Switch from Bulb to Igloo?

fifthofwhisky

Cheap Energy Club is suggesting that Igloo will save me around £85 p.a. and this seems to be the best deal in terms of savings. I've been with Bulb for a couple of years and would like to move, if viable. Usage is about average, slightly over on electric (a boost from lockdown). Can I move to Igloo without having to take a smart meter? Any other suppliers you might suggest?

[Deleted User]

Be wary of any savings quoted on price comparison websites. Given the recent increases in wholesale prices, most tariff costs have increased.

Each tariff will come with its own terms and conditions. Many tariffs now require you to agree to the supplier fitting a smart meter. 

Finally, supplier and tariff suggestions are meaningless when it comes to cost, Tariff prices vary by region and the cheapest tariff can change for different usage. Average means nothing: do a market comparison based on kWhs/year.

niktheguru

Suggesting suppliers is a bit of a moot exercise, as it depends on usage, where you live, whether you want a smart meter, what level of customer service you require, whether you give regular meter readings, whether you need warmhome discount etc etc

Best thing you can do is do a comparison on citizens advice bureau switching service as well as cheap energy club and see what the best deals are. Ensure you put in you actual annual usage where possible. "Average" usage doesn't mean anything to anyone when it comes to utilities.

Remember
1. Single fuel tariffs are generally better than dual fuel
2. Worth considering a fixed rather than variable deal as prices are only going up at the moment. Your bulb tariff st the moment is variable so you are at risk of them increasing the price at any time.
3. Check in the tariff details or terms and conditions whether a smart meter is required for your tariff in order to get it.  if it isnt then you are within your rights to decline a smart meter if that's your inclination. But if it is a smart meter tariff then they are within their rights to move you to a different less cheap tariff.
4. Ensure you are giving regular meter readings. Nothing worse than estimated bills.

Good luck

dogshome

Do your own research by useing the Citizens Advice Energy comparison site - It lists all the tariffs offered by all the suppliers in ascending order of price for the use figures you've entered.

BEFORE YOU JUMP TO any supplier - Check the customer feed back comments

Neil_Jones

dogshome said:

BEFORE YOU JUMP TO any supplier - Check the customer feed back comments

But don't base your decisions purely on them, otherwise you'll never move to any provider.  Remember there are always significantly more posts about crap service (particularly on third party review collectors like Trust pilot) than there are about good service, typically something like 90% "worse company I've ever been with" (or some variation of) and 10% "this is the bees knees".

brewerdave

niktheguru said:

Remember
1. Single fuel tariffs are generally better than dual fuel
2. Worth considering a fixed rather than variable deal as prices are only going up at the moment. Your bulb tariff st the moment is variable so you are at risk of them increasing the price at any time.
3. Check in the tariff details or terms and conditions whether a smart meter is required for your tariff in order to get it.  if it isnt then you are within your rights to decline a smart meter if that's your inclination. But if it is a smart meter tariff then they are within their rights to move you to a different less cheap tariff.
4. Ensure you are giving regular meter readings. Nothing worse than estimated bills.

Good luck

& 5.  If you get smart meters , don't fall into the trap of assuming that they are working - make manual checks and look out for E against readings on statements/bills.

bristolleedsfan

fifthofwhisky said:

Cheap Energy Club is suggesting that Igloo will save me around £85 p.a. and this seems to be the best deal in terms of savings. I've been with Bulb for a couple of years and would like to move, if viable. Usage is about average, slightly over on electric (a boost from lockdown). Can I move to Igloo without having to take a smart meter? Any other suppliers you might suggest?

Igloo Energy is cheaper than Bulb and that is after its price increase this month, it does £50 refer a friend same as Bulb, has an app and pays 3% interest on credit balances up to £1000 paid monthly, I am happy leaving that amount in my Igloo account as reduces standing charge cost, highly rated by citizens advice at least twice in a row https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/about-us1/media/press-releases/money-doesnt-always-buy-you-the-best-energy-supplier-warns-citizens-advice1/    https://igloo.energy/blog/we-did-it-igloo-takes-first-in-the-citizens-advice-customer-service-ratings/

Makes no difference if have a smart meter or not