As Christmas is approaching, here at Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton we want to make sure you and your family are getting the best deal on energy this winter – that’s why we’re encouraging our clients to see if they could Switch and save money as part of our Big Energy Saving Winter campaign.
Check out our handy tips below to see if you might be better off switching energy providers – saving you and your loved ones money this Christmas, especially when money might be a bit tighter than normal this year!
Check out our online energy comparison tool
You can use our free price comparison tool to compare prices and switch energy tariff or supplier – you might be paying more on energy when there’s a better deal out there.
All you’ll need is the name of your supplier and tariff which will be on your energy bill. You can get a more accurate quote if you know your annual consumption (this is the amount of gas or electricity you’ve used over the last year, measured in kilowatt hours (kwh). Find this on your annual statement!)
Check the details before you decide to switch
It’s important to check a few things before you decide to switch energy providers. Start by checking which type of meter you have – you can see our guide here.
You’ll also need to find out if your contract has an ‘exit fee’ for leaving early. This information can usually be found on your bill – make sure you don’t encounter an unexpected charge!
Make sure you choose the right tariff
It’s worth thinking about the type of tariff you need before you switch – you might want a flexible tariff, an environmentally-friendly tariff or simply the cheapest deal available.
You should also check if you need a specific tariff for the type of meter you have – for example a prepayment meter or an ‘Economy 7’ meter.
If you get the Warm Home Discount, check whether your new supplier offers the discount before you switch – you’ll lose it if they don’t.
Know how to switch supplier or tariff
Once you’ve compared tariffs from different suppliers and chosen one, call the supplier – they’ll set up the switch and tell your old provider. You can also switch online.
Take a meter reading on the day of the transfer to give to your new supplier – this means they won’t charge you for energy used before the switch.
Finally, pay your old supplier’s final bill or get a refund if you’re in credit.
Make sure your old supplier doesn’t owe you money
You should get your final bill from your old supplier within 6 weeks. If it takes longer – you’ll automatically get £30 in compensation from them.
They have to pay any credit they owe you within 10 working days of sending your final bill – if they don’t, they’ll owe you an extra £30 in compensation. We can help you complain to your energy supplier if they haven’t paid you what you owe.
Become an Energy Super Saver
Why not help your loved ones stay warm and save money this winter by becoming an Energy Super Saver. Pledge to help a friend, family member or neighbour switch their energy tariff and get them the best deal possible.
Once you’ve told us who you switched and how much you helped them save, you’ll be entered into a competition to win an energy efficient washing machine or one of five slow cookers – not a bad Christmas present!