Promoting sustainable energy policy and practice

www.cse.org.uk

Switching fuel supplier

• The average UK household spends around £1,300 (around 5% of income) on fuel every year…

• …but it could save £150 a year or more by switching to a better energy tariff.

• Fuel prices are rapidly increasing – more than 100% since 2001.

• 2.4 million households in England are in fuel poverty.

Why Switch?

Switching fuel supplier

• Switching fuel supplier is quick, easy and free. The best way to do so is to use an accredited price comparison website.

• The are various websites:• www.uswitch.com • www.moneysupermarket.com • www.theenergyshop.com• www.switchgasandelectric.com• www.energyhelpline.com

Switching fuel supplier

• BUT you do not need to go online to switch – contact numbers (some of which are free) are also available for most switching services:

• www.uswitch.com 0800 051 5493• www.moneysupermarket.com 0845 345 5708• www.theenergyshop.com 0845 330 7247• www.switchgasandelectric.com 0871 711 7771• www.energyhelpline.com 0800 074 0745

How else can I switch?

• You can go directly to a new supplier. They will carry out the switching process for you, including informing your old supplier.

• You can also go to Consumer Futures– this is a branch of Consumer Direct which focuses on energy companies.They can tell you who has the cheapest deal in your area for your usage:www.consumerfutures.org.uk

• Or by phone contact Citizens Advice consumer service: 0845 404 0506

Switching fuel supplier – what you need to know• Different levels of information needed depending

on the switching service you use – but the more info you provide the more accurate your quote will be.

• All switching services will need to know address and estimated current usage. Some may need more info:

•Current energy supplier•Tariff type•Annual cost or energy use•Payment method

1) Choose dual fuel, gas or electricity

2) Enter personal details

3) Select current electricity supplier and usage...

4) Enter current gas supplier and usage...

5) Enter payment method and comparison criteria...

6) Get prices!

And I could be saving £140.73!

The switching process

Switch should take 21 calendar days, after a 14 day cooling-off period when contract can be cancelled.

Things to be aware of

• Read your meter at the time of switching

• Make sure you don’t miss out on discounts such as direct debit, online tariff and dual fuel discounts

• Think about fixing your prices – you may pay slightly more in the short term, but in the long term fixing can save you money and cushion you from future price rises for a fixed time

• If you do fix prices, make sure you understand the terms and conditions – you may have to pay a penalty if you cancel a contract early

Things to be aware of

• Make sure your new supplier has the correct meter point reference number – this can be found on your meter and should match the reference number on your bills

• Outstanding bills may have been paid before switching

• You can switch supplier even if you have a prepayment meter – just make sure your new supplier sends new payment cards or keys, and that you get rid of the old ones

What if I don’t want to switch supplier?• Even if you want to stay with your current

supplier, you may be able to get a better deal

• A fuel supplier could have the best and the worst tariff on the market at the same time - so if you haven’t switched for a while, you could be on a more expensive tariff than you need to be.

What if I don’t want to switch supplier?

• Check with your current supplier that you’re on the best possible tariff

• Check with your current supplier that you’re paying via the cheapest method (usually by direct debit or an online tariff)

• Check you’re not missing out on ‘extra support you may be entitled to – such as the Warm Homes discount for those in receipt of certain benefits

For Advice

Free and impartial advice to householders on all aspects of energy saving and the grants and discounts that are available

Energy efficiency advisors can assist with:

• Energy efficiency• Switching supplier and getting the best deal• Applications for grants for energy saving measures

0300 123 1234

For Advice

• Free and impartial advice to householders on all aspects of energy saving and the grants and discounts that are available

• Bristol and Somerset call the CSE Advice line: 0800 082 2234

• Nationally call the energy saving trust: 0300 123 1234

Questions?