behalf, so there’s nothing else for you to do.
Some comparison websites will let you make the switch directly from their website but they may not compare as many suppliers so it’s worth comparing prices with the Citizens Advice comparison website to confirm you’re getting the best deal possible.
Can you switch if you’re in debt
If you’ve owed money to your supplier for 28 days or less, you can still switch. The debt will just be added to your final bill.
If you owe money to your supplier and it’s been longer than 28 days, you’ll need to pay them first before you can move to another energy provider, unless it’s your supplier’s fault that you’re in debt, then you can switch but you’ll still need to pay them when you get your final bill.
If you have a prepayment meter, you can switch suppliers as long as you don’t owe more than £500 for gas or electricity. You’ll need to do a ‘Debt Assignment Protocol’, asking your new supplier to transfer your debt onto this new agreement.
How you can help others switch providers
Have you already found the best deal for yourself? Why not pledge to help a friend, family member or neighbour switch their energy tariff or supplier? When you make your pledge on the Big Energy Saving Winter website, you’ll be entered into a competition for a chance to win an energy efficient washing machine or one of five slow cookers. To enter, visit their website.
Keep a lookout on our social media as we’ll be sharing more advice on how you can get the best deal for your energy.