Name: Uswitch Energy Comparison
Brand: Uswitch
Rating: 4.7 (23169 reviews)

Question 1

What is the Energy Price Guarantee?

Accepted Answer

The was introduced by the government as a response to the high price cap announced by Ofgem in August 2022. It froze the price cap at £2,500 until July 2023, when the price cap fell below that limit. Energy Price Guarantee The EPG will run in the background until April 2024 at a higher level of £3,000. This means that the price cap would need to be forecast higher than £3,000 per year for an average household for the EPG to come into effect again. Remember that, if the EPG is in effect, the normal caveats about the price cap figure still apply. It’s a cap on unit rates and standing charges, not your total bill. The less energy you use, the less you'll pay. The more you use, the more you'll pay.

Question 2

What should you look for when comparing energy deals?

Accepted Answer

When comparing energy deals, the annual price of the different deals may be the main thing to consider given the current state of the market. In a normal energy market, other areas might have a bearing on your decision, such as whether a deal uses renewable energy.

Question 3

Can I compare gas and electricity deals individually?

Accepted Answer

Some customers who use both gas and electricity prefer to compare energy prices for individual fuels, as opposed to combining them in one deal. This can sometimes work out cheaper than a dual fuel deal depending on the supplier. You can do this on the results table by using the filters provided.

Question 4

Can I get a green energy deal with Uswitch?

Accepted Answer

If you’re looking to switch energy to a greener option, you can look out for our badges on the results table. Green Accreditation Our independent panel rates every green deal as either Bronze, Silver or Gold. This depends on how ‘green’ the deal is and any wider sustainable causes that suppliers are involved in. Clicking on a specific deal will tell you why it’s been given its rating.

Question 5

What should I look for when choosing a new energy supplier?

Accepted Answer

Historically, many customers haven’t been concerned with comparing different energy suppliers. The annual cost of the deal is more important to them. However, with cheap energy suppliers in short supply and many smaller suppliers dropping out of the market in recent years, customers are now asking “which energy supplier is best for me?”. For instance, those who want to switch energy might feel more comfortable with an established energy supplier. Also, energy suppliers’ customer service could be a key point to consider., so make sure you check out different companies’ reputations if this is a particularly important element for you. Some suppliers may also have perks and rewards for customers, which you may feel would be worth looking into. Also, keep in mind that some energy switching options may be limited to existing customers, so there may not be as much choice as you’d expect.

Question 6

How does switching energy supplier work?

Accepted Answer

When it comes to switching energy supplier, Uswitch will let your current supplier know when you decide to switch. Your old supplier will then pick the process up with your new supplier, so you’ll never need to get involved. Most suppliers are part of the Energy Switch Guarantee. This guarantees a hassle-free process for customers, so there shouldn’t be any problems with your energy switch.

Question 7

Would a smart meter save me money?

Accepted Answer

A smart meter won’t save you money directly, but it will show how much energy you’re using each day and highlight areas where you could afford to cut back on your energy usage. This could therefore have a positive impact on your bills.

Question 8

How do I get a smart meter?

Accepted Answer

If you don't have a smart meter and you would like one, the quickest way to get one is to ask your supplier whether you can have one installed. There is a deadline of the end of 2025 for everyone in Britain to be offered one, but asking might help you get one sooner.

Question 9

What are the benefits of smart meters?

Accepted Answer

Smart meters automatically send your usage readings to your supplier, meaning you'll be charged more accurately and won't have to spend time taking and sending manual readings. Smart meters with an in-home display can also be connected to via Utrack, which provides a detailed view of your home’s energy usage. It also shows you how you might be able to use energy more efficiently.

Question 10

Why are my energy bills so high?

Accepted Answer

Energy bills are currently high because of a range of factors that have caused the price of wholesale energy to rocket. This means it costs energy suppliers more to buy the energy they supply to customers, so they have to charge customers more so they can afford their own costs. While limited fixed deals are beginning to return to the market, they may not be right for you to switch to yet. Consider your options and . take a look at our guide to fixing energy deals for more information One way to reduce the amount you pay for your energy is to track how much you're using. Check that your bill is based on actual readings of your gas and electricity meters rather than estimated ones. It’s important to take your own readings so that you get charged accurately. Or you could consider getting a , which provides real-time meter readings and can help you track your energy usage. You can request one from your supplier or switch to a smart meter tariff. smart meter

Question 11

How can I get a cheap gas and electricity deal?

Accepted Answer

It's going to be difficult, given the current state of the energy market, for many customers to find a cheap gas and electricity deal. Energy prices have risen by a significant amount, with deals a lot more expensive than they were a few years ago. A standard variable tariff, which is capped at £1,690 until 30 June, may be the cheapest deal available for many customers. But some fixed deals could offer price certainty. Consider your options carefully and . check out our energy Q&A here for more information

Question 12

Will the price cap cut my energy bills?

Accepted Answer

Since the was introduced, it's fair to say that it hasn't helped cut people's energy bills. The standard variable tariffs it applies to have still been the most expensive on the market, especially when compared to fixed deals. price cap While energy prices have been extremely high for the past two years, they are lower than they have been. This has allowed Ofgem to set the cap at a level of £1,690 from April to July 2024. But it’s important to remember that this is a cap on the unit rate of the energy you use, not a cap on your total bill. The less energy you use, the less you’ll pay. You can still save money by managing your energy usage. This means that suppliers are starting to offer limited numbers of fixed energy deals to customers again, . This may not be the right move for everyone, though. allowing them to potentially move away from being governed by the price cap

Question 13

Which is the cheapest energy supplier?

Accepted Answer

The best gas and electricity supplier for you won’t always be the cheapest. You can use Uswitch to filter by what’s important to you, whether that’s a large supplier or one that offers green energy plans.

Question 14

Which is the best energy supplier?

Accepted Answer

The best gas and electricity supplier for you won’t always be the cheapest. You can use Uswitch to filter by what’s important to you, whether that’s a large supplier or one that offers green energy plans.

Question 15

How often to energy prices change?

Accepted Answer

Energy prices can change every day as they reflect the market news. If you are on a variable plan, your rates will probably change throughout the year. They'll currently be at £1,690 under the price cap but will change twice more in 2024 and could go up or down. On a fixed plan, your rates will stay the same during the fixed period.

Question 16

How long will it take to switch energy?

Accepted Answer

Most of the UK’s energy suppliers are signed up to the Energy Switch Guarantee. This guarantees that the supplier you’re switching to will complete the process and that it will be done within five days. There’s also a two-week ‘cooling-off’ period, during which you can cancel the switch free of charge.

Question 17

Do I need to cancel my Direct Debit when I switch?

Accepted Answer

There’s no need to get in touch with your old supplier once you’ve made your energy switch. Once it’s been told of your switch, the supplier should send a final bill and close your old account once you’ve paid any outstanding amount. While there’s no need to cancel your Direct Debit, you can do this through your bank if you want to be more confident you won’t still be charged. Just remember to settle your final bill first.

Question 18

Will my gas and electricity be interrupted if I switch?

Accepted Answer

Your gas and electricity won’t be interrupted at any time. Even if your supplier goes out of business and you’re transferred to another supplier, the lights and heating will stay on. Most energy suppliers are signed up to the Energy Switch Guarantee, which requires switching to be reliable and hassle-free. With that in mind, any problems involving the interruption of your supply are extremely unlikely.

Question 19

Can I switch energy supplier if I owe my current supplier money?

Accepted Answer

You can switch energy supplier if you’ve been in debt for fewer than 28 days - the money you owe will be added to your final bill. If you’ve been in debt for longer, you probably won’t be able to switch until you’ve settled that debt (unless the supplier’s billed you incorrectly). If you’re on a prepayment meter, you can switch as long as the debt to your current supplier is less than £500.

Question 20

I'm moving home. How do I switch gas and electricity?

Accepted Answer

If you’re moving and you want to take your current deal with you, let your provider know - depending on where you’re moving to, you may be able to take it with you. If not, you’re . free to switch away from the default supplier at your new property in the normal way One thing to remember to do is take a meter reading on the day you move out, and take another one at the new property when you move in. This will ensure you’re only paying for what you use.

Question 21

How do I compare energy prices?

Accepted Answer

You can compare energy prices by providing your postcode and usage details (starting with the postcode entry box at the top of this page). We'll show you deals available in your area along with the estimated savings based on your current usage.

Question 22

What information do I need to switch energy supplier?

Accepted Answer

To switch energy supplier, you’ll only need your address. Uswitch will collect your usage data and current supplier from your address details.

Question 23

Can I switch energy supplier if I rent?

Accepted Answer

You can usually switch energy supplier if you’re a renter who pays the energy bills. If the landlord pays the energy bills, you’ll need to get their permission.

Question 24

What if I want to compare gas and electricity prices separately?

Accepted Answer

If you want to only see gas deals or electricity deals , you can filter available tariffs on our results table.

Question 25

What happens when I switch?

Accepted Answer

When you confirm your switch, you’ll get an email from your chosen supplier within a day or two to let you know that it’s going ahead. Once it’s completed you’ll get another email letting you know that you’re officially getting your energy from your new supplier. Your supply won’t be cut off at any point, so you can sit back and relax.

Question 26

Can I switch to the same energy supplier?

Accepted Answer

If you don’t want to switch energy supplier, you still might be able to find a cheap gas and electricity deal with Uswitch. If you haven’t switched energy before, it’s likely you’re on your provider’s standard variable tariff, which is typically the most expensive tariff. You can use Uswitch to compare energy deals from your current provider if you’re happy with the service but want to save on your energy bills.

Question 27

What is a dual fuel tariff?

Accepted Answer

A dual fuel tariff is an energy tariff that combines electricity and gas from the same supplier, so you only need one energy tariff. Not only can this work out cheaper than getting two fuels from different suppliers, but it also reduces admin on your end. You’ll only have one bill to pay, one number to call if you need customer service, and so on.

Question 28

How do I get a green energy deal?

Accepted Answer

Green energy has become more available in recent years, and most suppliers now offer at least one renewable or green energy plan. We’ll highlight green plans in your energy comparison results, and you can even filter your results to show only green energy plans.

Question 29

Can I switch energy if I have a prepayment meter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can switch energy if you’re on a prepayment meter . Just select ‘Prepayment meter’ when you’re asked how you pay your energy bills. You can tell you’re on a prepayment meter if you pay in advance with a smart card, token or key. You’re also allowed to switch away from using a prepayment meter by replacing it with a credit meter .

Question 30

What is the best type of energy tariff?

Accepted Answer

The best type of energy tariff for someone else won’t always be the right one for you. The most important thing to think about is whether you want a dual fuel deal or whether you want single fuel deals from two different suppliers. There will obviously be prices to consider, as well as the reputation and size of different suppliers. Think about what’s most important to you and make your decision based on that.

Price cap level	Annual energy cost for an average usage medium-sized household paying by Direct Debit
1 July to 30 September 2023	£1,976
1 October to 31 December 2023	£1,834
1 January to 31 March 2024	£1,928
1 April to 30 June 2024	£1,690
Predicted energy price cap (1 July to 30 September 2024)	£1,463
Predicted energy price cap (1 October to 31 December 2024)	£1,521

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