Changing supplier for gas/electric

swingaloo

I'm totally confused. Ive stuck with the same supplier for the last 5 years partly because of familiarity and ease. Would just like some advice please.

At the moment I am with Utilita and have been fairly happy. I pay monthly and like to be able to see what I have used each day. However now they are changing the tariffs they show that my estimated figure for the next 12 months is £340 higher than I pay now. 

I have just been on Uswitch and it gives the best deal as being EDF. But it shows the figures, fixed for 12 months. as being not much different to the new figures Utilita are quoting on the new tariffs. 

The estimated annual usage for next year on Uswitch is quoted as being less than Utilita are quoting. 

Uswitch show a possible saving of £136 a year. Is it worth the hassle for that saving especially as the estimated figure for next year may be way out?

If I did change what happens with my smart meter and display? Does all that need to be changed as well?

Figures from EDF if I choose to change are-

Gas 5.49p Kw

Standing Charge 27.32p

Electricity 24.77p Kw
Standing charge 44.30p



Figures from current supplier Utilita are -

Gas   6.25p Kw
Standing Charge 34p per day

Electric 28p Kw
Standing Charge 51p per day

I have no fee to leave Utilita but EDF are £50 both gas and electric if  change and then want to leave them, its a fixed 12 month. 

Netexporter

EDF wins, hands down. Don't take any notice of direct debit amounts, it's what you actually use that will determine how much you pay.

swingaloo

Netexporter said:

EDF wins, hands down. Don't take any notice of direct debit amounts, it's what you actually use that will determine how much you pay.

Thanks for the reply.  I understand about the direct debit. I pay by variable so my bill is paid in full each month. I just find it really stressful dealing with changing suppliers and searching round for the best deals. 

I dont want the hassle if I have to have my smart meter and display changed but is that going to be something that needs doing or would a new supplier just carry on with the same equipment?

Netexporter

Having a smart meter gives you access to ToU (time of use) tariffs, which can save you even more money.

QrizB

swingaloo said:

Netexporter said:

EDF wins, hands down. Don't take any notice of direct debit amounts, it's what you actually use that will determine how much you pay.

Thanks for the reply.  I understand about the direct debit. I pay by variable so my bill is paid in full each month.

If you want to continue with monthly variable DD, check whether EDF offer it.

Not all suppliers do and I don't recall EDF's position.

Does anyone else know? @WiserMiser perhaps?

squirrelpie

swingaloo said:

I dont want the hassle if I have to have my smart meter and display changed but is that going to be something that needs doing or would a new supplier just carry on with the same equipment?

A new supplier will use the existing meter and display.

Scot_39

swingaloo said:

Netexporter said:

EDF wins, hands down. Don't take any notice of direct debit amounts, it's what you actually use that will determine how much you pay.

Thanks for the reply.  I understand about the direct debit. I pay by variable so my bill is paid in full each month. I just find it really stressful dealing with changing suppliers and searching round for the best deals. 

I dont want the hassle if I have to have my smart meter and display changed but is that going to be something that needs doing or would a new supplier just carry on with the same equipment?

No - the smart meter most of the time doesn't need to change - when you change supplier.   

If you have smets2 model - iirc the rollout started in earnest c2018/19  - you should be fine - it's just a different supplier asking for the data across the same network.

There were some of the older smets1 series that havent been integrated - but many have - and many others have been replaced because of it - but you could do a DCC integration check - if you have a smets1 model you could check the link here.

https://www.smartdcc.co.uk/our-smart-network/current-programmes/smets1-enrolment-and-adoption/

GingerTim

QrizB said:

swingaloo said:

Netexporter said:

EDF wins, hands down. Don't take any notice of direct debit amounts, it's what you actually use that will determine how much you pay.

Thanks for the reply.  I understand about the direct debit. I pay by variable so my bill is paid in full each month.

If you want to continue with monthly variable DD, check whether EDF offer it.

Not all suppliers do and I don't recall EDF's position.

Does anyone else know? @WiserMiser perhaps?

I was paying by variable DD when I was with EDF (admittedly having left 12 months ago).

Ayr_Rage

EDF still do whole bill variable monthly DD.

FrugaiMacDugal

swingaloo said:
At the moment I am with Utilita and have been fairly happy. I pay monthly and like to be able to see what I have used each day. However now they are changing the tariffs they show that my estimated figure for the next 12 months is £340 higher than I pay now. 

How does the estimated usage consumption figures compare to your actual usage for the last 12 months?

Bigphil1474

I calculated the cost for Utilita vs EDF, on the rates above, based on usage figures of 10,000kwh electric, and 2,500kwh gas per year - the EDF fix saves you over £200 a year. Obviously if your usage is way different, you need to calculate.

The smart meter should carry on to the new supplier unless it's an old one. Worst case scenario it becomes a dumb meter. Switching is dead easy, just go on to the site and ask to switch, provide all your details. The supplier will do all the work. If it was just a few quid, maybe not worth the effort but for over £200, definitely is IMO.