The Power of Switching utilities

Make sure you don't pay over the odds for your gas and electricity this winter with our guide to switching your utility provider.
Brrrr... it's cold outside

Yes it is. But before cranking up the heat, make sure you're getting the best price for all that gas and electricity you're using.
What do you mean?

Residential energy prices have risen 70% since 2004, and the average household energy bill is now £1,000 a year. But according to energywatch, the consumer gas and electricity watchdog, average households could save £100 a year simply by switching suppliers.

Come again?

Since the domestic energy market was deregulated in the late 1990s energy companies have been free to compete against each other on price. Consumers are also free to choose any gas or electricity supplier they want. Most households in Britain now have a choice of energy suppliers all charging slightly different amounts. Households usually sign up to the cheapest.
How do I know which supplier is the cheapest?

By using a price-comparison website. These allow you to compare prices, see how much you might save, research what's available, and then make the switch online. If you are not online, you can call energywatch on 0845 906 0708 and they will send you a printed comparison list of all the suppliers in your area.
Are price comparison websites popular?

Very. According to the energy regulator Ofgem, since deregulation more than 13.3 million electricity consumers have switched, and around 9.9 million householders have left British Gas. However, energywatch estimates that almost half of all UK households (about 10m) have never switched supplier, collectively losing out on £1bn of savings.
How do I know I can trust these websites?

Energywatch has addressed the issue of confidence in price-comparison websites by launching a new code of conduct. Websites are audited to discover if they are suitable to be accredited with the "energywatch confidence code" and display the logo. They are then monitored and regularly reviewed. Accreditation will be withdrawn if sites fail to keep up with standards of clarity and impartiality.
How do the sites make money?

Price comparison websites get a commission of about £40 from participating energy companies when a consumer switches using the site. The new code of conduct requires the comparison sites to be upfront about this.
Which sites have got energywatch accreditation?

These ones so far: energylinx.co.uk, energyhelpline.com, the Home Advisory Service, the Money Expert, moneysupermarket.com, Saveonyourbills.co.uk, simplyswitch, Switch with Which?, theEnergyShop.com, UKPower.co.uk, unravelit, and Uswitch.com
What do I need to make a comparison?I

deally you need all your energy bills from the past year, or an annual statement. This way you know exactly how much energy you used and how much it cost you. Then you can make an accurate comparison.
If I do decide to switch, isn't it all a big hassle?

Not really. Once you have done your research, switching is fairly straightforward. You sign up to your new supplier online, which takes around 30 minutes, and let them do all the paperwork. Typically, you will get a welcome letter after a few days followed by confirmation of your switchover date three or four weeks later.
On that day you should take a meter reading and let your new supplier know what it is. You don't need to change your connections, wiring, meter or any other equipment.
Don't the energy companies drag their heels over this?T

hey used to, but they are getting better. Complaints to energywatch about switching have dropped by 70% in the past two years.
What about green energy?

Price comparison websites aren't only about price. They're also a good place to find out about green energy from renewable sources like wind, wave, hydro and solar power. Historically, green tariffs have cost a bit more, are not really that "green" and are confusing.
True green energy suppliers are thin on the ground. Good Energy and ecotricity are two good ones, according to energywatch and the National Consumer Council. To be properly green, as well as switching to an eco tariff you should cut your energy consumption through insulation and low-energy appliances, according to the energy saving trust.
Where can I find out more?

energywatch.org.uk is a good place to start, followed by any of the price comparison websites listed above. Or try Guardian Money's own price-comparison tool.

Source: The Guardian