How To Switch Energy Suppliers - And Save Hundreds Of Pounds

A survey of 53,000 households who changed their energy providers recently revealed an interesting statistic. On average, each of the households had saved over 200 pounds in gas and electricity bills. The survey was carried out on households who had switches suppliers between September 2011 and August 2012.

Let's talk about how to shift energy suppliers and save money on electricity or gas bills. Here is a simple guide to switching suppliers without running into difficulties or paying steep exit fees.

Before The Switch To Your New Energy Supplier

Check with your current supplier if you will incur a canceling fee. Most energy plans have exit fees that are either fixed or linked to your tariff rate. This fee is applicable if you end the contract with the energy company before your plan period ends. If you provide the company with due notice, then you may not be liable for any penalty or payment.

How To Start Making The Move

Step 1:

Keep all relevant information ready. Your energy provider will most likely require your postal code, the name of your current supplier of electricity and gas, the tariff plan under which you are contracted, your energy usage in kilowatt hours or kWh of both gas and electricity, and your bank details or credit card details. Most of this information can be found from your recent electricity bills. The switch can be done even without the electricity bill by working with estimated usage figures.

Step 2:

Enter the details into the on-line form provided by your energy company and the system will calculate your best options depending upon your usage and needs. The results of these calculations along with your most highly recommended options will be displayed, along with the latest deals on offer from different providers in your area.

The results also provide rates charged by different electricity and gas suppliers, and their ratings based on customer feedback. When in doubt, there are guides to energy tariffs that list out the advantages and disadvantages of each type of tariff plan for your easy and quick reference. Go through them to get a better idea about the plan and to choose your ideal provider.

Step 3:

Once you have made the final decision, pick the supplier and tariff plan and then follow the instructions to complete the switch over to a new supplier.

Step 4:

That's it. The switch over will be complete in about 8 weeks. Once you submit the form, your new supplier will take over and follow up on the subsequent steps in the process. You will be requested to provide meter readings and other details. You are expected to settle all outstanding bills with your previous company before making the switch.

Despite many advantages, over 50% of the people surveyed had never switched energy suppliers. If you are one of them and are still locked into an old tariff plan which charges higher rates than what newer providers are offering, then you will benefit from making the switch now and finding a better deal. The process is not all complicated and many have found the moving procedure simple and straightforward.

There are no restrictions to switching suppliers. Even households with pre-payment meters, or those with outstanding debts less than 100 pounds, can switch energy suppliers. Those who change providers frequently should also compare new tariffs and plans against their current set-up every six months and make sure they are enjoying the best deals available.

New tariff structures and plans are announced literally every month by energy suppliers who seek to lure new customers. Taking advantage of such offers could save your household hundreds of pounds in gas and electricity bills.