Switching Suppliers - Be Very Careful

flashbloke

Having not switched supplier for a couple of years, I decided to undertake a comparison using the Cheap Energy Club comparison tool.

Having switched suppliers many times over the years, doing so always comes with one complication or another. I've had difficulty getting money back when in credit with one supplier and been charged for the same energy twice with overlapping meter readings on transfer, amongst other issues.  So I change supplier with trepidation.

Upon signing in to the Cheap Energy Club, my profile had retained old usage information for a quote when I was supplied by Scottish Power - a company I have not been supplied by for at least 3 years - so the information is clearly out-of-date. We all know that tariffs for gas and electricity have risen sharply recently yet the comparison tool said that by switching to a current tariff I could save £200!

Next, I inserted usage figures in kWh for the last year - the cheapest new supplier gave an annual saving of £70.  Worth swapping? No. Upon closer examination of the lowest quotes, the tariff rates per kWh were either identical to my current tariff or more. Similarly, daily standing charges were more. Nothing was lower. So evidently I am being induced to switch with an illusionary saving of £70? No, thanks, I'll be sticking with my current supplier.

As the terms and conditions for using this site state: 'The last thing any of us want is for people to be scammed.'

Gerry1

Start comparing with Citizens Advice and 'Which? Switch' because thy show the cheapest tariffs by default. Just compare annual costs, always ignore all projections and savings claims because they're often unrealistic.

Remember that separate suppliers are often cheaper than dual fuel, so do the sums for both. Also have a look at the customer service ratings on Citizens Advice and the 'Add your feedback on energy supplier xxxx...' threads here on the forum.