Energy Smart
What questions should I 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.
To ensure you get the best deal, it is worth shopping around and making comparisons between the prices being offered by different 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 tariff should I choose?
Be aware that some payment methods may be cheaper than others. For example, it is usually cheaper to pay your fuel 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.
Does the supplier offer any incentives or discounts?
Some suppliers may offer special discounts or incentives to consumers who want them to supply both their gas and electricity (i.e. dual fuel). Whilst there may be discounts for dual fuel, this may not be the cheapest option for you. Clever marketting techniques by suppliers may often distract customers from the actual sums involved – make sure you have all of the details before you switch.
It is sometimes the case that one company is the cheapest for gas and another is cheaper for electricity – this would outweigh
any dual fuel discount that you would have received by staying with a single
energy supplier.
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.
Are there any hidden charges that I should be aware of?
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.