switching energy suppliers

[malumbu]

I've switched a few times over the years. Personally I found it much easier when the sector was state owned - others may argue otherwise.

Currently with Zebra who seem OK and are a bit old school which I like. No Smart Meter, which is a mixed blessing. British Gas had installed one but that was Mark I which were daft as you couldn't transfer to other suppliers. Only real value I had was that one of my appliances was permanently on - think it was the timer for the hot water, and may not have identified it otherwise. It was a bit of entertainment watching it go up when the kettle was on. That was about it. And an actuate clock. I'm a spendthrift and already do loads to cut down on energy use.

Anyway - big questions - views on suppliers, views on whether prices will go up.

I worked in energy markets years ago, when we became progressively more dependent on imports. I expect with Covid and global recession we will be awash, and as such not worth going into a fixed price deal.

[alex_b]

I use a company called flipper to move me automatically when I can get a better deal. It cost ?50 a year but only when they?re saving you more than that.

[Nigello]

Do you have to pay a penalty each time you shift via Flipper?

[alex_b]

They calculate the cost benefit of shifting (including any exit fees). That said the deals I?ve been shifted to (mostly back and forth between Arvo and Green) haven?t had penalties.

[siousxiesue]

If you sign up to Money saving Expert they have a scheme where they tell you if you start paying over the odds and where you can save money.

I think they even do the switch for you

malumbu Wrote:

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> I've switched a few times over the years.

> Personally I found it much easier when the sector

> was state owned - others may argue otherwise.

>

> Currently with Zebra who seem OK and are a bit old

> school which I like. No Smart Meter, which is a

> mixed blessing. British Gas had installed one but

> that was Mark I which were daft as you couldn't

> transfer to other suppliers. Only real value I had

> was that one of my appliances was permanently on -

> think it was the timer for the hot water, and may

> not have identified it otherwise. It was a bit of

> entertainment watching it go up when the kettle

> was on. That was about it. And an actuate clock.

> I'm a spendthrift and already do loads to cut down

> on energy use.

>

> Anyway - big questions - views on suppliers, views

> on whether prices will go up.

>

> I worked in energy markets years ago, when we

> became progressively more dependent on imports. I

> expect with Covid and global recession we will be

> awash, and as such not worth going into a fixed

> price deal.

[malumbu]

I used one of the switching websites, which was fine. I'd be interested in views on the various suppliers, and whether to lock myself into a fixed deal.

[alex_b]

siousxiesue Wrote:

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> If you sign up to Money saving Expert they have a

> scheme where they tell you if you start paying

> over the odds and where you can save money.

>

> I think they even do the switch for you

They do require you to track usage, update the website and initiate the switch. The nice thing about the automatic services is they do all of that for you. I just got a notification today that they?re switching tariffs within my current supplier to save me ?67 a year which is good.

[malumbu]

My term is up with my current supplier and they are offering me three options. My law they have to tell me what the cheapest one is and also encourage me to compare with other providers. Is there anyone out there who has views on what will happen to energy prices ie remaining on a variable package vs fixed. During spiralling costs fixed packages were beneficial. I expect less so now. I quite like having some choice in the matter. Alternatively nationalise the utilities. I expect we are stuck with the private model for the foreseeable future.

[Fly]

We use bulb after a really bad experience with previous suppliers. Bulb are green energy, reasonably priced, ethical and have really good customer service. For me, being able to get hold of someone to quickly adress something is so important. They give regular updates so we switch our payment as and when required

[Nigello]

Bulb has good credentials but effed up my smart meter by having a non-trained person put it in and then never sorting it out. I left and foudn out that the one I went to can't take it up as it was put in by a rival!

[Nigello]

Bulb has good credentials but effed up my smart meter by having a non-trained person put it in and then never sorting it out. I left and foudn out that the one I went to can't take it up as it was put in by a rival!

[malumbu]

First generation smart meters - daft as can't switch. For Zebra I e-mail, text or call to give readings, a bit old school but fine, and can even send a picture if I am struggling to do the reading. Like the personal touch.

[malumbu]

First generation smart meters - daft as can't switch. For Zebra I e-mail, text or call to give readings, a bit old school but fine, and can even send a picture if I am struggling to do the reading. Like the personal touch.

[Sue]

siousxiesue Wrote:

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> If you sign up to Money saving Expert they have a

> scheme where they tell you if you start paying

> over the odds and where you can save money.

>

> I think they even do the switch for you

>

I signed up for that once.

They don't include all the possible companies, and in my experience you can find a better deal elsewhere.

I am with Avro, and I have gone onto a new tariff with them when my old one ran out, as they have always been reliable and I could't find a better deal despite using several comparison sites.

[Sue]

siousxiesue Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> If you sign up to Money saving Expert they have a

> scheme where they tell you if you start paying

> over the odds and where you can save money.

>

> I think they even do the switch for you

>

I signed up for that once.

They don't include all the possible companies, and in my experience you can find a better deal elsewhere.

I am with Avro, and I have gone onto a new tariff with them when my old one ran out, as they have always been reliable and I could't find a better deal despite using several comparison sites.

[Nigello]

Mine was a second generation meter for gas. The leccy one works.

[Nigello]

Mine was a second generation meter for gas. The leccy one works.

[Sue]

With Avro I just send meter readings via their website. It's quick and easy.

They periodically send me an email asking for the readings.

Occasionally (as I imagine with all companies unless you have a smart meter) they send an actual person round to make sure you aren't swindling them 🤣

I didn't want the last one coming into my house (Covid) so he just asked me for the readings. I must have an honest face 🤣

[diable rouge]

Nigello Wrote:

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> Bulb has good credentials but effed up my smart

> meter by having a non-trained person put it in and

> then never sorting it out. I left and foudn out

> that the one I went to can't take it up as it was

> put in by a rival!

Bulb are very good but they've been trying the hard sell recently on putting in smart meters, has anyone else had a similar experience about their smart meters not being compatible with other companies?...

[malumbu]

All smart meters being installed now should be second generation ie compatible with all suppliers. Not sure if they are still fitting the first generation. This is quite helpful https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/smart-meters/article/smart-meters-explained/smart-meter-roll-out-aQJZI0B2Jose

[bob]

I've been with bulb for 3 years now two meter readings a month via web very pleased but they are now starting to push their smart meters which I'm not keen on Bob S

[Alec1]

I've been with bulb for a couple of years now I think, very simple and easy, but yes, they are pushing smart meters big time. I don't particularly want one so hanging on.