Good deals as a *new* customer

Turnba

Hi all

I am finding this very difficult. I have just moved into a completely different type of property than I've ever lived in and I've no idea how to find a good deal on utilities.

All of the comparison sites, as well as main supplier pages I've visited, ask about previous bills and usage, as though I'm switching supplier, before I can get a quote. I'm a new customer and I get the impression that I'll have to just pick something and then see how much money I'm wasting after I have a bill history.

I just want to see tariffs that state cost per unit and not "you could be around £100 per month" - is this information available??

Thanks in advance for any advice!

jd87

The most common question on this board.

Comparing tariffs by cost per unit is not possible. Nearly all tariffs have standing charges or "tiered" unit prices that make them impossible to compare them directly. This is why comparison sites exist.

Put in the details of your current tariff or any other standard tariff. You do realise that wherever you have moved to, you do already have a supplier, right? (Hint: It's whoever the previous occupant was with).

Don't worry about usage, just choose medium or average. All comparison sites let you give an estimate if you don't have the exact figures.Then just go with whoever it says is cheapest.

SwanJon

If it helps, Ofgem put the average consumption at 3,300 kWh for electricity and 16,500 kWh for gas.
If your house is smaller than average bring it down a bit etc. Choose the supplier that works for you (once you have registered with the existing supplier for the house).
Take and submit regular readings, then you can compare again with more accurate figures next time.

MillicentBystander

something nobody ever seems to suggest in situations like this - pick the cheapest/most suitable supplier at the 16500/3300 figures that DON'T have any exit fees/min term commitment so that should the assumed consumption prove to be inaccurate after say 6 months you can swith to a more appropriate tariff without financial penalty.

SwanJon

I suppose that depends on the relative savings.
Something that looks cheapest on the kWh you put in, but turns out to be thrid/fourth cheapest for your actual kWh might still save you enough to counter six months on a higher tariff. That said if the no-exit-fee tariff is close enough to the top it's a no brainer.

It might be worth asking the existing the supplier what the consumption was for the previous tenant - they may not give it, and you don't have to use it if they do but it'll give you an idea.

macman

Unit costs tell you absolutely nothing, because there are too many other variables: 1st tier/2nd tier points, standing charges, DD discounts, annual loyalty discounts, etc. The only figure that matters is the annual total, which a comp site will tell you in seconds. Then just factor in any cashbacks available. Only enter estimated annual kWh figures, as monthly DD amounts produce less accurate results.
PS: you are not a 'new customer', because you are already in a deemed contract with the existing supplier. You need to register with them (I hope you took meter readings on day one) for an account before you can commence a switch.

Wywth

Turnba wrote: »

Hi all

I am finding this very difficult. I have just moved into a completely different type of property than I've ever lived in and I've no idea how to find a good deal on utilities.

All of the comparison sites, as well as main supplier pages I've visited, ask about previous bills and usage, as though I'm switching supplier, before I can get a quote. I'm a new customer and I get the impression that I'll have to just pick something and then see how much money I'm wasting after I have a bill history.

I just want to see tariffs that state cost per unit and not "you could be around £100 per month" - is this information available??

Thanks in advance for any advice!

:huh:

I think all the comparison sites I've looked at have an option to help you if you don't know your anticipated annual consumption figures.

Try Energyhelpline. It's Martins top pick of the comparison sites, and it certainly has such an option

(It also has full details of all the tariffs - just click on the tariff(s) you are interested in)

MillicentBystander

SwanJon wrote: »

I suppose that depends on the relative savings.
Something that looks cheapest on the kWh you put in, but turns out to be thrid/fourth cheapest for your actual kWh might still save you enough to counter six months on a higher tariff. That said if the no-exit-fee tariff is close enough to the top it's a no brainer.

It might be worth asking the existing the supplier what the consumption was for the previous tenant - they may not give it, and you don't have to use it if they do but it'll give you an idea.

Agreed. I was looking at my region (Yorkshire) at the 16500/3300 figure and Online Fixed Price Energy September 2014 seems like a goer - in the top 5, no exit fees and the added bonus of £60.60 cashback from TCB! A no-brainer, really.