Cheap Energy Club

The competition watchdog has said it will force energy suppliers to open up customer databases to let rivals offer those on standard tariffs better deals, as part of a series of measures to reform the energy market. But if you're worried about being spammed, you now won't get emails unless you opt in.

More than six million households switched energy supplier in 2015, a 15% rise on 2014, according to new figures from energy watchdog Ofgem.

A company called The Big Deal has partnered with The Sun newspaper to run a collective energy switch, and the Great British Collective switch is also offering cheap tariffs on a regional basis. But how do the deals stack up on price and customer service – and how do they compare with MSE's own Big Switch Event 4?

Customer complaints about energy firms increased by a quarter last year, according to the Energy Ombudsman. But whether you've had cause to complain about your provider or not, you can save £100s by switching now.

Wholesale energy costs are at their lowest for five years, and energy firms are under increasing pressure to slash bills. But don't wait for what's likely to be a trivial price cut – many can save £300/year by switching to a cheaper tariff now.

The big six energy firms face continued pressure from ministers to cut bills, as the Government warns that efforts to reduce costs for consumers are "not over yet".