When can I shop around for a New Energy Supplier?

System

jazzy wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. I have had no letter from Extra Energy abot my contract is due to expire although it's still early days.

I received an email from USwitch today, the company I used last time for comparisons of energy companies. According to USwitch it is now OK to go ahead now for finding a new contract.



The three cheapest companies were Sainsbury Energy, Green Star Energy and OVO Energy (in that order), any recommendations which of these companies offers the better service?

Rather than seek out individual responses, you would be well advised to read the feedback threads on this forum for each of the suppliers. I also look at TrustPilot. FWiW, Ovo gets a high rating on TrustPilot and it is a Which? recommended supplier. Sainsburys Energy is British Gas in all but name. Personally, I would also factor in exit fees into my thinking . We have yet to see what energy companies are going to do this winter re pricing.

The USwitch e-mail is also somewhat misleading as, under Ofgem rules, no energy company can move a customer on to another fixed tariff. If a customer takes no action whatsoever, then all suppliers will move customers on to their standard variable tariff when a fixed contract ends. If you want to stay with Extra Energy on another fixed tariff then you will have to contact them.

http://www.which.co.uk/energy/saving-money/reviews-ns/energy-companies-reviewed/best-and-worst-energy-companies/

PurplePow

Hengus wrote: »

The Co-op should write to you before the 42 day point. You are then free to switch as stated above. The new supplier manages the switch so there is no need to inform the Co-op that you are switching.

I haven't received a letter from the co-op but gone ahead and proceeded to switch to Ovo as every website I read mentions that Co-op can no longer charge me the early exit fees now.