How to choose your energy supplier

Competition in the gas and electricity markets means that you can now choose who supplies your gas and electricity.

This web page aims to help you to obtain information from Energywatch, (the gas and electricity consumer watchdog), to help you through the process of choosing an energy supplier so you can select the supplier that is best for you.

About this service

Energywatch

Energywatch was set up by the Government to protect and promote the interests of gas and electricity consumers in Britain. They are a totally independent organisation, working to inform, advise and act on behalf of gas and electricity consumers.

What Energywatch campaigns for:

Energywatch aims to improve the gas and electricity markets overall for the benefit of consumers. Specifically, it is campaigning for the following:

• More affordable fuel;
• Fairer fuel pricing for all;
• Consumer access to price comparisons from fuel suppliers;
• Higher standards of service;
• Greater quality and choice;
• Complaints regarding fuel suppliers.              

There are many suppliers to choose from. You can choose separate companies to supply your gas and electricity, or you can choose one company to supply both - this is known as duel fuel.  

How to Compare Fuel Prices from Energy Suppliers

A list of the supply companies operating in your area together with the fuel prices they charge can be found on the energy watch website. 

Alternatively copies of these price comparison tables are available directly from Energywatch by calling 0845 906 0708.

How to Change Supplier

Once you are happy that you have selected the supplier best suited to meet your needs, there are four main steps to changing your supplier as follows:

Step 1: get in touch with the new supplier and agree a contract with them. Once the contract is agreed, the transfer process should take about six weeks to complete. Your new supplier will keep you informed about how your transfer is being progressed.

Step 2: give your old supplier 28 days notice that you are changing to a new supplier. Energywatch advises that you do this initially by telephone and follow up with written confirmation. If you do not tell your old supplier that you are changing, this can disrupt or delay your transfer to the new supplier.

Step 3: pay any outstanding bills owing to your existing supplier. If you do not, they may prevent you from transferring.

Step 4: take a meter reading on the day you change supplier. If your old supplier does not use it to work out your final bill, or your new supplier does not use it as the starting point for your first bill, you can then let them know the meter reading you have taken.

Further Advice

If you need further advice or assistance on any of the issues relating to energy suppliers please contact Energywatch directly at:

Telephone: 0845 906 0708

Textphone: 0845 758 1401 (for those who are deaf or hearing impaired)

E-mail: enquiry@energywatch.org.uk

Website: www.energywatch.org.uk