Should i switch energy suppliers

Sine new rules require energy companies to compensate switchers if there's a problem. See below for more on this. Companies signed up to the Energy Switch Guarantee commit to switching your energy supply within 21 days including the cooling-off period.

Once you've switched, they promise to send you a final bill within six weeks, and refund you any money owed within 14 days. Find out more about the Energy Switch Guarantee. If something goes wrong when you switch energy supplier, you may be eligible for compensation.

Different rules apply to suppliers that have gone out of business. The compensation is automatic, although you may need to tell your energy supplier about the problem. Nearly three-quarters of this was paid out for late credit balance refunds. If you rent your home, you can still usually switch your energy supplier to get a cheaper deal.

If you pay your energy company directly for your gas and electricity, then you can choose your energy supplier. This is according to consumer protection law. But if your landlord pays the energy company direct, they can choose the energy supplier. You might be in this situation if:. Your tenancy agreement should state whether you or your landlord is responsible for paying the gas and electricity bills. You can ask to renegotiate this clause in your contract.

Even if you can't change it, you're entitled to switch company as long as you pay the bills directly. You should inform your landlord or letting agent, though, and there may be a clause that requires this. There may also be a clause stating that you must return the account to the original energy supplier when you move out. If you have a prepayment meter and rent your home, you should still be able to switch.

Find out whether a prepayment energy meter is right for you. Switching energy supplier could save you money on your gas and electricity bill. So what are you waiting for? Follow our step-by-step guide to switching. W Which? Editorial team. If you have moved to a property with a prepayment meter, tell the supplier you are a new tenant quickly.

Prepayment meter tariffs usually cost more. You may want to ask about different options, including changing to a smart or standard meter. Most suppliers offer meter change services for free. Always ask a doorstep salesperson to show their ID and ask a telephone caller to say where they are calling from. Most sales people only sell for one supplier at a time. So they will only be able to offer you deals from that supplier. However, some switching sites are also piloting direct sales and may offer you deals from a range of suppliers.

Salespeople can be persuasive. They may have a good offer. But they should never try to rush or panic you into a contract. Ofgem has rules on companies selling you energy so they do it properly. If you give a salesperson information on your energy use, they must use this to calculate your quote estimate and comparison. All salespeople should summarise the important points of a contract.

Ask for a copy of the terms and conditions. You have the right to cancel within 14 days of signing a contract. If you think a salesperson has behaved inappropriately or you are worried you have been mis-sold an energy deal, call the energy company the salesperson works for. If you are unhappy with their response, make a complaint. The Energy Ombudsman can step in after 8 weeks. Citizens Advice can also advise on or use their online web chat.

For textphone, dial followed by the helpline number. If you think you think you have been mis-sold an energy deal, contact the supplier to put it right.

For general advice on managing unwanted calls and messages, visit the Ofcom website. To manage unsolicited marketing and sales mailings, sign up for the Mailing Preference Service. Please enable JavaScript in your web browser to get the best experience.

Check who's taken over your energy supply Guidance and support How you're protected when energy firms collapse. English Cymraeg. How to switch. Information you need. It's useful to have the following information: Your postcode. The name of your current supplier. The name of your current energy tariff. Your annual energy usage or costs. Three more firms have collapsed including Igloo, Symbio and Enstroga. In the past few weeks 10 energy firms have gone bust, and with suppliers likening recent events to the financial crisis, households could be in for a choppy ride.

Analysts are warning that the cap could go up again in the spring of if the rise in wholesale gas prices is sustained. The cap is set every six months after a review. However, depending on your current tariff, your bills could rise considerably. Customers of the three firms that collapsed on Wednesday, Enstroga, Igloo Energy and Symbio Energy, will learn in the coming days who they will be switched to by Ofgem.

Make sure you take meter readings when you are notified of any change to your supply.