Switching UK gas and electricity supplier

Many of us believe that trying to switch gas and electricity is a complex process, and can often cause more hassle than the final savings are worth. In reality however, switching gas and electricity supplier has never been easier. The growth of the internet over the past 5/10 years means that there is a wealth of information at your fingertips, with consumer groups such as and you have groups such as Consumer Focus that have a wealth of information on offer.

Of course it is possible that you may be able to get the best deal from your current energy supplier, there is no harm in asking. However, if you find that you need to look towards another supplier there are a few questions to think about before choosing a new supplier:

How much energy do I use in reality?
Check your bills or energy monitor if you have one - this will help you decide which set of supplier rates suit you best.

Which energy tariff is best for me?
Obviously, each energy company has a range of tariffs that can vary in price and type of service, as an example, you are generally always cheaper going for an online tariff and paying by monthly direct debit, although as a result of government intervention there is a degree of tariff simplification occurring within the industry.

How will i be paying for my bills?
Most suppliers offer a range of payment options, the most common are; direct debit and quarterly but you can also get a pre-payment meter or pay weekly.

What is the consumer feeling around the company?
There are many groups out there that regularly review the customer service of the big energy suppliers and interview customers this means that they can supply accurate information regarding the level of service you can expect from each company. Which? have a particularly comprehensive survey of energy suppliers in a number of different categories.

Hopefully these questions have given you an indication as how you can switch electricity and gas supplier and hopefully save yourself some money.