How to switch electricity suppliers
More British energy consumers are choosing to switch their electricity supplies than ever before. The internet, along with government legislation, has made it easy for consumers to find the information they need to switch between suppliers and save money on electricity bills.
Electricity companies now have to fight harder to win your business, so new customers are treated to excellent customer care and sometimes special tariffs, discounts or gifts like energy saving lightbulbs. Switching will let you take advantage of these welcome packages, as well as reducing your overall electricity costs.
1. Many comparison sites are now available on the internet to make it easy for you compare electricity packages from a range of suppliers at once. However, these sites do not include every provider, even missing some of the major ones, so you should not rely entirely on this form of comparison.
2. You can do more than just switch supplier to cut your fuel bills. Consider a switch of electricity account type. A change to an online account or dual fuel account could mean even cheaper rates, while a switch to pay via direct debit each month will cut a few pounds off each of your bills.
3. You then need to get in touch with the electricity supplier you wish to move to. The vast majority will allow you to apply online, or you can telephone them, and they will then carry the process out for you. Letting your own supplier know in advance may help to make the process run more smoothly, so write or call them to inform them as soon as you have decided to switch.
4. To help the whole process move more efficiently, there are several things that you can do prior to the switch. You should check your meter reading on the day of the changeover so that you know exactly how much you should be charged by your old provider.
5.You can help to maintain the accuracy of your bills by taking a look at the meter number printed on your electricity meter. Check this number against your first bill so that you know that you are being billed for the appropriate meter. Be aware that any bills left unpaid to your last supplier may halt the switchover process, so make sure that you have paid any outstanding bills before applying to switch.
The process then usually takes between four and six weeks to complete, and is completely free. Your new supplier should keep you updated by post or email as to how the process is going, and will let you know of your switchover date and when the whole switchover has been completed.
British Gas are also one of the leading electric companies. Find out how much you could save by switching your electricity supplier today.
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