Switching energy suppliers

Make sure you’re on the best deal when it comes to your gas and electricity.

Different suppliers will have different rates and prices. But if you shop around, you might find a cheaper deal that suits you.

Prepare
You will need to have at hand some information as you start to look for a new deal:

• Your address and postcode
• Your current supplier and how much energy you use. This will be in ‘Kwh’ and you can find out how much you use on your bills. If you don’t know how much energy you use, check out this estimated guide
• Have your bills at hand. These should say the kind of tariff you’re on at the moment

Warm & Well provides a free energy advice line 0800 500 3076, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm if you prefer to talk to someone.

Where can I look?
Online price comparison websites are the best place to find a new deal. These websites put together different suppliers and show you what they will charge depending on the details you have entered.

Don’t be afraid to contact your current supplier as well. You may be able to find a better deal with them without having to move.

What tariff should I take?
There will be different tariffs available to you and the type of tariff you choose will be up to you. You will need to see which tariff will be beneficial to you.

Two main tariffs you may be offered is a ‘Fixed’ or ‘Variable’ Tariff.

A ‘Fixed’ tariff sets the amount of gas and electricity you pay for a set period. This means that you might pay less than others but if prices drop further, you will pay more.

A ‘Variable’ tariff means that the price you pay could go up or down depending on how your supplier has set their prices for different times of the year.

Some suppliers offer a ‘Duel Fuel’ tariff which may give you a better deal if you pay for both your gas and electricity through the same supplier.

If you’re on a budget, you can pay for your gas and electricity with a ‘Pre-payment meter’. These meters allow you to ‘top-up’ your gas and electricity and pay for what you use, just like a ‘Pay as you go’ mobile phone.  This can help you to avoid large bills but you may pay more than the standard tariff available.