Energy: Find the cheapest supplier & earn cashback

carefullwithcash wrote: »

. . . Anyone know why I'm not seeing any offers? I do see quotes on EDFs web site, but last years renewal I got a better deal (with them) through MoneySuperMarket.

For what its worth, the cheapest E.on tariff for me (using CEC comparison with my current tariff) would see my annual estimated dual fuel costs rise from £638 currently to £868 if I switched to E.on's Smart Saver 1 Year v5.

Worried_of_wakefield wrote: »

Best comparison site by far is the Citizens advice energy site, I dont believe they accept 'kick backs' unlike a number of the big sites and they offer scores and scores of small companys offering huge savings, however from what I read there is a range of differing customer service quality.

Unfortunately, offering "scores and scores of small companies" without validation of what those small operators are actually like is of little benefit.

If you look back in time, you'll remember that privatisation of the UK energy market was the mantra of glib ideologists who said that a free market allowed greater competition and greater competition was good news for everyone.

Well, yes. Theoretically. But a free market into which any man and his dog can enter isn't any kind of market at all but a shambles. Which is exactly what happened here in the UK, with one "small company" after another getting a licence from OFGEM without providing much if anything in the way of proof that (a) they were properly funded; (b) had adequate prior experience and expertise; and (c) had sufficient in the way of resources to run an effective back office for billing and administration, and an effective front office for providing good customer service.

It's frankly unbelievable that so many dysfunctional operators were allowed to enter this market in search of quick 'n easy profits, but that's exactly what happened. Many of them are still here.

Worried_of_wakefield wrote: »

One company to avoid Together Energy, just had 10 months of hell with them, shall be using above site to find a new supplier shortly

Which, to be honest, says it all.

The lesson to be learned is that comparison sites of whatever kind tell only a part of the story. The rest of that story is to be found in consumer websites such as this -- to which you yourself have now made a useful contribution in regard to a, er, one of the "scores and scores of small companies": Total Energy. . .

codger wrote: »

. . . It's frankly unbelievable that so many dysfunctional operators were allowed to enter this market in search of quick 'n easy profits, but that's exactly what happened. Many of them are still here. . .

It has long been my view that Ofgem's sole interest has been to get people to switch - even if it means deliberately misleading customers as to its benefits, i.e claimed "savings".

wallofbeans wrote: »

I've just compared and it seems even the small companies only save me a few pounds on what I'm currently paying. All are saying me money on what I will be paying in a month or so, but it's always more than I pay now...

Out of the big companies, it seems the one I am already with is offering the best option... but I assume I can't get cashback to switch to a tariff with the supplier I am already with..?

Energy prices are rising across the board at the moment. You will be lucky if you can get a new tariff at the same cost you are currently paying let alone save anything.

If the small companies are saving you anything at all and you can also get some cash-back then they might be worth considering.

Make sure you really will be saving and are not simply relying on the "savings" promises from the comparison sites.