Price comparison sites

[Deleted User]

Hi my Shell Energy contract is due to finish on 31st August, I have been looking at the price comparison sites and find them rather confusing to say the least I basically want a good deal for the least cash (don't we all ) I haven't, and don't wish to have a 'smart' meter as I am quite capable of reading and sending the readings monthly I do receive a Warm Home discount, a lot of the cheaper sites don't accept this so they are ruled out.quite happy to be 'paperless', less junk in the files My yearly electric totals are 1152 KWHs, and Gas are 5862 KWHs so I am quite a low and thrifty user. I have spent the past 2 hours scrolling through various sites and as yet have not really found a site that seems to speak in plain english thats understandable for this old woman . would you advise me to just ring them up or not I don't want to be talked into something that may not be to my benefit .
Has anyone any recommendations please my eyes are beginning to glaze over :):) or should I just bite the bullet and stay put

Terresa

JackieO wrote: »

Hi my Shell Energy contract is due to finish on 31st August, I have been looking at the price comparison sites and find them rather confusing to say the least I basically want a good deal for the least cash (don't we all ) I haven't, and don't wish to have a 'smart' meter as I am quite capable of reading and sending the readings monthly I do receive a Warm Home discount, a lot of the cheaper sites don't accept this so they are ruled out.quite happy to be 'paperless', less junk in the files My yearly electric totals are 1152 KWHs, and Gas are 5862 KWHs so I am quite a low and thrifty user. I have spent the past 2 hours scrolling through various sites and as yet have not really found a site that seems to speak in plain english thats understandable for this old woman . would you advise me to just ring them up or not I don't want to be talked into something that may not be to my benefit .
Has anyone any recommendations please my eyes are beginning to glaze over :):) or should I just bite the bullet and stay put

I can fully understand how confusing some people may find the use of comparison sites.
Let's see if we can assist you ?

I see that you are eligible for the WHD. Can I ask is that as part of the core group, or as part of the broader group. It may not matter too much if you don't know.

I understand you do not wish to have a smart meter fitted. That's ok, there is no obligation to have one but it may restrict your overall choice. We can see if that will cost you anything.

You are happy to manage your account online - that's good as it often allows for a cheaper tariff.

Presumably you are happy to pay monthly by direct debit? (that is often cheaper too)

Finally, we do need your supply region, or first part of your postcode if that is easier, to find you the tariffs appopriate to you.

Smodlet

[Text removed by Forum Team]

JackieO, it does take a while to learn to navigate comparison sites with confidence. I can now use the CEC virtually blindfolded but know OH would not have a clue what he was looking at.

Of all of them, I find those pesky Russian Rodents' site the easiest to use. It is the only one I have found which shows you the prospective tariff rates alongside your current ones.

Other than that, the CEC probably has the best filters (by far) that I have come across. Most sites do not allow you to eliminate those providers who do not offer the WHD, for instance.

You have time if your current tariff does not end until 31st August so, if you have had enough of it today, perhaps looking again tomorrow or in a few days time might seem easier.

If you would like someone else to use a comparison site for you, by all means feel free to ask.

Gerry1

The good news is that you know your annual consumption figures, so you're almost there ! Just decide whether you want a fixed deal (possibly with exit fees) or if you're happy with a variable tariff that lets you switch without penalty (but may suddenly increase in price).

Make sure you click on the Show Me All Suppliers / Show Whole Market button. If you don't, most sites will default to those that pay them commission so you'll miss the best deals. Ignore the alleged savings, just compare the annual amount.

Try electricity only, gas only and dual fuel. Dual fuel isn't always cheaper.

Needless to say, register with the Cheap Energy Club so that you'll be notified if cheaper deals are introduced. Some users report poor service with some companies, so check those ratings as well.

Remember that some suppliers take the first DD payment the moment they supply you, and the old company can take six weeks to refund your credit, so don't run your bank account down too low...

Finally, don't assume you can't have a 'smart meter' tariff. If one looks attractive, look very carefully at the Terms & Conditions, not just the blurb. You may well find that you have to agree only to be contacted about a smart meter rather than have one installed.

Talldave

Is dual fuel cheaper for anyone at the moment? It's years since I used a single supplier for both.

Gerry1

Dual fuel is cheaper for me. It can also be cheaper to have a single rate tariff even if you have an Economy 7 meter. Most suppliers can just add the day and night readings together.

Talldave

Gerry1 wrote: »

Dual fuel is cheaper for me. It can also be cheaper to have a single rate tariff even if you have an Economy 7 meter. Most suppliers can just add the day and night readings together.

Interesting, I wonder if it's mostly when you use a lot of one fuel that separate suppliers becomes the cheaper option.

I've done the single rate E7 thing for years but have just recently taken on an E7 tarrif. Not for long though..moving soon.

Gerry1

Talldave wrote: »

Interesting, I wonder if it's mostly when you use a lot of one fuel that separate suppliers becomes the cheaper option.

Probably, I use less than the average for electricity but quite a lot of gas. It's a pain that many companies won't supply gas only, they insist on electricity as well.

It's anti-competitive, but Ofgem is far too dozy to do anything about it.

Smodlet

Single fuel suppliers are really expensive for my area, or so I have found. Dual fuel discount is also a real factor with my current supplier though I will be leaving them soon.

Good luck with your move, Talldave.

[Deleted User]

Lots of positive feedback from you all I live in the Medway area of Kent. Just need to perhaps have a look again tomorrow

Thanks everyone you are very helpful

JackieO xx

Gerry1

JackieO wrote: »

Just need to perhaps have a look again tomorrow

If you see something you like you can start switching straight away: you're within 49 days of the end of your fixed contract, so exit fees no longer apply.

Ofgem has a list of approved comparison sites. I'd suggest starting with Runpath because it's quite straightforward, but you must remember to click on 'View tariffs available directly from the suppliers' when you see the first results.

Avro Energy's Simple and SuperSave looks promising at £451.95 with Warm Home Discount, fixed tariff and no exit fees. I found them to be OK; they bring out new tariffs every few weeks so you can easily switch within a few days if the Cheap Energy Club alerts you that they've cut their prices. I did this several times, extending the fixed 12 months as well. Note that the Energy Helpline site gets it wrong: they state that Avro don't offer Warm Home Discount.