Switching Utilities Fixed or Not?? Please could you help, thanks

bluehorse230903

Hi, I am just looking at switching and have been on several comparison websites which all show the same cheapest supplier which is GB Energy. I have two concerns about switching, the first is do I opt for a fixed rate or variable. The prices are pretty much the same but I wonder what the chances are of switching and the prices falling rather than going up?? The second concern is, under their terms and conditions it says they can apply additional charges as and when needed and these are things like meter accuracy test for £220 or meter repositioning £60 is this a normal thing companies cover themselves with. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

[Deleted User]

Third Concern: check the Feedback on any company before signing up. Every energy company has a feedback thread here about them.

[Deleted User]

Fixed or variable?

Depends if you are happy for the price to increase or decrease. Very much a personal thing if that is the only difference between the tariffs.

If both tariffs are free to exit at anytime, then go fixed as you can leave free if a better deal comes along elsewhere at a later date.

bluehorse230903

Thank you for your replies, the fixed term is for 12 months and has a £60 exit fee but the variable has no exit fees.

System

Look at separate suppliers for electricity and gas. I am with Zog for gas and GBEnergy for electricity. Zog's Saturn 12 tariff is slightly more expensive than its cheapest but it is fixed and there are no exit fees. I am on GB's Premium Saver for electricity. Unlike most suppliers, this is GB's cheapest tariff. Prices are variable but they have to inform you if the price is going to increase. There are no exit fees on this tariff.

footyguy

Regarding additional charges for special actions, then yes this is quite normal ... but not all companies make such costs so to find.

You will only have to pay for an accuracy test you request if, on testing, the meter is found to be accurate.

Edit: A similar issue (and response) someone mentioned about Arvo can be found here
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5371393

Anthorn

Every comparison I look at puts e.on fixed 1 year v19 paperless top. I go fixed because I like to know what I'm going to be paying. But in the current atmosphere of price cuts fixed could be a bad deal particularly if there is a switch while in contract penalty.

Try the Voltz app. I found it to provide the most accurate comparison.

footyguy

Anthorn wrote: »

Every comparison I look at puts e.on fixed 1 year v19 paperless top. I go fixed because I like to know what I'm going to be paying. But in the current atmosphere of price cuts fixed could be a bad deal particularly if there is a switch while in contract penalty.

Try the Voltz app. I found it to provide the most accurate comparison.

There is no early exit fee to transfer tariffs within Eon ... and V20 is due out soon (but the date is slipping)

Never heard of that app, but any accredited comparison site should be accurate ... and there are several that MSE have negotiated special cashback offers for too.

Here are the Ofgem accredited comparison sites
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/domestic-consumers/switching-your-energy-supplier/confidence-code

And you'll find details of those MSE cashback deals I mentioned here
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/you-switch-gas-electricity

You need to expand the bit "For more help switching energy via comparison sites click here" to see them all