Have you recently switched energy providers (suppliers)? Or are you one of the millions of people who have never switched electricity and gas to another company? You may be paying about at least £300 more than you need for lighting. Energy suppliers do not reward you for loyalty. And that could mean paying hundreds of pounds too much. Switching energy suppliers and tariffs used to be an easy way to save on your bill. However, due to the current increase in energy prices, the offers are less than usual. It can be hard to find a plan that’s cheaper than your current plan or one that you can easily switch to. Choosing a fixed rate plan gives you more billing certainty, but may increase your overall cost depending on your market.

Before you start, make sure you have the following information ready:

• Name of current provider and current price list.
• Last year’s electricity and gas bills. Please refer to previous invoices, and contact your current. supplier, or calculate an approximation.
• Current payment method.
• Future (required) payment method.
• Postcode.

How to switch energy suppliers and save money

Why switch gas and electricity suppliers?

There are many reasons why people choose to switch to another gas and electricity provider, including:

• To save money on energy bills: It only takes minutes to do an energy comparison, and switching providers can save you hundreds of pounds in annual gas and electricity bills. You can also request a smart meter. This means you never have to provide meter readings.

• You may be looking for better service: Some energy providers offer poor service and inaccurate billing, which is a constant concern. Switching to an energy supplier with customer satisfaction is the quickest and easiest way to set things right and give you peace of mind.
  
• Do something for the environment: Switching to green power means you can save money and do something better for the environment.
  
• Especially with our help, it’s fast, free, and easy.

When is the best time to switch energy providers?

In a normal energy market, the best time to switch energy suppliers is when (or just before) you get standard variable energy rates, allowing you to close deals at lower rates. However, with the current lack of affordable products on the market, it’s hard to say there’s a good time to make the switch.

The switchover process can take up to 3-4 weeks, so it’s a good idea to switch energy suppliers a few weeks before the start of the colder months.

Steps to get a better energy deal

1. See more deals offered by the energy provider

You may be paying too much for your energy: Providers offer different plans, some of which are cheaper. Your bill or another bank statement should list some cheaper options. Alternatively, you can call the supplier and ask about the process.

You can save even more by switching to another provider: Changing providers does not change the energy you receive; it only changes who receives power. So there is no need to change pipes or cables. This also means you don’t have to worry about interrupting your energy supply when changing clothes.

You can contact the provider directly to inquire about the best deals: You should be able to provide this information over the phone or send pricing details upon request. However, due to a large number of offers, it may be easier to use a price comparison site to compare rates.

It is also important to conduct regular meter readings to ensure accurate invoices, verify invoice accuracy, and discuss any concerns with suppliers.

2. Check your payment method

Are you paying your utility bills in the most cost-effective way? Most providers offer discounts if you pay by direct debit instead of cash or cheque. Paperless billing, where you manage your account online instead of receiving your bill in the mail, can also be cheaper.

Only change payment methods, if you know the payment method is appropriate to save money. Many people like paper bills and flat-rate automatic debits can mean overpaying or underpaying for energy.

3. Switch energy providers and get better deals

This way you can save even more money when switching energy providers. Compare offers from different suppliers using Ofgem’s authorized price comparison website. Many of these websites have phone services that you can use when you’re not online.

Using an unbiased website is important. Notice the Confidence Code logo. This indicates that the site subscribes to Ofgem’s voluntary code of conduct and provides an independent and unbiased comparison.

Once you find the right rate (tariff), you can switch via a price comparison site or by calling your provider. In the case of switching energy providers, your new energy provider will contact your current provider to complete the switch.

The switch must be made within 5 days after the 14-day “cooling off period” has expired. You can cancel your changes, free of charge, during this time. If you have credit with your current energy provider, be sure to request a refund when switching.

4. Speak to someone professional

If you have any problems paying the invoice, please contact the energy provider as soon as possible. They will teach you how to avoid debt. If you are already in debt, you can set up a repayment plan to eliminate the arrears. If you don’t want to deal directly with a supplier, you can ask a consultant to contact you on your behalf.

How to switch gas and electric suppliers
with Beta Energy Direct (BED)

Now you know the best time to switch energy suppliers. The quickest and easiest way to switch your company’s electricity or gas provider is to let Beta Energy Direct’s tech-savvy team do the heavy lifting.

A simple phone call is all it takes for our experts to find the best deals and negotiate special rates from our panel of trusted suppliers. This saves you time and money that you can invest in your business. To see how much you can save, enter your zip code in the box on the right
or call our tech-savvy team on (0800) 999-1160.