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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Have you switched energy suppliers and was it okay?

27 replies

MilkTray22 · 08/02/2020 13:29

Just that really. I have been on the comparison websites and think I'm being royally ripped off by British gas. But I've never switched suppliers before and feel nervous. Is it quite an easy thing to do? Also a bit apprehensive about going with a less well known energy supplier. HELP!

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 08/02/2020 13:37

I'm with Look After My Bills. I switch every year. It's pretty painless.

TheSoapyFrog · 08/02/2020 13:37

I switched from EDF to Scottish Power at my last home and they were even worse. I thought EDF were charging me too much so I swapped as Scottish Power said they would cut loads off my bill. They did for two months and then said due to my electricity usage, they needed to increase my DD and it was £20 a month more than EDF charged me. Luckily I moved to another property with duel fuel and am with SSE who are much better.

Fairylea · 08/02/2020 13:37

It’s easy. But whatever you do don’t go with Avro energy. Utterly shit and the most dreadful customer service I’ve ever had!

Shylo · 08/02/2020 13:39

Yes, totally easy - I’ve switched a number of times via the comparison sites.

You are definitely being ripped off by BG, they are never ever anywhere near the cheapest. Swap now!

dementedpixie · 08/02/2020 13:43

I have recently switched to Octopus and it's gone smoothly so far. Have just had my final bill from EDF too. I have a referral code for £50 off your (and my) bill if you're interested

LesLavandes · 08/02/2020 13:45

Very easy. Your new supplier will sort everything

Teacaketotty · 08/02/2020 13:46

Very easy no problems - use top cash back and make some money too!

Spam88 · 08/02/2020 13:46

Yep, very easy. Only thing you have to do is supply a meter reading. I do it through MSE, although I tend to stick with companies I've heard of.

BarbaraofSeville · 08/02/2020 13:47

Don't pick Eon, they will hound you multiple times a day about having a smart meter, on the phone, by email and on your doorstep.

InDubiousBattle · 08/02/2020 13:48

Very easy. I switched from Sainsbury to Bulb and have saved £50 a month, it was a doddle.

Parmavioletgin1 · 08/02/2020 13:53

It's really simple to switch, the company that your switching to does it all.
You need to compare the unit prices kW pH and the daily standing charge to find the best tarriff.

HappyDaisies · 08/02/2020 17:36

This reply has been deleted

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Rosspoldarkssaddle · 08/02/2020 17:50

I have switched every year for the past ten years. I also look after parents on both sides. Never an issue until this time
I gave final reading to eon. When the final bill came through from the previous supplier, it bore no resemblance to the readings I had given. Then eo tried to charge for some of the same power again. I am midway through getting them to rectify. Same for both. They kinda made up a number.
First time ever, I have had issues.
Switching is easy BUT make sure you do that reading, make a note of it and check it against last bill and first bill.
Also, despite all the hype, smart meter switching is still tricky, especially with eon.

dementedpixie · 08/02/2020 17:56

Take a picture of your meter showing the final reading too, then you have proof of what it said

MereDintofPandiculation · 08/02/2020 18:19

I've had 4 moves, all have gone well. For peace of mind, take a photo of the final reading. The process is simple - tell your new supplier you want them to supply, set up direct debit, give them a meter reading when they ask for it, they will tell British Gas who will send you a "sorry you're leaving" letter. When your new supplier passes the final reading to British Gas, British Gas will send you separate "final bills" for both gas and electricity, and either take a final direct debit or send you a cheque for what they owe you.

Be prepared for the saving not to be quite as large as the comparison site tells you. If you've never switched, it's worth switching, but after that you probably don't need to do it every year. Remember too, that if you're on a fixed term tariff, the comparison assumes you'll drop on to an expensive "standard variable tariff" at the end of the period, so the saving is against that scenario, not against continuing at your current rate for the rest of the year.

If you move to a fixed price tariff, time your switch to the next one carefully. It takes about 2 weeks to switch. Move too soon, and you lose the benefit of the last week or two of your old tariff, leave it too late and you'll spend time on an expensive variable tariff.

They review your direct debit after 6 months, so if you move at the start of winter/high usage, they'll up your dd just as you're moving into summer, and you'll build up a big credit. So much for dds evening out your bills across the year.

Even British Gas was reasonably efficient with the change over, although their final bills are confusing, to say the least.

MilkTray22 · 08/02/2020 20:08

Thanks everyone. Should I use a site like u switch?

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 08/02/2020 20:12

If you use a referral code you go through their link to get the discount on your bill. You can use uswitch or moneysavingexpert or other sites too. This is my octopus one if you are interested - you get £50 credit on your bill.

share.octopus.energy/aqua-race-453

HouseOfCrayCray · 08/02/2020 20:29

Definitely use a switching site & if you use Quidco or something similar check there as they're sure to have cashback offers for using the switching sites too Smile

StripyHorse · 08/02/2020 20:39

Scottish Power (crap) to Octopus here. Went smoothly and I am happy with them so far. I had a referral code from DB so we both saved money too.

MilkTray22 · 08/02/2020 20:43

I'm on uswitch... The option that saves me most is a supplier called brighter future digital but I've never heard of them and it says there isn't enough reviews for them yet to have a rating? The next one is "green network energy" who I've never heard of either but they have 4 stars. Sorry I know this is so boring but I don't have anyone to help me irl so I really really appreciate the help x

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 08/02/2020 20:47

Octpus got rated 5 stars on uswitch. It was part of the reason I switched to them

abbs1 · 08/02/2020 20:50

We switched from British gas to Octopus. Very simple and smooth transition and have saved a lot of money! Definitely worth changing to someone cheaper.

HateIsNotGood · 08/02/2020 20:53

Use more than one comparison website, know your actual annual usages if you can, don't go for the cheapeast, check out the T&Cs for 'exit fees'. Best deals are always dual-fuel, direct debit, online 'account management deals.

MilkTray22 · 08/02/2020 21:21

I've done it! Thanks everyone.

OP posts:
HisBetterHalf · 08/02/2020 21:23

swa[[ed with no problem and saved a fortune

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