4 ways to switch energy supplier

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You can find the cheapest energy deals on the market by looking at fixed term deals. These tariffs usually last for one year. The trouble is our suppliers roll us on to their most expensive tariff if we don’t switch when these deals comes to an end.

Here are 4 ways to switch energy supplier, starting with the newest way of managing your energy bills, auto-switching.

Change supplier through auto-switching services

Auto-switching services switch your energy supplier. These services compare gas and electricity deals and choose the best one for you. You only need to sign up once. Then you’ll be switched each time your deal is about to end. You’re emailed each step of the way and you get 14 days to review your new deal. To find out what happens after you switch skip to the energy switch process.

What happens if you forget to switch energy deal again? When your tariff ends the service switches you to another deal. This means your supplier can’t roll you on to their standard variable tariff. You also don’t have to do another energy comparison ever again!

time-saving
Although it’s a relatively new concept it’s taking the energy industry by storm. Our auto-switching service, Look After My Bills, has been backed by Y Combinator (who invested in Airbnb), negotiated the best deal in the history of Dragons’ Den and is now the largest auto-switching service in Great Britain.

Change supplier through comparison websites

You can choose from a selection of energy deals on comparison websites. You have to compare the gas and electricity rates to find a good deal. Once you find a deal you enter your details. You have to do this each time you move to a new supplier. To find out what happens after you switch skip to the switch process.

What happens if you forget to switch energy deal? Your supplier will roll you on to their standard variable tariff. If you want to use comparison websites we would recommend setting calendar reminders so that you don’t forget!

Change supplier with email subscription

You’ll receive an email when you can switch your energy to a cheaper deal. An automated reminder is really helpful if you often forget when your energy deal ends. You’ll still get a choice as you would on comparison websites. You will also still need to register for the new deal by entering all your details each time you change supplier. To find out what happens after you switch skip to the switch process.

What happens if you forget to switch energy deal? Your supplier will roll you on to their standard variable tariff.

Change supplier direct

You can get quotes directly from energy supplier websites. Suppliers can sometimes offer exclusive deals only available for new customers through their website. You’ll need to compare gas and electricity rates otherwise you won’t know whether it’s a good or bad energy deal. To find out what happens after you switch skip to the switch process.

What happens if you forget to switch energy deal? Your supplier will roll you on to their standard variable tariff when your fixed energy deal comes to an end. 

What’s the easiest way to switch energy supplier?

You only need to put in minimal effort with auto-switching services, whereas comparison websites, email subscription services and going direct to supplier will need a bit more of your time and concentration. This is because auto-switching services only require you to sign up once. You don’t need to spend any time comparing the market because a great deal will be selected for you. With the others you need to choose a deal and enter your details each time you change your gas and electricity supplier.

Auto-switching services prevent you from rolling on to the standard variable tariffs and email subscription services prompt you with a reminder. You’re required to be more organised if you use comparison websites or go direct to suppliers if you want to get a good deal and avoid the standard variable tariff each year.

If you are rolled onto the standard variable tariff there is a price cap in place. The price cap was created to limit the amount suppliers can charge you on standard variable tariffs. But these tariffs are still much more expensive than the cheapest deal on the market, which is £381 cheaper than the price cap.

The energy switch process

Once a new deal is selected the switch process you’ll go through is the same for auto-switching services, comparison websites, email services and going direct to supplier. 

The first 14 days are known as the cooling off period. The supplier can reject your switch if the information is incorrect and you can cancel the switch if you change your mind.

After the cooling off period it can take 7 days to change supplier, although this can vary from supplier to supplier. It may take less or more time for your switch to go through depending on the supplier. 

In total it will take around 21 days to complete your switch to a new supplier.

If you have a fixed gas and electricity deal then you can switch penalty-free in the last 49 days of your deal. During this time auto-switching services will run comparisons for you and switch you before your supplier rolls you on to the standard variable tariff.