Heat on in bid to save
As weather turns colder, it’s time to consider switching energy suppliers
so you could probably benefit from carrying out the same exercise that I’m about to suggest.
To avoid these increased bills and to make sure you’re getting the best deal that’s available for you, for your gas as well as your electricity, you have to look at switching.
People either love or hate this word. Some people I speak to have no problem switching and do it as often as they can to ensure they’re always on a competitive tariff while others find it really difficult and time-consuming.
Always check a couple of the big comparison sites before you switch.
Don’t just rely on the figures you get from the first one you use, since they don’t always all have figures from every supplier. And remember that if you pay a fixed monthly amount you might manage to save even more money since your supplier might pay interest on any overpayments, or these overpayments may be repaid to you if you ask.
Remember, too, that you don’t have to have your gas and electricity supplied by the same company and for many people, it makes sense to have two different providers.
Always make sure that you have accurate usage information when you are looking for a quote.
That’s the best way to ensure that you’ll get accurate figures from the comparison sites you use.
Remember as well that you don’t have to stick with the big six
firms. There are new firms out there these days.
Our Power have been set up to provide energy to all consumers in Scotland following their development through housing associations.
Alistair Steele is chairman and founder of Our Power and he told me why what they are doing is different to the mainstream and more traditional providers.
He said: “Our Power are a not-for-profit energy supplier, formed by 53 member housing associations and local authorities.
“We were born out of a desire to offer a different choice in the energy market.
“By removing the focus on maximising profits and shareholder dividends, we are able to concentrate on delivering tariffs for consumers with the emphasis on fairness.
“Our fixed rate tariff for all customers is this principle in action – by not penalising those who choose to opt for pay as you go.
“We also want our existing customers to have the same deal and we have reduced our tariff prices to our existing customers, so that they are charged the same price as new customers on our fixed rate.
“We think this is fair and this lives up to our values.”
This is an interesting point, since many providers have been criticised in the past for favouring new customers at the expense of loyal customers who have been with the same provider for years.
But Alistair also reckons the other attraction of a company like Our Power is that they can provide a service to the whole community rather than servicing the interests of a small number of shareholders.
He added: “Our Power are more than just an energy supplier, we are delivering a meaningful social impact with positive outcomes for individuals and their communities.
“We’re on a mission to provide fairer and more affordable energy to all customers, removing discrimination and poverty from the energy sector.”