Cheap gas & electricity

IMPORTANT: The below questions and answers are written for normal times, when switching your supplier is the best thing to do. We're not in normal times right now, but hopefully they are useful for when switching becomes an option again.

Q: Isn't switching a big hassle?

A: No. Switch, and you keep the same gas, electricity and pipes. Only service and, crucially, cost change. It typically takes about three weeks to switch.

All you need to do is take five minutes to do a comparison, find your cheapest deal and fill in your details. There can be hitches, but switching should be simple for most.

With our new MSE Pick Me A Tariff service, we can even do the hard work for you and help you compare and stay on a cheap deal year-after-year.

Q: I'm in debt to my supplier, can I switch?

A: If you're on prepay, you can if the debt's £500 per fuel or less. If you're on a credit meter, it varies by supplier and payment type. Some require you to pay off your debt before switching, while others may let you switch then pay it off – so it's best to check with your supplier directly first. 

If you're in credit when you switch, your old provider will give you the cash after it sends you your final bill.

Q: Suppliers are all the same, so isn't switching pointless?

A: You're right – in many ways they are the same. Yet switching isn't actually about suppliers. Just like one mobile phone firm has many different tariffs, so do energy suppliers. One supplier can have both the UK's cheapest and most expensive tariff.

So the aim's to find your cheapest tariff, regardless of the firm.

Q: How long does it take to switch energy supplier?

A: Energy suppliers have a cooling-off period of 14 days, which starts from the date you submit your switch, so no action is taken until this period is over. The switching process can take up to six weeks to complete, depending on the supplier, although most should now switch you in three weeks.

You won't lose your supply during this time. It should be a seamless handover from one provider to the other. All that's really changing is the billing, not the actual gas and electricity that you're being supplied.

Energy suppliers are supposed to keep you updated on your switch (via letter/telephone/email – keep an eye on your junk/spam folder). If you ever have any queries about your switch, you can always contact your new energy supplier for an update.

Q: How long does it take to get confirmation after switching?

A: You usually get a confirmation email from the comparison site within 24 hours (definitely via Cheap Energy Club). After that, you're due a welcome pack. It could take weeks (sometimes suppliers even deny that you've switched).

Q: Should I go for a short, cheaper fix, or fix long? I can't decide.

A: First, look at how much you'd save with each fix. Then ask yourself: "Am I the type of person who'll switch regularly?" Will you keep on top of this and remember to switch at the end of each deal?

If yes, then a shorter fix – which will generally be cheaper – is worth considering (our Cheap Energy Club will alert you when to switch again). Be aware though that if energy prices rise over the next few years, you could end up switching to a pricier deal when your short fix ends.

The less likely you are to switch, the more you should consider a long fix. You may not get quite such a good rate, but it'll stay relatively cheap, even if you're inactive.

If you are less likely to compare and switch each year, you can try our MSE Pick Me A Tariff tool, which can help pick you your top deal each year and switch you with a one-click switch verification.

Q: I've switched before. It said I'd save, but my bills weren't lower.

A: While it sounds strange, you may save money by switching, even if your bills go up. For example, during price hikes by suppliers, you might switch to a new deal to pay less, but then see the price of your NEW tariff increase slightly.

But if you hadn't switched during the price hikes, your bills would've gone up even more on your OLD tariff. So while you're paying a bit more, it'll still be less than if you hadn't switched.

Q: I'm moving home, can I take my fix with me?

A: If you're moving, some providers will allow you to take the fixed tariff to your new home. Costs vary by region, so if you're moving to a new one, you may pay new prices.

Therefore if you're fixing right now, it's best to compare based on your new postcode (if you know it) as you'll be there longer – and, of course, check the fix is portable (so it can be moved).

Q: Should I call my existing provider to fix?

A: No, no, no. This isn't about grabbing any fix. That could leave you locking in at a high cost – it's about locking in on the cheapest fix, which may be with another provider.

Q: Must energy providers give notice of price rises?

A: Yes, 30 days' notice, so you'll know when it's coming.

Q: Does switching affect my credit rating?

A: Suppliers often carry out credit checks when you apply that show on your credit file. Lenders can see these. Each application can have a minor effect on a future credit score. It's usually not an issue unless you're applying for lots of credit cards and loans around the same time.

Q: I've just moved home, how can I compare?

A: If you can get an idea of usage figures from the previous homeowners, brilliant. These figures will give you the most accurate comparison.

If not, some comparisons offer a movers' service. Answer some basic questions about the house, such as size and appliance use, and it'll tell you the likely cheapest provider.

Until you switch, the energy supplied to the home will come from the supplier the previous owners used, usually under an expensive standard variable tariff. So make sure you switch as soon as possible. 

Q: I fixed but prices have gone up. Will I still get the fix?

A: The point of a fix is you're not affected by price rises.

If you've switched to a cheap fix that has since been pulled, you'll likely be fine – you should get the prices advertised at the point you applied (whether directly or via a comparison site).

Things can go wrong, though. You could fail a credit check, or maybe you're heavily indebted to your supplier and it tries to block you. If so, you should be told within about two weeks.

Q: I'm already tied in, is it worth asking my current supplier if I can switch to a fixed deal?

A: The only way it can lock you in is with an exit penalty that wipes out any savings you'd make by switching. So first ensure your provider's fix is competitive. If you'd save more than the exit penalty by switching elsewhere, there's no point in fixing with your current supplier anyway.

If not, while we've never heard of this happening, it's certainly worth seeing if your current company will waive your exit fee and switch you to its fix – you can always push hard by threatening to go elsewhere if not.

Q: My friend says Utility Warehouse promises to be cheapest.

A: Utility Warehouse/Telecom Plus is a network marketing firm, so its users can be very keen to sell it on.

As its prices are covered by comparison sites, just like others, to see its price for you, do a comparison (scroll for it, as it usually isn't near the top). However, some do like it for getting multi-utility discounts (such as energy and phone together). The problem is you're normally locked into the energy and phone elements to get the full benefit.

Q: I'm only going to save £10. Is it worth switching?

A: Remember, by fixing you're not just saving now, the aim is to get a guarantee against prices rising. You could also get cashback on top of the tariff-saving via Cheap Energy Club.

Q: How do I switch – will the new company contact the old?

A: Yes. There's no need to contact your old provider (unless, perhaps, you are in debt with it and want to discuss how you pay it off).

Q: I've heard some people switch to a cheaper price but have a bigger direct debit?

A: Direct debits are based on an estimate of your usage. Some find they switch to a cheaper tariff, but their direct debit rises.

This is usually because the new firm overestimates, or the old one underestimates. If it's too high and you're overpaying, you'll get the money back later. If it's a problem, you've a right to ask your supplier to lower it. See Energy direct debits.

Q: I'm renting, can landlords dictate which provider I use?

A: If you pay the gas and electricity bill directly (not via the landlord), you can and should compare and switch. Don't stick with the previous tenant's supplier as often it's costly. Always do a meter reading as soon as you move in.

You have a right to do this without your landlord's permission, though it's worth checking your tenancy agreement just in case it's a breach. If it is, communicate with the landlord – nothing changes for them if you switch, so it shouldn't be an issue.

Even if your tenancy agreement says you can't switch, challenge it. Preventing a tenant from changing energy supplier may be viewed as an unfair term, so talk to Citizens Advice to see if it can help. If you pay your landlord for energy, it's their choice.

Q: I only use electricity – can I switch and fix?

A: Yes, use Cheap Energy Club to find the cheapest electricity prices for your area. Just select 'electricity only' and it will show your top fixes.

Q: Is it true that paying by direct debit is cheapest?

A: Yes, but specifically by monthly direct debit, which can be up to £85 cheaper a year. Your bill is then estimated, so make sure you do regular meter readings.