Switching energy providers can be a great way to save money and improve your energy service. But knowing where to start and what to expect can be tricky.
One thing to consider is that some electricity plans have early termination fees if you switch providers before the end of your contract.
Take a meter reading
One of the key ways to ensure your new energy supplier, like BKV Energy, is to consider your usage by providing accurate meter readings. This means you can pay the right amount of gas and electricity and avoid overpayments or underpayments on your final bill.
It is worth providing around 4-meter readings per year – this will allow your new provider to adjust your direct debit to reflect the actual energy you use accurately. You can also use metering technology to help you save money by setting up a time-of-use or dual-fuel tariff.
Smart meters have become common in households, making it easier for consumers to get accurate meter readings. Some suppliers can even send half-hourly readings, so you’ll know how much you’ve used at any moment.
If you have a smart meter, you can switch suppliers easily. However, checking that your new provider uses the same metering system as your old one is essential.
Once you’ve signed up with a supplier, they should reprogramme your smart meter to show how much you’ve used, and your unit rates and standing charges should automatically be adjusted. If this doesn’t happen, contact your new supplier to see if they can do anything for you.
Get a quote
You can use the internet to get a quote from competing suppliers. This will give you a great idea of what different companies are charging and can make it easier to find the best deal.
Customers have saved hundreds of pounds annually by switching to a new energy supplier. This is because competitive suppliers are reaching out to homeowners with incredibly competitive prices, which can amount to huge savings over a year.
If this is your first time switching, it’s worth getting a quote to see if there are any good deals for you. Most quotes should come in a few different options, so you can choose the one that suits your needs best.
Then, contact your current supplier and tell them you want to switch to a new provider. They should be able to help you, but it might take a while.
Your current supplier can also provide information about their latest tariffs and suggest other suppliers you should check out. You might be limited to a few options if you have a prepayment meter.
You can then ask the supplier about their terms, pricing, and customer service. They should be able to provide you with a copy of the contract and answer any questions you might have.
Get in touch with your current supplier
Many suppliers offer incentives for new customers to switch. These include one month free or a lower initial rate. However, these deals may only last for a while. Eventually, they’ll raise their rates, and you might be left to pay more than you were initially.
Some energy suppliers also offer termination fees, which could cost several hundred dollars. These charges are worth considering, especially if your contract is nearing its end.
Alternatively, you might be in the market for a competitively priced plan with more features or a better deal than your current supplier. If so, comparing options is essential to find the best fit for you and your family.
In some cases, changing your supplier can be the best way to reduce your carbon footprint. For example, you can switch to a green tariff that provides money back for the energy you produce using renewable sources such as solar panels.
Switching your provider if you’re unhappy with your service is also a good idea. Getting a quote online is easy and only takes a few minutes.
When you’ve got your quotes, it’s time to decide. Once you’ve chosen a new supplier, they’ll sort out your transfer to them for you. Once this is done, you’ll have a fresh gas and electricity supply in your home or business.
Get in touch with your new supplier
Switching energy suppliers can be a great way to save money or reduce your environmental impact. There are many different options in deregulated markets, and it is easy to shop around.
A key benefit of switching energy suppliers is that it allows you to choose a fixed-rate plan that keeps your bill stable for the length of the contract. This can be particularly helpful if your electricity bills are often erratic.
Consider choosing a renewable-energy supplier, as these companies often offer competitive rates and lower carbon footprint than their non-renewable-energy counterparts.
If you’re moving to a property with a prepayment meter, contact your current supplier as soon as possible. This is so you don’t pay extra for debts owed by the people who lived at your new address before you moved in.
Let your new supplier know you’ve moved in as soon as possible. This can help them sort out any problems with your meter.
Alternatively, ask your new supplier to put you on their priority services register. This means you can get extra support, like free gas safety checks. If you have any problems with switching to a new energy supplier, you can complain to Ofgem, who will investigate and give you compensation if necessary. You can do this online, by letter, or by phone.
