unbiased energy comparisons

Brian_Jones_922

I was recently informed by a friend that some of the energy comparison sites are not totally unbiased, being associated with particular suppliers and hence not necessarily the most accurate information to base any switching decisions on. Is there any comparison site which is truely unbiased?

Gorgeous_George

Probably not. Perhaps Martin ought to set up his own comparison website - perhaps donating a %age of profits to Third World charities.

I would recommend using the sites as a guide but it is better to rely on your own research and/or personal recommendations.

I don't have a favourite supplier.

GG

SwanJon

There were rumours of sites proffering the suppliers that gave them more commision overothers, but so long as they have the EnergySure mark they should be independent, so long as you use kWh to compare and ask to see all results (not just the ones you can sign up for through them.

It never hurts to look a bit deeper - use the sites to get a ballpark figure, then look at prices per kWh and any discounts (e.g. when do they pay them), exit fees, seasonal weighting etc.

BexTech

uSwitch used to be dodgy, they recently tried to forced companies to pay them or not get added. However at the moment they are OK.

However I use some of the others because I'll never forgive uSwitch for their dodgy past.

MSE_Martin

None are perfect, though many do try hard, as explained in my guide they are all commercial companies. The Energywatch code has got more rigourous over the years and a one of the big ones almost missed accreditation and had to radically change their sites. They're not perfect but for most people they're massively easier and better than sticking with the perfect supplier. Of course if you've a spreadsheet and are willing to do the numbers yourself...

Jemma-T

uSwitch must still be "dodgy" or they'd be out of business. We've seen what some of the water companies have been up to in England (telling lies, acting illegally, forgery, and even alleged criminality etc) and that's because they have shareholders and people like to earn bonuses.

uSwitch also has shareholders and that is where their first thought must lie. Or they'd have no business. Someone has to pay for the staff, hosting, advertising etc. No problem with that as long as they don't pretend to be unbiased or 'independent'. I've seen uSwitch on TV I'm sure (or people talking about them) acting like a charity or something. They can't be 'independent' because they profit from your choice of supplier and we certainly can't trust them (do you trust Tesco?). No harm in using their services to an extent for general information however.

Choc

Energylinx are usually spot on.

Cardew

I think Martin has summed it up in that they are 'commercial companies and they are not perfect'

They want you to switch supplier because that is how they make their money.

Having spent some time playing with a new toy(not mine) a Tom Tom SatNav. I have come to the conclusion that they are great - as long as you know which route you should be taking beforehand!!!! I couldn't believe the routes it tried to suggest.

Similarly the Comparison websites are fine if you have a good understanding of gas and electricity tariffs; and are not seduced by a bottle of bubbly, Nectar points or a £30 cashback.

guidarufino

As I said in my rant entitled "opaque pricing", comparing prices yourself is virtually impossible unless you have like a whole day spare to sit and phone all the providers and work it all out. By making their pricing stuctures deliberately complicated, this is all but impossible for people who work. :mad: Which leaves us with the comparison sites...