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Time to switch energy?

The energy price cap, which affects those on standard variable tariffs, is set at £1,717 from 1 October to 31 December. If you're looking to beat those winter price hikes, this is a great time to fix your deal if you're on a standard variable tariff. Run an energy comparison to see deals currently available to you. Click 'Get started' to begin.
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Why compare energy?

With the overall increase in living costs, nobody wants to overspend on their bills. Comparing energy suppliers makes sure you’re not overpaying for your energy. You can get both gas and electricity from the same company by signing up to a dual fuel tariff.

 

It takes less than 3 minutes to compare energy and when you’ve found a deal to switch to, we’ll make it easy by handling the process for you.


Which energy tariff should I choose?

When deciding on an energy tariff, your first choice is normally whether you want a single or dual fuel tariff.


Dual fuel tariffs mean you get your gas and electricity from the same company. The energy supplier might give you a discount for doing this, especially if you pay by Direct Debit. Read more about dual fuel tariffs.

Alternatively, you can get a gas-only tariff or electricity-only tariff, or combine the two – you might find that the combined price saves you money.Your gas/electricity or dual fuel tariff will be either variable rate or fixed rate:

  • Standard variable rate tariff unit rates and standing charges will go up or down depending on the wholesale energy market. They usually don’t have an exit fee.
  • Fixed rate tariffs fix unit rates and standing charges for a set period of time (usually between 12 and 24 months). If you want to leave a fixed rate tariff early, you’ll usually have to pay an exit fee to do so.

You could also opt for the following tariff types:

  • Prepayment - this is where customers top up their energy meter with credit in advance.
  • Time-of-use - these tariffs have two different unit rates for day and night-time use and are particularly aimed at electric vehicle owners who want to charge their cars cheaply at home overnight.
  • Renewable - most tariffs offer renewable energy, with green electricity more common than green gas.

Read more about different tariff types here.

Looking to switch your energy deal?

If you're looking for price certainty on your bills, click 'Get started' to compare energy deals.

Which is the best energy supplier for me?

The best energy supplier is different for everyone. The gas and electricity that energy suppliers provide is exactly the same. It's just the price you pay for it that’s different.

 

Your decision comes down to what you want most from your supplier – is it the cheapest bills, proper green energy, great customer service or something else?


The largest suppliers are:

They each offer a range of tariffs to suit different customer requirements along with a standard variable tariff which is limited by the energy price cap.

Smaller energy suppliers may offer better-priced deals but may also ask you to manage your account exclusively online or through an app. They will also sometimes only operate in certain areas of the country, or only offer a limited range of tariffs – such as green or renewable energy.

Ofgem regulates all energy companies. No matter the size of the energy supplier, they all have to follow the same rules.

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EDF Energy

Why should I switch energy supplier?

As well as comparing energy prices and the best deals, changing the type of tariff you have or the way in which you pay for your energy could also save you money.

Suppliers will often provide additional discounts to tariffs if you:

  • Opt for paperless billing and manage your account online
  • Pay monthly by Direct Debit
  • Switch both gas and electricity to the same supplier

But there are other reasons you may want to switch, such as:

  • Environmental awareness is increasingly important. Green energy tariffs are now offered by several companies. Some providers only offer 100% green energy deals, meaning all of the electricity comes from renewable sources.
  • Protection against future price rises is also valuable. Picking a fixed tariff means the rate you pay for your gas and electricity remain the same until the end of the contract.
  • Customer service may also be worth considering. If you’ve been unhappy with the service you received from your current supplier, you may wish to switch to one with higher customer service standards.

How do I switch energy supplier?

Switching energy supplier with us takes minutes

  • Get a quote and pick the deal that's best for you - whether that’s cheapest price, green tariff, a big six company or a small supplier.
  • We do all the work. Your chosen supplier sets up your new account and contacts your existing provider on your behalf. All you need to do is take a meter reading when instructed.
  • The switch takes place within 21 days. You can also change your mind and cancel within the 14 day cooling-off period.

Why are energy prices so high?

Energy prices rocketed when the market crashed in the autumn of 2021. This was due to several factors and was made worse by subsequent global conflict and energy storage issues around the world.

 

However, the situation has stabilised and, with wholesale energy prices falling, suppliers have reintroduced competitive fixed energy deals to the market. It can be difficult to choose whether to fix energy or stick with a standard variable tariff, though. Run an energy comparison with us or keep up to date with energy market news to help you decide what to do.

 

You can also get switch-ready today by confirming your details so we can send you exclusive deals as soon as they're available. And when you've found the right deal we'll complete the switch for you.

How do I keep my energy costs down?

If switching isn’t the right option for you at the moment, there are still ways you can keep your energy costs at a manageable level.

  • Use the timer on your boiler so you’re only heating water and using the central heating when you’re in the house.
  • Keep an eye on your electricity usage by remembering to turn off lights or electrical items when they’re not in use.
  • Provide your supplier with accurate meter readings to make sure you’re only paying for the electricity and gas you’re using and avoid any surprises in future.
  • Insulate your home to reduce the amount of energy needed to keep your home warm.   
  • Keep a note of the end date if you’re on a fixed price tariff. Knowing when your fixed price deal is coming to an end can help you prepare for your costs going up.

Looking to switch your energy deal?

If you're looking for price certainty on your bills, click 'Get started' to compare energy deals.

FAQs

How often do energy prices change?

Energy prices change when the price cap changes. Currently, this happens four times a year with each price cap period lasting three months. Prices can go up or down so if you’re looking to fix, it’s a good idea to see what’s happening in the market now and what’s predicted to happen in the future. This will help you make as informed a decision as possible, though the market is unpredictable and anything can happen.

Do I need to cancel my Direct Debit when I switch

You shouldn’t need to cancel your Direct Debit when you switch unless you want to be certain you won’t be charged incorrectly. When you switch, you’ll provide your Direct Debit details to your new supplier so it can begin charging you, while your old supplier will close your account and cancel your Direct Debit with it.

Will my gas and electricity be interrupted if I switch?

No, there won’t be any interruption to your supply at any time.

Can I switch energy supplier if I owe my current supplier money?

Yes, you can switch energy supplier if you’ve been in debt for fewer than 28 days because the money you owe will be added to your final bill. If you’ve been in debt for longer, you’ll probably have to settle the debt before you’ll be able to switch.

 

Prepayment customers are free to switch as long as the debt is less than £500.


I'm moving home. How do I switch gas and electricity?

If you’re moving into a new place, your first task will be to take a meter reading on the day you move in so you know at what point you should be getting charged. Then find out who the supplier for the property is and compare energy to see if there’s a better deal on offer elsewhere.


What information do I need to switch energy supplier?

You should only need your address and a recent bill to switch.


Can I switch energy supplier if I rent?

You can switch energy supplier as a renter if the lease says bills are your responsibility. They may be the landlord’s responsibility, in which case you’d have to ask their permission.

Can I switch to the same energy supplier?

Yes. If you’re on a standard variable tariff but you want to switch to a fixed deal with the same supplier, you shouldn’t have any problems. If you’re on a fixed deal but have seen a better fixed deal with the same supplier, you may need to ask if you can switch because you may have to pay early exit fees.


Can I switch energy if I have a prepayment meter?

Yes, you can switch to a different prepayment tariff and/or supplier or to a credit meter if you don’t want to be on a prepayment meter anymore.


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