stupid question, but i need to know...

zildjian09

i live in an apartment which is electric only. my provider is eon but i want to switch as the tariff i'm on isn't very good.

i have been on comparison websites to switch supplier but i'm getting a bit confused

i know it sounds stupid, but i don't understand all the different types of tariff! i have a few questions i would be so grateful if someone could help me:

1. do you just go with the cheapest one on the comparison site?
2. why does one provider have lots of different tariffs and how do you choose between them?
3. if i do pick one to switch to, what is the procedure? does the comparison website sort it all out or do i need to let my existing provider know? is there anything i need to do extra?

thanks so much if someone can help me, i don't mean to sound thick, i just want to get it right!

JasX

Essentially you need to do this:

1- look thru old bills/phone up your energy provider and find out what your rough annual useage is in kWH (ACTUAL not from estimates)

2-plug this number into the comparison site (doesn't matter if you've got your tariff wrong at this point as you're basing you comparison directly on your actual useage), the cheapest tariff listed will be the one best matched to your useage (the total amount saved will only be accurate if you got the tariff you're on correct but the best tatiff will still be the best one for you)

3-then you can go onto a cashback site and grab exactly the same deal but you get free cash too, follow the prompts on the switching site then be patient, you should start getting things thru the post and the system should take care of everything.

4-don't be too patient after 6-8 weeks your switch should be complete, after 12 weeks make sure your old supplier has closed your account and repaid anything they owe you for overpayments.

Fire_Fox

Do you have Economy 7 meter (two rate) or a standard meter (single rate)? There are lots of tariffs in order to confuse you, just feed your actual usage in KWH (not £££ and not estimated readings) into the price comparison site, tick direct debit and online billing (if you are ok with that, usually cheapest) and go with whichever supplier/ tariff is cheapest.

You can switch via the price comparison site and most of the work will be done for you (new supplier informs old supplier) BUT it is usually more cost effective to switch via a cashback site. :money: Make sure you clear your cookies before logging into the cashback site to do the switch itself - some people switch twice a year for cashback, in that case you may not choose the cheapest supplier you may choose the second or third cheapest. I have just switched to NPower for £65 cashback, but they are expensive so only staying until the end of the summer and will then go back to cheap SP for the winter!!

When you switch you will need a bill in front of you as you will have to put the MPAN (unique meter) number into the system as well as your personal and payment details. After that the only thing you have to do is supply meter readings to your new supplier on a day specified by them (approx four weeks later). Do not cancel any old DDs until you are sure you have paid the final bill from your old supplier.

Premier_2

zildjian09 wrote: »

1. do you just go with the cheapest one on the comparison site?

Yes, unless you have a reason not to.

zildjian09 wrote: »

2. why does one provider have lots of different tariffs and how do you choose between them?

See question 1

zildjian09 wrote: »

3. if i do pick one to switch to, what is the procedure? does the comparison website sort it all out or do i need to let my existing provider know? is there anything i need to do extra?

If you can switch via the comparison site, then they will sort it out for you, and if you use a comparison site in the resource bar above, pay you a little extra.

Or you might get a better cashback by using a cashback site.

Or you may have to apply direct to the energy company (the comparison site will point you to this if they can't switch you, and if you do, you won't get any cashback)

As the switch goes ahead, you'll be asked to provide a meter reading on the day of the actual switch which will be advised to you.