u switch

symphony18

Has anyone else switched energy supplier only to end up worse off?
I switched at the end o f last year from EDF to First Utility after comparing rates on USwitch as they offered a much lower rate
At the end of the year I switched again to another supplier as my payments where being increased considerably
First Utility then took £867 pounds from my bank account as a final payment which meant I was actually paying approx. £500 per year more than I was originally

onlyfoolsandparking

Maybe an intelligence insulting question BUT I have made similar mistake albeit a long time ago now.


Did you check the actual unit rates/standing charge rate?


I ask this because what I've noticed when I do a comparison is 'FIXED' rate tariffs appear cheaper than what I was paying BUT when you do a more thorough check its often not the case. I think (and I could be wrong) that fixed tariffs are sort of like offsetting your bill and then at the end of the fix you end up with a massive final bill.


When I do a comparison now I do look at the monthly DD but then I always check the unit rates and they are usually more expensive!


Of course the prices suppliers quote us are based on 'typical usage' most of the time unless you can input exact usage so what they quote and what you end up paying can often be miles apart.

JJ_Egan

No never after many switches .
Sounds like you where either not on a fixed rate or used a lot more energy .
Meter readings are the key .


FU from EDF much lower rate .
From what to what ??
Once again with payments increased considerably suggests more like its your usage .
Again meter readings .

symphony18

I have checked with my previous supplier and I was on a cheaper rate with them
This has been an expensive learning curve for me and will know in future to check the unit price before switching

Robin9

symphony18 wrote: »

I have checked with my previous supplier and I was on a cheaper rate with them
This has been an expensive learning curve for me and will know in future to check the unit price before switching

Whenever anyone switches these days the tariffs will be more than what you are presently on. You switch to save money compared with your existing supplier transferring you to their standard (ie expensive) tariff.

OPMDaze

So many horror stories where a utility company has emptied someones bank account leaving them penniless. It's why I'll never set up a direct debit with a utility company. I know to get slightly better deals they want direct debit but it's not worth it imo.People will say you'll get money back if there's a mistake but that doesn't help if your account is emptied just before a weekend. Not for me thanks.