How often to switch?

zebedy

How often do you switch energy supplier?
I last switched about a year ago to the best deal for me at the time, but there are better deals out there now. I'm wondering whether to switch again

It is a bit of a hassle as elec and gas often get switched on different dates and I seem to end up making several phone calls and taking multiple meter readings to get it all sorted and running on an even keel again

Also if you switch too frequently you wouldn't really get a clear picture of how much your usage is per year

So, what's the verdict? Roughly how often do you switch?

matelodave

I switch when there's a better deal around and will pay the termination fee if the new deal will cover that as well.

It doesn't matter how often you switch, you always have a clear picture of your consumption as it's recorded on the meters in your house and you won't use different amounts depending on who supplies you.

It's easier if you record the info yourself rather than hoping that the supplier does it properly. Sending a monthly reading to the supplier and keeping your own spreadsheet will enable you to monitor your own consumption and hopefully avoid random estimates by your supplier. It also helps you when using comparison sites as you'll know exactly how much you use.

Mr_K

Every year, rarely will your existing supplier offer the best deal. It has many advantages - ensures best deal, possibly get cashback for switching each year and resets you DD at a value you're happy with.

Also don't assume a single dual fuel supplier is best, it used to be but I think they've cottoned on to customer inertia. Going to different suppliers for Gas and electricity is increasingly proving the best deal. Make sure you compare the small suppliers too - comparison sites try to exclude them as they can't earn commission, but they are often the best deal.

brewerdave

Annually since long term fixes got too expensive ~ 18 months ago.
I consider switching on a monthly basis -but I'm currently on a fix til next April....if a deal comes up which will save a reasonable amount of money and cover early termination costs then I'll go for it.
Recently got a mailshot about an Extra Energy tariff -would save me ~ £80 py and run an extra 6 months but as the early term. fees are £60 and the 6 months are during the Summer I'm sticking for now.

2010

It`s getting like your annual renewal for insurance.
You have to check if there`s a better deal and take it.

cing0

Its up to you how you value your time.
If your a divorced senior executive who hardly gets time to see their kids living in a different part of the county, you may not see £50-£100 as being worth it. If you have plenty of time but no money, its a no brainier.

You will get a picture of your usage from your bills and readings taken, regardless of how many times you switch. I switch at least twice a year per fuel.

One tip for forum readers to avoid the meter reading hassle noted by the thread starter. Submit meter readings 2 weeks before your go live to your old energy supplier online. Submit your opening meter reading to both your old and new supplier around the go live date. They then can't justify making up meter readings.

warmy

I switched in April to a long fix till 2017.i think I made a mistake as I could save about £180 a year .the exit fee would be £100 not sure what to do any ideas anyone?

zaax

Every time there is a better deal