Why is swithing so risky and complicated ?

sky_rat

This frustrates me so much when it comes to switching and comparison sites, whether its energy or insurance etc.

Its all very well showing a cheaper price, but then you hear horror stories such as energy companies significantly increasing DD payments, incorrect meter readings, difficulty in resolving issues and having to complain to the regulator.  Or for insurance companies they refuse to pay out or have even more exclusions.

Its just not as simple as comparing the price, this is where the saying "you get what you pay for" rings true.

I havent switched energy company for years and was about to switch from Octopus to Outfox the Market.  Just as I was about to do so I read reviews about people being ripped off because Outfox have taken inaccurate meter readings and increased the DD but the consumer struggled to fight it.

Its all very well quoting an initial cheap price, but if the provider is going to unfairly increase prices to make up for the cheap price or insurance companies dont pay out when you try to claim, you can end up worse off

Its all so complicated with so many ifs and buts, you need to read all the small print and T&Cs and reviews but thats a full time jon and tedious.

I was ready to switch to Outfox the Market, but whats the point if they are likely to take incorrect readings, increase my DD and I have the hassle of having to complain to the regulator for months to get it sorted.

Comparison sites are like comparing apples with pears. 

pramsay13

I think you misunderstand now energy is measured and billed. The direct debit amount is largely irrelevant, it is the usage figures that matter. Direct debits are only increased or decreased to cover usage, although sometimes extra is taken at certain times of the year to cover other times of year. 
If you have your previous year's usage figures and input them into the comparison site it will give you the best deal for you based on price per unit and standing charge. 
Yes there are some horror stories and things go wrong, but that is not an issue with the comparison sites if you use them correctly. 

EssexHebridean

With energy, paying more does not get you a better product. In many cases it doesn’t even get you better customer service. 

If switching the best bet is to base all your calculations on your actual annual energy use, and to compare unit rates and standing charges, not what the DD is estimated to be. If you annual use goes up then so will your costs - so if your DD is increased the first thing to do is to check through the calculations to ascertain what would be a fair cost. If your DD is raised to a level which accurate figures prove to be too high, then you need to contact your supplier, explain why their proposed figure is too high, and tell them it needs to be reduced. Some suppliers like an octopus allow you to adjust your DD yourself in their app. 

MattMattMattUK

Stop looking at monthly amounts, look at unit rates and standing charges. Like most things, basic due diligence works wonders.

sky_rat

I do use the kWh readings and I do understand how the DD debit works

What I'm saying is that if I change energy provider who then says my meter readings are higher than what they actually are and therefore increase my DD but they refuse to listen and are difficult to get hold of so in the meantime I have to go to the regulator whilst paying a higher DD, then I’ll be worse off

and when it comes to insurance, their business model is to use every excuse possible to avoid paying out. And the cheaper policies are worse than the more expensive policies when it comes to claiming. If I had a crystal ball and knew I would never claim I would go for the cheapest, but then I wouldn’t need insurance to start with

so comparison sites are like comparing apples and pairs

giraffe69

I'm with Outfox who have been fine. They don't take incorrect readings. Smart meters take care of that and they seem to sort the DD according to usage.

QrizB

sky_rat said:

What I'm saying is that if I change energy provider who then says my meter readings are higher than what they actually are

One of the failed suppliers used to do that, but I don't recall it being a widespread problem at present, or are any time with the big names.

Rivers_mum

Have you got a smart meter? If so it will send readings through. If not you send your own readings so any inaccuracy is on you. I’ve changed supplier frequently and never had a problem. I’ve been with Out fox the market for a year, entered my meter readings on the website at the end of every month. They email me a bill a few days later and it’s always been accurate, no problem at all. 

FreeBear

The only switch I had difficulties with was when Solarplicity transferred me to Toto the Clowns - The deceitful shysters changed my gas meter from metric to imperial and then had the temerity to block multiple attempts to switch to an established supplier. Eventually got away from the muppets the day they went bust only to have EDF grab my supply. A couple of snotty emails later, EDF relinquished my supply... Still haven't had a proper, accurate final bill from the Toto debacle. Nor did I get any compensation for the erroneous transfer.

Hats off to OFTM for fixing my gas meter details on the national database very quickly. Since then, have been to eon.Next and Octopus without any drama - That said, OFTM were late in sending the final bill, but did cough up the statutory compensation once prodded hard enough.

Gerry1

Choose Monthly Variable Direct Debit and that will stop silly DD amounts being imposed.

If dozy Ofgem were any good they'd have required all suppliers to offer this as an option.

Of course, higher bills in winter, lower in summer.

JKS$(

I've just switched from Octopus to Tomato Energy - switch was fine but I'm disputing the final bill from Octopus, which is proving to be far more difficult that I thought.

I have a SMETS2 meter, but as I'm in a flat I rely on maintenance staff to access & read it. I couldn't get an accurate reading until 10 days after the switch. TBH, I assumed my smart meter would have provided accurate reading anyway...

Unfortunately for me, the last occupant of my flat left the immersion heater on 24/7, & Octopus' final bill is an estimate, based on historic meter data. Just not data that reflects my actual usage.

Despite sending photos of my meter with lower reading than their final bill estimate, & despite Octopus agreeing that my usage is much lower - they haven't yet change their final bill.

Take photos of your meters as close to switch day as possible - don't rely on your smart meter, especially if you've moved home recently.

I found the comparison sites helpful for comparing usage.