Comparison Sites - are they accurate?

MrGSaves

I've put the same data into 3 different comparison sites to find out the best energy tariff. They generally rank the best deals in the same order but the amount of savings vary considerably.
Eg. Which? comparison = £222.70 saving with EON tariff
Moneysupermarket = £431.16 saving with EON tariff
U Switch = £363 saving with EON tariff

I've double checked the input data and there are no errors.
Is there a reason for this that I'm not aware of. The outcomes of the comparisons will obviously affect my decision of whether to switch or not.
Thanks

jalexa

MrGSaves wrote: »

I've double checked the input data and there are no errors.

Why not post the "input data" then and let forum members advise.

Cardew

Did you enter kWh?

Is your current tariff a fixed/capped tariff that is ending in the next few months?

MrGSaves

I've not switched for quite a few years so expect to make some savings.
Ok - the input data is

Currently with Atlantic on Standard On Line tariff using 8655 KWh of Elecy and 31669 KWh of gas.

What do you think?

MrGSaves

Oh yes and pay by monthly DD. Paperless.

jalexa

MrGSaves wrote: »

Currently with Atlantic on Standard On Line tariff using 8655 KWh of Elecy and 31669 KWh of gas.

You are right to be puzzled, I have quite of bit of comparison website experience and I am confused too (and surprised).

Not a good advert for the Consumer Focus confidence code.

I never rely on a comparison unless TheEnergyShop and uSwitch agree. From experience I lack confidence in other sites consistency. What I noticed is that both TheEnergyShop and uSwitch return identical future costs for your consumption. I think you can be confident in the accuracy of the future costs. I don't think E.ON have announced new pricing yet but most people here expect a hike in the new year. Switching to E.ON is therefore pointless unless they currently offer a competitive fixed rate tariff.

I was very surprised to find that TheEnergyShop and uSwitch calculate significantly different current costs (and therefore different savings) except the differences are illusory because there is agreement on future costs. I don't have an immediate explanation and no time to look for one. I speculate it is to do with the timing of the increase on current prices.

So my advice is run your kWhrs comparison on TheEnergyShop and uSwitch, other comparison sites if you want, and rely on the future costs not the savings. Forget E.ON unless you see an attractive fixed rate.

BTW, I take it you realise your consumption is over double average usage. You hardly deserve the "Saves" in your sig.

MrGSaves

Thanks for the detailed response. Switching isn't as clear cut a process as I'd hoped.
Take your point on the sig.... working on living up to it..

macman

How do you mange to use that much electricity, assuming gas CH and DHW? Something is seriously awry there!

Wywth

MrGSaves wrote: »

I've put the same data into 3 different comparison sites to find out the best energy tariff. They generally rank the best deals in the same order but the amount of savings vary considerably.
Eg. Which? comparison = £222.70 saving with EON tariff
Moneysupermarket = £431.16 saving with EON tariff
U Switch = £363 saving with EON tariff

I've double checked the input data and there are no errors.
Is there a reason for this that I'm not aware of. The outcomes of the comparisons will obviously affect my decision of whether to switch or not.
Thanks

Yes they are as accurate

MrGSaves wrote: »

I've not switched for quite a few years so expect to make some savings.
Ok - the input data is

Currently with Atlantic on Standard On Line tariff using 8655 KWh of Elecy and 31669 KWh of gas.

What do you think?

I'm sorry, but we also need the supply region (or first part of your postcode)

Wywth

jalexa wrote: »

You are right to be puzzled, I have quite of bit of comparison website experience and I am confused too (and surprised).

Not a good advert for the Consumer Focus confidence code.

I never rely on a comparison unless TheEnergyShop and uSwitch agree. From experience I lack confidence in other sites consistency. What I noticed is that both TheEnergyShop and uSwitch return identical future costs for your consumption. I think you can be confident in the accuracy of the future costs. I don't think E.ON have announced new pricing yet but most people here expect a hike in the new year. Switching to E.ON is therefore pointless unless they currently offer a competitive fixed rate tariff.

I was very surprised to find that TheEnergyShop and uSwitch calculate significantly different current costs (and therefore different savings) except the differences are illusory because there is agreement on future costs. I don't have an immediate explanation and no time to look for one. I speculate it is to do with the timing of the increase on current prices.

So my advice is run your kWhrs comparison on TheEnergyShop and uSwitch, other comparison sites if you want, and rely on the future costs not the savings. Forget E.ON unless you see an attractive fixed rate.

BTW, I take it you realise your consumption is over double average usage. You hardly deserve the "Saves" in your sig.

Like you suggested to the OP, give us the full details and let the forum members see for themselves and advise accordingly

MrGSaves

How do you mange to use that much electricity, assuming gas CH and DHW? Something is seriously awry there

Yes, it is a worry! Have recently upgraded washer and drier to energy efficient ones (from very old units that seem to be on every day) - will hopefully feel some benefit from that. Have also got the kids engaged in 'turn it off' campaign.

The region is Leeds (LS8) Yorkshire.