Variations in comparison sites results

MSE_Martin

It's a question I'm often asked: why do you get different results using two different comparison sites (see Cheap Gas & Electricity guide) ? Surely if the information you plug in is the same, the results should be the same? Well, it's not totally straight forward:

• These sites make a number of assumptions.
  
  If you haven’t entered Kilowatt hours, which is the most accurate way, then just giving a past bill can’t actually tell the comparison sites your exact usage, so they each make some assumptions to work it out. Slight difference in those assumptions can impact the overall recommendations. Even if you do put Kilowatt hours in, then there are other assumptions made, as some sites add in seasonal usage weightings and more slight variences due to how the calculations are done.

• Check you’ve selected exactly the same current tariff.
  
  Annoying suppliers often list many almost identically named products for each provider – something that should be cracked down on – so it's important to check when you were saying who your current company is – that you got it exactly right.

• Was the difference just in the amount saved?
  
  This is far less of a worry, it is just those differing assumptions coming into play. Don’t worry about it too much, you now know who the recommended provider is so can decide whether its worth switching.

• In the rare cases when comparisons provide different recommendations.
  
  Overall this is a thorny question of which one to pick. There’s no guaranteed right answer, the only way to get PERFECT accuracy is get a spreadsheet out and do your own comparisons – but unless you’re a maths whizz with a lot of time that’s virtually impossible. The actual answer here is to rememebvr the differences are only at the margins so overall if you’re making a savings its still a good move.

• Why do I recommend comparison sites if I know this happens?
  
  The alternative is listening to the guy in the supermarket or knocking at your door trying to flog you a new tariff and they’re just salespeople. While the comparison sites are far from perfect, they are accredited by energywatch and those standards mean the differences are small.
  
  I took the decision four years ago, having made a big fuss about this then, that ultimately its more important that people save a fortune by getting the best tariff and switching at right moment, as this saves a huge fortune, and accept that comparison sites are the least worst way to do it.
  
  Overall they provide a good service and tell you roughly the cheapest provider… it's my hope they’ll be improved, but they’re much much better than sticking with an expensive supplier and watching prices rise.
  
  Yet the inconsistencies between them isn't good for their industry, or encouraging people to switch away from poor tariffs in general. In a recent feedback session with Ofgem, this is something I raised (i'll be blogging on that when i find a moment)

Martin

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bristolleedsfan

Although I wouldnt switch via MoneySupermarket due to the apparent pathetic cashbacks on offer compared with Quidco/TCB and CBK I find that comparisons via MS and energy helpline bring pretty much the same results with Uswitch always giving totally different results.