In the guide
This guidance is for England, Scotland and Wales
You could save money by switching tariffsor energy suppliersbut comparing suppliers and choosing the right deal can be confusing.
Energy suppliers can offer you a range of different tariffsfor your gas and electricity.Check which tariff suits your circumstances, then compare tariffs between suppliers. Find out which services the energy supplier provides and which discounts may be available to you.
You have rights and remedies under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 as the energy supplier is providing you with a service.
The law
When an energy supplier agrees to supply you with gas and/or electricity you are both making a legally binding contract that is covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This law sets out what you are entitled to expect from every contract that involves the supply of a service, such as the supply of gas and electricity. The 'Supply of services: your consumer rights' guide gives more information.
Energy suppliers must comply with the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 when they contract to provide you with energy off-premises (such as in your home) or at a distance and without face-to-face contact (such as online). You have the right to cancel most off-premises and distance contracts and the cancellation period is 14 days.The 'Buying at home: off-premises contracts explained' and'Buying by internet, phone and mail order: distance contracts explained' guides give more information.
If you enter into a contract because an energy supplier misled you or because they used an aggressive commercial practice, the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 give you rights to redress: the right to unwind the contract, the right to a discount and the right to damages. See the guide 'Misleading and aggressive practices: your right to redress' for more information.
Choosing a supplier
The price charged for gas and electricity varies between energy suppliers. They can offer you a range of different gas and electricity tariffsand contracts that give you a choice over how you manage and pay for your gas and electricity. To make it easier to understand your bill, there is only one charging structure made up of a standing charge and the unit prices of the gas and electricity. You should obtain as much information as you can on the different energy suppliers and their products before switching. Be aware that if one energy supplier cuts / increases its prices the others may follow. Wait until prices stabilise before going ahead.
It is important that you calculate how much energy you are currently using and how much you pay for it. This will ensure that any comparisons you make between tariffs, services and contracts are accurate. The method you use to pay for your gas and electricity (as in direct debit, prepayment or other payment method) will also be a financial consideration. You can check your online statement, your annual statement (if you still receive a paper copy) or ask your current supplier to help you work it out. You can then use this information to compare suppliers or to see if your current supplier can offer a cheaper deal.
There are price comparison websites that will help you find a better deal. It is advisable to useprice comparison websites that are accredited by Ofgem (the UK gas and electricity regulator)and whichcomply withOfgem's code of practice called theConfidence Code. The Confidence Code sets out the rules that member price comparison websites must abide by, such as helping you find the best deal, providing a switching service that is easy to use and free of charge, giving comprehensive information on each tariff and providing information on any available discounts. For more information visit theOfgem website
You can also receive advice and information on switching your supplier from the Citizens Advice consumer service.
Energy tariffs and discounts
Tariffs offered by energy suppliers take account of the type of meter you have (standard or prepayment) and may include:
Your energy supplier can also offer a discount for having a dual fuel account (you get your gas and electricity from the same supplier) or managing your account online.
What should I ask before agreeing to switch
It is an important element of a contract that the energy supplier must give you specific pre-contact information as set out in the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. The 'Buying from business premises: on-premises contracts explained', 'Buying by internet, phone and mail order: distance contracts explained' and 'Buying at home: off-premises contracts explained' guides explain what these pre-contract requirements are. If an energy supplier does not provide the required information, you can make a claim to have your costs (if you have any) reimbursed. Ask your prospective new supplier to go through the main points of the contract before you sign.
Process of switching supplier
You can switch through a comparison website or by contacting your preferred new supplier direct.
The transfer process, which is organised by your new supplier, usually takes around 17 days but should take no longer than 21 days from the date the new supplier receives your completed application. Your new supplier will tell your current supplier that you are leaving.You will need to provide your meter readings: keep a note of these readings for yourself. Your current supplier has the right to object to a transfer (if you are in debt with them, for example). Ask about arrangements for paying off outstanding debts.
Will I be able to change my mind once I've agreed a contract?
The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 give you a right to cancel most 'off-premises' contracts (made on your doorstep, at home or at your place of work, for example) and 'distance' contracts (made without face-to-face contact with the supplier, such as via the internet or by phone or email). This includes energy contracts.
Your new supplier will send you details of your new agreement and you then have a cancellation period of 14 days during which time you can change your mind. If you decide to cancel, you will remain with your current supplier.
The 'Buying at home: off-premises contracts explained' and'Buying by internet, phone and mail order: distance contracts explained' guides give more information.
Double charging
Your current and new suppliersshould work together; however, the process of switching does not always run smoothly. Watch out for an overlap where your old supplier continues to charge you when a new supplier has taken over your supply. If this happens, try to resolve it directly with the supplier that has incorrectly charged you. Provide details of the new supplier's contract and start date and ensure it has your final meter readings, as agreed with the new supplier.
See the 'What can I do if I have a complaint?' section of this guide for details of who you can complain to.
Energy price cap
Energy price caps are in place to protect you against overcharging, but they don't apply to all energy tariffs. The tariff price is capped if:
If you qualify for a price cap, the supplier will apply it automatically.
Energy misselling
All energy suppliers are required to meet standards set by Ofgem that deal with how gas and electricity is sold to you.
The energy supplier or their representative may fail to meet their obligations; you may have been subjected to high pressure selling, been misled over features of a particular service, given false information on potential savings, had your contract falsified or progressed without your consent. You may only become aware of this when you receive a 'welcome' letter or copy contract from a new supplier. You have the right to complain. The 'What can I do if I have a complaint?' section of this guide gives details of who you can complain to.
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 prohibit commercial practices that are unfair to consumers. If an energy supplier misleads you or engages in an aggressive commercial practice and you make a decision to make a contract that you would not otherwise have done, the supplier may be in breach of the Regulations.
Most suppliers have moved away from cold-call doorstep selling as a method of persuading consumers to switch, as they recognise that consumers do not like being pressured on the doorstep.
If you have been transferred by mistake or without your consent, you can switch back.In the event of an erroneous transfer, you can contact either the old supplier or the new one to complain. Within five working days you should be given clear information on the steps that will be taken to resolve the matter and, if you request it, details of compensation arrangements. Within 20 working days you should be informed that you are being returned to your old supplier. These rules are part of the 'erroneous transfer customer charter' that suppliers must follow.
What can I do if I have a complaint?
In the first instance contact your energy supplier to give them the opportunity to resolve your complaint. Check your bill or visit the energy supplier's website for details on where to direct your complaint.
If the complaint is not resolved in six to eight weeks or if you receive a deadlock letter, you can contact theEnergy Ombudsman. This organisation is approved by Ofgem to deal with consumer complaints about energy bills, misselling, problems with energy supply and problems with switching supplier. The service is independent and free for consumers.
If you have been misled or the energy supplier has behaved aggressively, report your complaint to the Citizens Advice consumer service.
Gas and electricity competition: consumer checklist
Key legislation
Last reviewed/updated: July 2020
Please note
This information is intended for guidance; only the courts can give an authoritative interpretation of the law.
The guide's 'Key legislation' links may only show the original version of the legislation, although some amending legislation is linked to separately where it is directly related to the content of a guide. Information on amendments to legislation can be found on each link's 'More Resources' tab.
For further information in England and Wales contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 2231133. In Scotland contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000. Both provide free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues.
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