Energy choice again

vigman

I moved over to British Gas for dual fuel but that deal is coming to an end. I know I could switch company again but I don't want the hassle, (OVO owed me a refund for nearly a year).
I see on MSE Energy Club that British Gas is offering "HomeEnergy Secure Jan 2022".
First question, please: Do I still have to initiate a switch via MSE Energy Club to get this, or just call them as they are my current suppliers?
Second question: Aren't suppliers supposed to put you on their lowest tariff anyway?
Third question: Is there a great MSE energy deal currently or coming up??
TIA
Vigman

Gerry1

1. BG are notorious for showing only their most expensive tariffs on their website.  Their best deals are only available via comparison sites, so it's unlikely the call centre staff will even know about them, let alone offer them.  BG even have a separate division (British Gas X) that does only online offers on comparison sites.  It's so secret that the call centre staff have been telling callers that it's a scam !
   If you really want to stay with BG, start comparing with Citizens Advice and 'Switch with Which?' and then try a few others such as Uswitch.  Tell the comparison sites that your suppliers are someone other than BG, otherwise the best BG offers may be hidden.
2. Absolutely not !
3. Look into your crystal ball.  Unlikely, in my experience they've always been easily beatable, especially if you have separate suppliers rather than dual fuel and you use smaller companies such as Neon Reef, Gulf, Yorkshire Energy, Avro (and probably Zog, Igloo etc).

brewerdave

Re point 2 - I believe that the Utility Co. have to show you on each bill, if they can offer a cheaper tariff BUT they can still apply early termination fees if you want to switch internally with them.
Point 3 - no CEC deal has been worthwhile for me since late 2016

vigman

Thanks for the quick responses. Actually OVO seem to have the best deal. I was with them before I switched to BG but they just took ages to give a refund for an overcharge at the time of switching.
Are there a few companies that MSE members are going for currently, please?
TIA
Vigman

macman

You could do a switch in about 10 mins, the same time you invested in posting your question...

Gerry1

I've been happy with Neon Reef (not shown by MSE/CEC), Gulf, Yorkshire Energy, Avro and several others.  Zog and Igloo are probably worth considering.  I didn't lose out when GB Energy went bust, nor do I expect to do so with Robin Hood / BG.

Best to check the reviews here on MSE of the companies you've short listed, and don't forget that separate suppliers are often cheaper than dual fuel.  Also check the ratings given by Citizens Advice.

I wouldn't recommend Outfox the Market because their sister company Economy Seven was dire, although I did eventually get my credit refunded. Their claims for their magic dust radiators tell you all you need to know.