Competition in the gas and electricity markets means that you can now choose who supplies your gas and electricity. This information is designed to help you through the process of choosing and changing supplier so that you can choose the supplier that will be best for you.

Choosing a new gas and electric supplier

There are many suppliers to choose from, regardless of where you live in Great Britain. You can choose separate companies to supply your cheap gas and cheap electricity, or you can choose one company to supply both – this is known as dual fuel. A list of the supply companies operating in your area, together with the prices they charge, is available from energywatch by calling 0845 906 0708.
 

In order to compare the prices being offered by different suppliers with the price from your current supplier, you will need to calculate how much you are currently paying for your fuel each year. You can work this out by looking at your last four quarterly bills. In addition to this there are a number of questions you may wish to ask before deciding to change to a new cheap gas or cheap electricity supplier.

Questions to ask

How much will the new supplier charge?

All suppliers are required to publish their prices. They can send you details of their prices upon request. Comparisons of the different prices charged by suppliers are published by energywatch. These can be requested from energywatch by calling 0845 906 0708.
 

To ensure you get the best deal, it is worth shopping around and making comparisons between the prices being offered by different gas and electricity suppliers in your area.

How can I pay?

Suppliers usually offer a variety of payment options to customers, varying in frequency from weekly to quarterly options and paying by cash, postal order, cheque, direct debit, or prepayment meter. Ask suppliers to tell you about all the payment options available to you so that you can make the best choice for you. You may also wish to make sure that there are no penalties for cancellation of the contract.

Which gas and electric tariff should I choose?

Be aware that some payment methods may be cheaper than others. For example, it is usually cheaper to pay your gas and electricity bills by monthly direct debit, than to pay by cheque on a quarterly basis. Different tariffs (or prices) are offered to different consumers according to their circumstances.

The amount of fuel you use will also have an effect upon the price you pay. Someone who uses a lot of energy may be offered an energy supply at a cheaper rate than someone who uses less. Whatever price you are quoted, you should ensure that it includes VAT.

Will the supplier offer any special discounts, schemes, or incentives?

Some suppliers may offer special discounts or incentives to consumers who want them to supply both their gas and electricity (i.e. dual fuel). Other suppliers have packages which may include other services such as cheaper telephone services or free or discounted air travel.

Some suppliers offer special payment schemes for pensioners. Make sure you ask for details before signing up.

Do they have any extra or hidden charges?

Some suppliers add a standing charge to your fuel bill and others do not. Those companies that do not add a standing charge may instead ask for a higher unit price for the gas and electricity you use.

Do they have a high number of complaints?

If you are interested in the type of service you are likely to receive from a new supplier, as well as the prices they will charge, it is worth enquiring about their performance. energywatch can provide details of the amount and types of complaints they have received from consumers about individual suppliers.

How to change gas or electricity supplier

Once you are happy that you have selected the supplier best suited to meet your needs, changing is a relatively simple process.

Step 1: Get in touch with the new supplier and agree a contract with them. Once the contract is agreed, the transfer process should take about six weeks to complete. Your new supplier will keep you informed about how your transfer is being progressed.

Step 2: Give your old supplier 28 days notice that you are changing to a new supplier. energywatch advises that you do this initially by telephone and follow it up with written confirmation. If you do not tell your old supplier that you are changing, this can disrupt or delay your transfer to the new supplier.

Step 3: Pay any outstanding bills owing to your existing supplier. If you do not, they may prevent you from transferring.

Step 4: Take a meter reading on the day you change supplier. If your old supplier does not use it to work out your final bill, or your new supplier does not use it as the starting point for your first bill, let them know the meter reading you have taken.