Stop Paying Too Much
Around 70% of UK households are paying too much for their energy bills because they don’t regularly switch. As a nation, we pay £2.7 billion more than we need to every year, which on average is about £300 per household.
Avoid Standard Tariffs
The most common type of tariff is called a Standard Tariff. This is the tariff your supplier will put you on if you don’t tell them otherwise. It may come as no surprise that this is also usually one of the most expensive tariffs on offer.
We suggest choosing a fixed tariff, which means your prices are guaranteed. The easiest way to start saving money is to call your supplier and ask to be put on their cheapest fixed tariff.
Shop Around
New tariffs and deals come out every week, so it’s important to shop around for the best deal available. Average savings for a household that has not switched for over a year is £300!
We suggest using a comparison site such as Uswitch.com. It takes no more than 10 minutes, and all the information you need can be found in the ‘About Your Tariff’ section of your latest bill.
This is also a great opportunity to do your bit in the fight against climate change by deciding to go with a green supplier. This means your energy comes from clean, renewable sources like solar power and wind farms. Even better, green suppliers are often the cheapest deals available.
Regular Reviews
The cheapest energy tariffs are usually fixed rate tariffs which last from 12 – 18 months. Once the fixed period finishes customers are automatically transferred onto a Standard tariff which can be quite expensive. 7 out of 10 customers are stuck on a standard tariff and have been for many years.
It is important to review your tariff and switch if needed every year.
Switching
Once you’ve found the tariff you want, switching is as easy as buying anything else on the internet. All your new supplier needs to know is your name and address, your annual usage, who your current supplier is, and your bank details if you’re paying by Direct Debit.
Your new supplier will take care of everything for you – you don’t need to contact your old supplier at all.
After about 3 weeks your new supplier will ask for an opening meter reading, and that’s it! You enjoy cheaper gas and electricity, and can treat yourself to something special with the money you save each month.
Warm Home Discount
If you are eligible for the Warm Home Discount then be very careful to only choose a supplier that offers it.
Some new suppliers are not part of this scheme, which means that if you are an eligible Warm Home Discount customer you may lose out on your £140 support payment.
Switch With BHESCo’s Help
As a not-for-profit community energy co-op, we offer a completely impartial switching service with one goal in mind: to make sure you are getting the best deal for your needs.
Since 2014, we’ve helped over 1,000 local residents to save a combined £56,000 on their energy bills! We are your trusted local experts when it comes to energy bills. We take the hassle out of switching, and make it easy for you to start saving.
With BHESCo, you stay in complete control and work with us to find the best tariff for your personal needs, whether that’s a green energy supplier, an ethical supplier, or one that offers the Warm Home Discount. We can also advise on which suppliers have the best and worst customer service, and who are offering Smart Meters or paperless billing.
To speak with one of our energy advisors, call us today on 0800 999 6671 or email info@bhesco.co.uk.
