Selecting an energy supplier has become a tedious task for most of the people of UK. This very document may assist them in some way or the other for their optimum selection.
IMPORTANT: These tools were designed for regular times, but we are not living in normal times right now. With the energy market in turmoil, there are no offers that are significantly less expensive than the price cap. Indeed, just a few suppliers offer switching at the price cap rate. As a result, there are now no offers available through our Pick Me A Tariff system. We've kept the information on our tools below in case the market returns to normal.
Instead of completing a typical comparison and having to select from a big list of suppliers, we have two tools that can assist you when switching your energy provider (and most now prefer using these over the standard comparison). For the time being, choose a tariff. Tell us your energy choices (whether you want a fix, a familiar name, top service, a green tariff, etc.) or simply pick Martin's default decision, and we'll locate your best tariff from the whole market based on your criteria. We'll notify you throughout the year when you may save money based on your choices.
Every year, I choose a tariff. This is ideal for folks who are hesitant or anxious about switching or selecting. Tell us your energy preferences as described above, and we'll identify your top-choice tariff, you switch, and then every year when your deal expires, we'll transfer you to your new winner based on your preferences, with just one click from you to confirm you're pleased. We understand that these tools aren't for everyone, so if you know what you're doing or just want to check all available rates, you may still complete a conventional DIY energy comparison.
It is fully free and operates across the UK, with the exception of Northern Ireland (for further information, see Cheap Northern Ireland electricity). It isn't now accessible for prepay tariffs (we don't want to move customers to companies they can't top up with, therefore we're working on a solution - in the meantime, perform a prepaid comparison) or a few specialized tariffs like Economy 10. If you're making a complex transfer (for example, switching between electric car tariffs or having two meters in your house), or if you want to probe all rates manually, it might not be for you.
To join Pick Me A Rate Every Year, you must presently be switching tariffs (we're working on letting you to join at any time), so if you're already on a wonderful tariff, wait and join when it expires. See how our Pick Me A Tariff tools function below, and see our comprehensive FAQs for additional information.
Here's how it works and how it differs from others out there.
Our 'Pick Me A Rate' method chooses the optimal tariff for you. We don't simply convert everyone to the same deals; instead, we employ our innovative new Pick Me A Tariff approach. After filling out your information, you'll be granted 21 preference points.
Depending on your priorities, you then divide them into six categories: price, service, green, fix, name you know, and exit penalty.
Don't know what's important? To get started, you can utilize the 'Martin's choice' option of a balanced tariff.
Whatever you choose, our computer chooses your winning tariff as well as the next two closest options, attempting to approximate what you would choose yourself. So, if you prioritize green and service, you'll receive the best top-service green offer.
Your deal was chosen from the entire market. We do not disregard providers that we are unable to move you to. Pick Me A Tariff includes all suppliers, regardless of whether we have a switching (for example, business) relationship with them.
If you want us to switch you every year when your contract expires, but your top selection is one we can't switch you to, we'll still show it as your top pick - but because picking it means we can't move you, we'll present the alternative top switchable tariff so you may chose.
PS: "Whole market" refers to all open tariffs. We can't always include exclusives from other comparison sites, and very infrequently, tiny businesses don't supply their rates (or put them on 'beta test' tariffs like Agile Octopus), therefore we can't include them until they do.
With one-click verification, you are always in control. If you want us to switch you the next time, we'll notify you via email or text with your new top tariff based on your preferences, which you may switch to with a one-click verification a year after your current switch (or later if you're on a longer fix). If you don't want to change, simply do not click. You have the option to opt out at any time. We don't simply provide you free money; we also give you cashback. The only auto switch (no other Pick Me A Tariff) providers that search the whole market demand a fee. However, with MSE, you may switch using the tool, and while we, like other comparison sites, are funded, we don't demand a fee.
Instead, we pay you £25 refund (£12.50 single fuel) - almost half of what we earn. That is, it is less expensive than going straight to the source. It's a win-win situation.
If there is a significant market movement, we have an editorial override. "What if there's a significant market change, or a 'top service' provider we've transferred folks to suddenly suffers an IT collapse producing horrible problems?" was a key concern when designing this. As a result, we've included an editorial override rule.
In the worst-case scenario, we can bypass the default 'wait a year' regulation and provide you an early switching choice. This will only be used in severe circumstances, and it will always require the approval of MSE founder Martin Lewis (or, in his absence, Marcus Herbert, MSE's Editor-in-Chief).
While most energy transfers should be relatively smooth, issues might arise on occasion. If you have a problem when moving suppliers, you may be entitled to automatic compensation.
What you get depends on the situation, however for the following issues, automatic compensation is available:
You'll normally earn £30 for each problem you encounter - see how much I could get? See below for the whole list of what constitutes "taking too long" in each scenario.
While the compensation should be automatic, the provider can only pay you if it can detect an issue in the first place, so contact your supplier to lodge a claim if you believe you are entitled.
Suppliers now have precise dates to comply when switching, providing final bills, repaying credit, and settling unexpected switches under the automatic compensation guidelines.
The majority of them only apply to tariffs purchased after May 1, 2019. (Unless stated). Here is a complete list of the compensation providers must pay:
Switching: If your new provider fails to make the transition within 15 working days, you might receive £30 from them.
Final payments: If your former supplier does not issue your last bill after six weeks, you might recover £30 from them. This only applies to tariffs purchased after May 1, 2020.
Refunds on credit: If your previous provider does not pay back any money owed to you within 10 working days after delivering a final bill, you can collect £30 from them.
I switched by accident: If you were switched by mistake (known as a 'erroneous switch,' there are many deadlines for providers to meet, including:
From 1 May 2020, you will be charged £30 if you are moved by mistake to the new supplier (the one you were switched to).
- £60 if your previous and new providers fail to agree that you were moved by mistake within 20 working days of you alerting either. Each supplier should pay you £30.
- £30 from the provider you first alerted that you'd been switched by mistake if it fails to confirm the conclusion of its inquiry into whether an error occurred within 20 working days.
- £30 from your original supplier if it does not reconnect you within 21 working days of agreeing that you were transferred by error.
Because the compensation is automated, your provider should deposit funds into your bank account, send you a check, or credit for your prepayment meter. However, you may be called in some circumstances to confirm payment arrangements.
While you should be compensated automatically, suppliers will only pay out if an error is discovered, so if you believe you are due money, contact your provider and file a claim.
After the provider misses one of the deadlines, you should get your reimbursement within 10 working days. If it misses this date, you'll receive an extra £30 payment, but that's it - there will be no more automatic compensation for future delays.
If you believe you are entitled compensation and your provider has not paid, contact it, and if it still does not pay, file a complaint. Learn how to file a complaint with your energy supplier.
There are some scenarios where suppliers are exempt from paying out the compensation.
If the customer supplies inaccurate information to their supplier.
The supplier suspects fraud.
The supplier goes bust.
Paying through monthly direct debit can save you around £100 per year on average since firms are certain you will not default and they receive interest on any overpayments. So, if you think you can accomplish it, go for it. Even if you're on a price-capped tariff, it's typically worth you to pay by direct debit because the cap is set lower for people who pay this way compared to all other payment options - for more information, read our What is the energy price cap? Guide.
Direct debits, on the other hand, are normally based on an estimate of your consumption. If you do it wrong, you might end up overpaying (or underpaying) every month. Remember that even if you have a fixed tariff, your direct debit might be increased if your supplier believes you will consume more energy. For further information, consult the Energy direct debits handbook.
Energy efficiency may significantly reduce expenses, and energy companies frequently provide freebies. It's all part of their efficiency commitments to particular groups of individuals.
If you get certain benefits, you may be eligible for free insulation or a subsidy to replace an ageing boiler. More information is available in the Free insulation & boilers guide, but here's a sampling of what you can receive and how much it will save you:
Replacement or repair of a boiler. Heating accounts for around 55% of your annual energy cost. Depending on the age of your boiler, a new efficient one might save you up to £315 each year.
Insulation for cavity walls.
Most houses built after 1920 have a space between their interior and external walls. Filling the space with insulating mineral wool and foam keeps cold air out and warm air in, saving the average three-bedroom home up to £305 each year. Insulation for the attic.
Up to a quarter of your home's heat escapes via the roof, but by spreading mineral wool under the rafters, you may save up to £250 every year.
Don't believe the regulations are different if you don't have a gas supply. Even if you merely have electricity, you may change your energy provider. With the energy market in crisis, most people won't be able to save money by switching right now, but you can still save a lot in normal times. To compare power prices, use our Cheap Energy Club.
It is worthwhile to conduct an audit of your company's energy use to determine where and how much energy is being wasted. You may put measures in place to increase your company's energy efficiency and save costs once you've determined where energy is being wasted. Check your company energy tariff one last time. You might not be on the best rate if you've been using the same supplier for a time. It can be wise to compare commercial energy providers right away and switch to a more affordable offer.