Are there any really good energy firms?

[Deleted User]

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/citizens-advice-consumer-work/supplier-performance/energy-supplier-performance/compare-domestic-energy-suppliers-customer-service/

Petriix

Green.energy were the best I've been with in terms of smooth switching (both to and from) and accuracy of billing.

However, it has to be asked: if you're having so many issues with so many suppliers, are you making the same mistakes repeatedly?  Most issues can be avoided by keeping accurate records of your usage and providing regular meter readings.

I'm currently with Outfox the Market who have a questionable reputation so I'm pretty diligent with providing meter readings on the right day and double checking my monthly statements. They did attempt to hike my direct debit but I was able to immediately challenge that base on my records.

I think most energy companies are pretty bad given the opportunity.

Brewer20

We are with Igloo energy, can say have been very happy to be with them over two years now. They only have one tarrif so it's simple to work out costs against others out there. The main thing is check the prices against what you pay now, it has certainly been beneficial for us to change from Npower. So long (as said in above posts) you send in an exact meter reading(s) via the app or online each month it all has gone smoothly. I've never had to ring, message or email them since joining them, no problems, accurate bills and agree with their set monthly DD requested amount since joining.

Gerry1

You might be better off with a Variable Direct Debit.

Talldave

I’ve found Zog and Gulf great. Yorkshire were too, so sad to see them go.
If you can handle the app-only approach, Pure Planet are good, with an active online customer community.

brewerdave

es5595 said:

I’m with Bristol Energy, although they have been bought by Together Energy so I’m not sure if they are taking new customers. 

My economy 7 tariff is fair, they offer fully “green” tariffs, an app that is easy to submit monthly readings on, and when I need to contact them I can get though my phone easily and get a credit refund within a few days. 

But then, until it all goes wrong, you don’t really know how they’ll handle it!

I was with Together Energy (briefly) when One Select went bust. I can honestly say that Together are the worst Energy company I have ever had the misfortune to deal with - so good luck !!!

Robin9

I can't really say I've had any particular issues with any of the companies I've been with.  I've caused them more problems  - mis reading meters. You do need to know how they work and keep to their systems - read meters on the day they want.  

At present with Zog and Green Network Energy - been with Npower, Eon, OVO, GbEnergy, Flow, Octopus

I've never bothered with the IHD toy .  I didn't let my MIL know about them - then she wouldn't be frightened by running costs.  It's the IHD which seems to cause many of the problems on this forum - but then I'm happy to read meters.

MWT

The IHD is a useful tool, but not perhaps for everyone.

I wouldn't be without ours simply for the ability to quickly see daily usage and meter readings without having to go outside, and being able to spot unexpected high consumption when something has been left on accidentally for example.

It just sits by my PC so easy to see while I am working.

Robin9

@MWT   My IHD was a Eon of 2014 . Once I had seen once how much a kettle cost (which I knew anyway)  I couldn't see the point of the pretty colours.  It couldn't give meter readings.

I can't see how they save anyone any money. Does it save you money. ?

Smart meter and   the supply industry yes but ID's no.

MWT

Robin9 said:

@MWT   My IHD was a Eon of 2014 . Once I had seen once how much a kettle cost (which I knew anyway)  I couldn't see the point of the pretty colours.  It couldn't give meter readings.

Agreed, that would limit the utility.

I'm slightly surprised though that even back then it didn't display meter readings, even now they are not always obvious, but a little digging into the menu options and they are usually to be found.

As to the money saving aspect, I'd have to say yes, it was a great help in spotting unexpected high consumption devices and continues to proof useful as I mentioned above when high consumption devices that should be off get left on.

The majority of the cost savings for us come from the smart meter itself, as without it we couldn't make use of the innovative Agile tariff at Octopus Energy. Our savings there have been amazing and have kept us well below the cheapest flat rate tariffs we could find (our usage pattern doesn't fit E7).