PHONE CALL

THE best energy deals can be achieved by calling your provider, armed with plenty of information, and demanding they do better. You need to know how much energy you use (this can be found on your bills) and how much you can save by going elsewhere.

Customer service staff will do whatever they can to keep you on the books and usually have an offer of last resort — the final discount they can offer. Here’s how to get that deal.

THE SCRIPT

YOU Hello, my name is XX, I am a customer of XX years and want to discuss my energy plan.

THEM Hello, OK, how can I help you with that?

YOU I know electricity prices are rising and I want to do something about it. Can you confirm whether I am on a standard or market contract?

THEM OK, looking at your account I can confirm you are paying a standard rate.

YOU OK, first I would like to be moved onto your cheapest market rate product.

THEM The best market rate product we have is XX.

YOU OK please move me to that one, and I would also like an additional discount.

THEM I can offer you an extra 5% discount if you agree today.

YOU I think you can do better. I have been a loyal customer for years and I’d like you to reward me for that. I’ve been paying more than I need to and am ready to switch. I know your new customers are being offered 15% discounts.

THEM OK, I can offer you 15%.

YOU I would like you to double that to 30%. If I switch to (name other retailer), with my average usage (name usage), I will save XX amount of money.

THEM We can’t offer 30%. The final offer I can make is 20%.

YOU OK, will that be ongoing? My last discount expired quickly and I know market rates can be changed any time.

THEM We can give you the discount for 12 months.

YOU OK thank you, can you also backdate this discount to my most recent or upcoming bill?