Generally best value gas/electricity provider?

Zither

Hello,

Ok so ummm I've rented for the last few years and my utility bills were included in the rent (so I haven't looked at suppliers for a long time - and have nothing to really compare to when looking at comparison sites).

So, is there a 'generally recognised' market leader for gas/elec on 'general value' basis? I'm thinking in terms of typical unit price, ok customer services, boiler servicing, freebies like Nest/Hive and so on?

Sorry so vague but I looked at a couple of comparison sites earlier and hadn't heard of half the resellers on there! I was still expecting to see Northern Electric somewhere

Thank you

Z

[Deleted User]

Quick answer, NO.

The big companies can be just as bad or good as the smaller companies.

The customer supply part of Northern Electric is now in npower (Wikipedia is a wonderful thing).

Just research the companies that the switching sites show. All providers have a Feedback thread in this forum (somewhere). Just use the forum search.

AndyPK

boiler servicing, freebies like Nest/Hive and so on?

There is no such thing as freebies.

Things like nest just get added into the price you pay per unit.
So if you don't need it (which you don't unless you live miles away from work) forget it!


Some sites have a tick box, only show big named suppliers, this should narrow things down.

You will just have to pick a tarriff for a year, and then refine it a year later when you have precise meter reads for a year. (most options will be cheaper than just being on the standard rate which is the most expensive)

Be good if you pick a tarriff with no exit fee. Less of an issue if you make a mistake then

Robin9

Whichever supplier you choose get into the habit of meter readings and understand your bills.

Zither

Okey dokey thanks v much all. I thought there would be an annual industry award somewhere - like in 2016 x provdider was recognised as the best supplier? Or that supplier x typically offered lower prices than other suppliers! But I guess it's not that simple anymore

AndyPK

prices depend on your region and usage, so there is rarely a supplier that is cheap for everyone.

A fix price for a year should be better than standard tariff.

The worst thing you can do, is not choose one and stay on the standard tariff.

When you phone a supplier, they do tend to ask you roughly when the house was built, how many bedrooms and if you cook with gas/elec to give you a rough estimate of what the bill will be.

molerat

AndyPK wrote: »

prices depend on your region and usage, so there is rarely a supplier that is cheap for everyone

This. I was surprised, when discussing my tariff on here, that the unit price for the same tariff in one region was 50% more than I was paying with the same SC.

Zither

Cheers guys! I've been hearing good things about First Utility at work for dual fuel so I might just go with them and fix for a year. Unless anyone has any horror stories! ��

footyguy

Zither wrote: »

Cheers guys! I've been hearing good things about First Utility at work for dual fuel so I might just go with them and fix for a year. Unless anyone has any horror stories! ��

First Utilty feedback thread here
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4415653

lisa110rry

Zither, I'm just finishing a year's contract with a small company called So Energy (I was returning to this site to give them a glowing review). Their communication and customer support have been stunning and their tariff very good - I initially chose them on the basis of price while discounting cheaper supplier with whom I've had nightmare contracts (like Extra Energy). Using the usage projections provided by So Energy (checked against my own spreadsheets of usage - spot on) I used the MSE Cheap Energy Club to check whether they were competitive. Only two or three suppliers (including the dreaded Extra Energy) were cheaper, and only by £1 per month! Needless to say, I have renewed with So Energy for next year. I recommend them to anyone!

Hoof_Hearted

I am now with two different small suppliers. All is right with the world. They respond to questions, issue correct bills and send reminders for meter readings. These are things that Scottish Power was never able to achieve. Given what happened with GB Energy, I don't feel it's too risky to pick a small company. Indeed, I had no problem with GB Energy regarding billing or anything else.