Switching Gas & Electricity Providers
Too many people today choose to stay with their current gas and electricity supplier, purely for convenience, without realising that they could be wasting hundreds of pounds every year. But Moneyfacts, together with the Home Advisory Service has taken away all the hard work away, so you can switch providers safe in the knowledge you’ve got the best deal for you.
But finding the right plan for you can be a tricky task, because all of the different providers and pricing structures out there. But don’t panic! Home Advisory Service completely independent and free search compares all of the tariffs of the major energy suppliers in the UK and they are all members of the Energy Watch scheme.
Making the switch
Switching your gas and electricity provider is easier than most people expect. We know that people worry, but rest assured that you will never be cut off, as the only change is at the company’s end. The whole process has been designed to operate as smoothly as possible and both Ofgem and Energywatch keep a close eye on the marketplace to make sure that this happens.
It doesn't
cost you a penny to switch and could really save up to 25% on your gas and
electricity bills. And why not make the switch? Unlike some phone, broadband or
insurance contracts that may tie you in for 12 to 18 months, a contract with an
energy supplier is typically only around 28 days. You can change suppliers as
many times as you like, too.
All you need to do is:
• Enter your postcode
• Tell us who your current supplier
is
• The current tariff you are on
• How much you pay, either
annually, quarterly or monthly
• And how you’d like to pay
You’ll then be presented with a list of alternative suppliers and their prices in your area. Your results will also be filtered based on how you use gas and electricity in your home and the features you want. You can then choose from the suppliers shown on the results screen and see what the best deal for you is. With the HomeAdvisoryService, you can be sure that all of the prices quoted are the same as those going to the supplier, so are entirely impartial, accurate and up-to-date.
All you need to do is choose the plan you want and complete your application online, there and then. Once you have confirmed you want to switch your provider, your details will be passed on to your new energy supplier. They will then do most of the legwork.
• Your new provider will contact your old supplier and let them know
that you are now their customer
• Take meter reading/s immediately and
pass them on to both your old and new suppliers
• They will then set up
a new account in your name, and contact you with details of when you will be
switched over. This can take up to six weeks.
• Your new provider will
take over your payments from the date you switch, so there’s no need to worry
you will be cut off, or that you will be charged twice.
• Make sure you
pay your final bill off to your old supplier once it has been issued and you
will have successfully switched your gas and electricity.
• However,
some gas and electricity providers have been known to adopt stalling tactics and
delay sending you the final bill. If you suspect that your old provider is doing
this, contact Energywatch (www.energywatch.org.uk)
