Getting the cheapest gas and electricity

As the rececession bites, people are forced to save money in every little way. Getting the cheapest gas and electricity prices is one way to reduce energy bills and help save money. The question is though how can you do this?

Thanks to the wonders of technology, you can easily access energy comparison sites to help, such as Confused.com and uSwitch.com These sites can really help you in getting the cheapest gas and electricity and also assist if you decide to switch energy supplier.

For one, uSwitch.com currently says ‘Get cheaper gas and electricity Save up to £425 on your energy bills.’ This could be a fantastic saving, all you need to do is enter your postcode on the uSwitch site, enter some brief details so that your needs can be calculated and you’ll get details of the best energy deals available for you. See for yourself – on the uSwitch website.

The ‘Big 6′ energy companies have all recently been changing their energy plans and helping you to save money – including British Gas, EDF, Scottish Power and E.ON

There are also 2 new entrants Ovo Energy and First Utility who offer some very competitive cheap energy plans as well.

The energy comparison sites really win and help you get the cheapest gas and electricity prices because they are right up to date with the latest energy plans on offer from numerous suppliers, meaning by using them you can be confident of finding a good deal.

Confused.com is another energy comparison site that is easy to use and from which you can quickly understand whether it’s worth your while switching energy supplier to get cheaper prices.

What factors should you consider when looking to switch energy supplier?

Invariably the first thing you need to think about is the  price offering from each supplier available in your region. You can save significantly with some companies.

Also, you need to evaluate other specifics. Here are some questions you might consider to help your decision

• Are their payment options accessible for you, for example direct debit?
• Do they charge an exit fee if  you want to switch to another supplier within a certaine period?
• Is their customer support reliable and easily reached?
• Do they have any reward schemes or similar benefits?
• Can they perform the transfer process in a timely and efficient manner?

How long does it take to switch energy supplier?

Not long! By using the assistance of such as Confused.com, the process is relatively easy:

(By the way if you do switch energy supplier with Confused.com they’re currently offering a £60 Virgin wines voucher)

1. Visit Confused.com, select utlities and select ‘Quote me Gas & Electricity’ and then choose whether you want just gas, just electricity or dual fuel
2. You’ll be asked about your location, current supplier, your current electricity/gas usage and how it’s paid, your current tariff and your email address
3. You’ll get a series of energy quotes from energy suppliers in your region
4. After you confirm you want to proceed with the energy switch, Confused.com will send you an email to finalise your choice of new energy supplier. You’ll also be given the new energy supplier’s contact information
5. A contingency period follows just in case you might still change your mind.

As you consider a move to switch energy supplier make sure all your outstanding bills with your old supplier are paid, otherwise they can stop the transfer

Wait for about a month and your old supplier will  send you your final energy bill.

Your new energy supplier will contact you to verify your payment method and confirm the start of their service. Depending on the exact date you start the new energy service and who your new supplier is, you will receive your first bill from then after about 13 weeks..

As you can see getting the cheapest gas and electricity is easier now with the help of the energy comparison sites – if you want to know more, our article ‘Switch energy supplier – how easy is it?‘ might be useful.