Difference between revisions of "Switch Energy Supplier"

From WikiCorporates
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(References)
(Test FAQs)
Line 138: Line 138:
 
<tr><td style="border:1px solid silver; padding:6px; background-color:white;">If you rent your home, you have the right to switch supplier if you pay your energy supplier directly for your gas or electricity. This includes if you have a prepayment meter. If you pay energy bills to the supplier, but your tenancy agreement says you can't switch, challenge it. Preventing a tenant from changing energy suppliers may be viewed as an unfair term in a tenancy agreement. Talk to <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/">Citizens Advice</a> to see if it can help.</td></tr>
 
<tr><td style="border:1px solid silver; padding:6px; background-color:white;">If you rent your home, you have the right to switch supplier if you pay your energy supplier directly for your gas or electricity. This includes if you have a prepayment meter. If you pay energy bills to the supplier, but your tenancy agreement says you can't switch, challenge it. Preventing a tenant from changing energy suppliers may be viewed as an unfair term in a tenancy agreement. Talk to <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/">Citizens Advice</a> to see if it can help.</td></tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
<br />
+
<div style="clear:both"></div>
<div class="usermessage mw-customtoggle-myList">Click here to toggle the list.</div>
+
== Pre-made toggle ==
<ul class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" id="mw-customcollapsible-myList">
+
<div id="collapsible-div" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
<li>A</li>
+
<div class="mw-collapsible-toggle" style="float:none; border:1px solid silver; background-color:white; margin:0.2em auto auto; width:100%; padding:3px;">
<li>B</li>
+
  <div style="background-color:#f0f2f5; padding:0.2em 0.3em; font-weight:bold;">Switching Energy Supplier when you're a Tenant</div>
<li>C</li>
+
</div>
<li>D</li>
+
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
</ul>
+
<p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.</p>
 
+
</div>
 
+
<div style="clear:both"></div>
 
 
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==

Revision as of 19:45, 23 January 2018

Switch-Energy-Supplier.png

Why should I Switch?

In a nutshell, because the government in its infinite wisdom has privatised the energy sector. Unfortunately, it's a natural monopoly, so this "idea" isn't working well – energy suppliers just rack up their charges as high as they can get away with – they love customer apathy. In order to force them to compete and bring their prices down, customers must vote with their feet by switching to one with a lower tariff. Don't kid yourself you're being rewarded for loyalty because you've been with the same supplier for years.

Aren't all Suppliers the Same?

No. There are two differences: (a) "green" vs. "fossil fuel" energy, and (b) price. Suppliers entice customers with special offers, usually lasting for one year. You can save up to £300 per year, so it really is worth bothering.[1] (Or vote Labour, so we can dump this artifical enforced so-called "competition" and stop having to switch.)

How Do I Switch?

1. Gather the following together:

  • The name of your current supplier
  • The name of your current tariff
  • The date your current contract expires
  • Whether your current supplier charges exit fees for terminating your contract
  • An up-to-date meter reading
  • How many kilowatt hours (kWh) you've used in the last year of electricity / gas
  • Your supply reference number. The gas reference is called the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), and for electricity it's called the Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN). They will be printed somewhere on your bill. Note these are not the same as your Customer Account number or your Meter Serial number (printed on your meter).[2]

2. Compare Tariffs

You can do this either by telephone, or online. The following comparison websites are all accredited by OfGEM and give accurate and impartial information about tariffs.[3] If a website isn't on OfGEM's list, you can't be sure the information you are given is impartial.

Switch-Energy-Supplier-compare.png
Energy Helplinewww.energyhelpline.com0800-074-0745
Energy Linxwww.energylinx.co.uk 0800-849-7077
Money Supermarketwww.moneysupermarket.com 0845-345-5708
My Utility Geniuswww.myutilitygenius.co.uk 0203-468-0461
Quote Zonewww.quotezone.co.uk online only
Run Path Digitalwww.runpathdigital.com/gas-electricity online only
Simply Switchwww.simplyswitch.com 0800-011-1395
Switch Gas and Electricwww.switchgasandelectric.com 0871-711-7771
The Energy Shopwww.theenergyshop.com 0845-330-7247
Unravel Itwww.unravelit.com 0800-862-0021
uSwitchwww.uswitch.com 0808-1783-492
Whichwww.which.co.uk/switch 01992-822-867

3. "Sign" the Contract

When you've picked the supplier you want, enter your bank details to set up a direct debit (this gives you the cheapest deals). The new supplier will arrange the changeover process; you’ll be asked submit meter readings, then your old supplier will send a final bill. The whole process takes between 2 — 3 weeks.

You'll have 14 days to cancel a switch. After this, there may be a cost to exit the contract (exit fee), depending on your agreement. You must contact your supplier to cancel the contract.

Make a note on your calendar of when your tariff ends; you can also find this information by logging into your account, or on a bill. Also make a note of the date 4 weeks before the end date, as this is when you should look for a new contract.

Complaints

Resolver is highly-recommended by 1.7 million users for removing much of the pain from contacting your supplier, from a simple change of address to a complex billing problem. Resolver explains your rights, creates a case file for you, and guides you through the process. Their website is here: Resolver.

Alternatively, you can DIY. OfGEM have a good overview here: Complain about your gas or electricity bill or supplier.

  1. Contact your supplier by telephone or email. The Citizens Advice Bureau has a very helpful page: Complain to your Energy Supplier. If your problem has not been resolved after 8 weeks, then:
  2. Contact the Energy Ombudsman. Again, see the Citizens Advice website: Complain to the Energy Ombudsman.

FAQs

Template:FAQ Template:FAQ Template:FAQ Template:FAQ Template:FAQ Template:FAQ Template:FAQ

Template:FAQ

Template:FAQ

Template:FAQ

Template:FAQ

Test FAQs

Switching Energy Supplier when you're a Tenant
If you rent your home, you have the right to switch supplier if you pay your energy supplier directly for your gas or electricity. This includes if you have a prepayment meter. If you pay energy bills to the supplier, but your tenancy agreement says you can't switch, challenge it. Preventing a tenant from changing energy suppliers may be viewed as an unfair term in a tenancy agreement. Talk to <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/">Citizens Advice</a> to see if it can help.

Pre-made toggle

Switching Energy Supplier when you're a Tenant

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

References

  1. ^ True or False? The Energy Mythbuster. Centre for Sustainable Energy, accessed Jan.22.2018
  2. ^ Switching energy supplier, Centre for Sustainable Energy, accessed Jan.22.2018
  3. ^ Compare gas and electricity tariffs: Ofgem-accredited price comparison sites. OfGEM Accredited Comparison Sites
  • Failing to switch energy supplier costs millions of UK households £1,500 over past six years. Ofgem figures show that more than 33% of UK households have remained with the same gas or electricity provider for 5+ years. The Independent, Josie Clarke, Jan.22.2018
  • How to switch energy supplier. BBC News, Brian Milligan, Aug.01.2017
  • Are energy firms using new smart meters to stop you switching? A new device must be installed every time you change suppliers. The Daily Mail, Ruth Lythe, Jan.12.2016
  • The best energy companies you've never heard of. The Telegraph, Sophie Christie, Feb.02.2015