Newbie needs advice on changing supplier

sky_rat

I have been with one and only fuel supplier since I got my own place 2 years ago (renting).

I would now like to switch to save money - I am currently with Scottish Hydro Electric.

I put my details into energyhelpline.com and also rang them up for some assistance.

However, I am always wary about being caught out and ripped off when people try to sell me things, especially when I dont know much about it.

I am currently spending £864 a year (£34 per month on gas, £38 per month on electric). These prices have just gone up the beginning of this year.

energyhelpline.com says I can save £94 a year if I go with British Gas.

Or I could pay the same as I pay now but have it fixed until 28th Feb 2011 if I go with Scottish Power.

If I change my supplier, if Im not happy for some reason, can I change my supplier again - whenever I want - without having to pay a fee ?

Should I go for the British Gas option or the Scottish Power option ?

My electric is on economy 7 and if Ive worked it out right (using the day and night units used) I am using 17.5% of my energy at night.

But arent the day rates for economy 7 higher than for a flat rate tarrif ?

Should I bother trying to get off economy 7 ?

phildamb

As far as I know their is no limit on how often you can change suppliers. It does take over 28 days to complete a change and this depends on how competent the administration is.

Dustykitten

The way I worked out if E7 was worth it is say you use 100 units.
17.5 is your E7 % so multiply that by the night rate
82.5 is left so muliply that by your day rate
Add the 2 together and divide by 100 to work out the equivalent rate you are paying. If this is more than the standard rate then you are need to loose E7.

If you are on the same rate as me with scottish hydro this works out at 10.8 per unit which is probably higher than you could get for a non E7 rate - good luck.

PS could you switch your habits to use more E7 and save money that way?