Checking your Tariff and Switching Fuel Supplier
Checking that you are on the right tariff or with the right energy supplier can be confusing.
There are many different companies wanting your business and they offer many different tariffs.
One of the easiest steps to take is contacting your existing energy supplier to find out if you are on the cheapest tariff for your consumption, most energy companies offer a social tariff to people on low incomes that may have difficulties in paying their fuel bills. Some energy companies also offer discounts for; prompt payment, dual fuel, direct debit payments and also online billing.
If you decide that you are not happy with your existing energy company, it is important to shop around. You can do this using the internet price comparison sites.
When viewing a price comparison table, figures are often based on the household's level of usage, low, medium or high. The table below shows how these correspond to actual figures and from this you can work out which category of user you are.
It is important when comparing suppliers that you use the amount of energy that you use in a year, you can work this out from your old bills. If you just use the average amount you spend on energy each month this can be misleading as it may not take into account rises and falls in prices and your energy usage over a year.
| Definition of user | Low | Medium | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eletricity/year (kWh) | 1,650 | 3,300 | 4,950 |
| Gas/year (kWh) | 10,000 | 19,050 | 28,000 |
It is important after viewing a price comparison table that you check that the prices displayed are up-to-date. This is particularly important when prices are going up.
No one supplier will ever be cheapest in all departments. The overall cost of each bill will vary in respect to fuel tariff/consumption, standing charge, payment method, capped offers and discounts i.e. duel fuel. It is important that you switch to a package that suits your lifestyle and pattern of energy use.
Some useful questions to consider prior to changing supplier
- Fuel charges (pence per kWh) and how long are they guaranteed for?
- What payment methods are available?
- Do different methods affect the price?
- Is there a standing charge?
- Does the supplier have a high rate of complaints?
- What happens if you cannot pay the bill?
The "switching process"
- Make contact with the chosen supplier and agree a contract.
- Give old supplier 28 days notice by telephone.
- Give old supplier 28 days notice in writing.
- Settle existing bills with the old supplier.
- Take a meter reading on the day of changeover.
- Ensure you cancel any direct debit or standing order to your previous suppler.
This whole process should take around 6 weeks to complete and your new supplier will be able to update you on progress. If you sign a contract but later change your mind there is a 7-day cooling off period in which you can cancel the contract without a penalty.
Always remember...
- Do not change supplier if you not want to.
- Be cautious of the claims salespeople make regarding the savings to be made by switching. Investigate yourself.
- Do not invite door step salespeople into your home.
- Always ask for identification.
- Do not sign anything on the doorstep; be sure to read over information first.
Further information can be found on the Trading Standards pages on ClacksWeb.
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Contact information
For further information about this page please contact:
Home Energy Strategy Officer, Housing
Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Tel: 01259 450000 Fax: 01259 452400
Email: lhs@clacks.gov.uk
Or use the on-line contact form
