Energy switching myths busted
While switching energy is something we should all be in the habit of doing every year, a lot of people stay where they are and end up paying more than they should do because they get put onto their supplier's most expensive tariff.
If you're concerned about the potential downsides of switching energy, our mythbuster guide is here to reveal the truth behind some of those common misconceptions.
Myth #1: "There's too much hassle involved with switching - it takes too long."
Reality: With Uswitch it can take as little as six minutes to switch your deal. All you need is your postcode and a recent bill so we can your actual usage data to bring you the most accurate prices based on your circumstances. We handle everything else in partnership with your new and old suppliers.
Myth #2: "The price cap is a cap on my bills so I don't need to switch to a fixed deal."
Reality: Ofgem's energy price cap places a limit on the maximum amount suppliers can charge per unit rate on a standard variable tariff - it's not a limit on the total bill. If you use more than the figure the price cap is reported as being (currently £1,720 per year), you'll pay more. If you use less, you'll pay less.
With wholesale prices relatively low, those who haven't switched for a while are likely to be on a variable (i.e. price-capped) tariff, which means they're likely to be paying significantly more than they need to. It's a good idea to at least run an energy comparison to see if there are any suitable fixed deals available.
Myth #3: "I’ll be charged twice while my new and old energy suppliers do the handover."
Reality: You will not be double-charged for your supply at any point in your switch. In the vast majority of cases*, your new supplier will only start billing you from your go-live date.
This date is a day agreed between your previous and new suppliers, so both providers should be well aware of the timings. All you have to do is pay your final bill to your previous supplier. If you really want to make sure that you're not going to be charged twice, cancel your direct debit with your old supplier after their last payment has been taken.
*Some independent suppliers may charge you in advance, as will some advance pay tariffs. Costs will, however, be calculated to make sure you do not overpay, so even if you are charged before your go-live date, you will not pay a penny extra!
Myth #4: "Someone will have to come into my house or garden and change my pipes/meter/cables."
Reality: There is no need to change any equipment over when switching energy, unless you've opted to have a smart meter installed. All suppliers use the same facilities to supply your energy, and no works need to be carried out in or around your home.
If you wanted to move your gas or electricity meter (as you might if you were having building work done), this would require external contractors coming in and conducting the work for you, as it's illegal for you to try and do it yourself.
Run an energy comparison
Click here to compare energy prices and get started on your energy switch.
Myth #5: "My energy supply will be interrupted."
Reality: You won't notice any change throughout the switchover and your supply won't stop at any time. The energy that you receive all comes from the same place; it's just attributed to different suppliers for different households. Therefore, the only difference you'll notice will be that your bills will come from another company.
Myth #6: "I’m renting my home, so I can’t change my gas or electricity supplier."
Reality: Unless your landlord pays your utilities directly, this is categorically untrue. Some tenants simply don’t realise they can switch, while others may have been told by their landlords that it wasn’t possible. You can switch your energy supplier in exactly the same way as anyone who owns their home.
For more information and help approaching your landlord about energy savings, read our tenants' guide to energy switching.
Myth #7: "I’m in debt to my current supplier, so I can’t switch."
Reality: If you’re on a prepayment meter and you owe less than £500, you can switch to a cheaper energy plan. If you owe more than £500 to your energy supplier, you can read about your options in our energy debt guide.
Still have questions about switching gas and electricity? You can read our energy switching FAQs or get help with our energy switching step-by-ste guide.
Myth #8: "I have credit in my account so I can't switch away from my supplier because I'll lose it."
Reality: If you're in credit, suppliers can't hold that credit if you ask for it back. If they refuse to return it, they have to provide a reason why.
When you switch to another supplier, they're legally bound to return it, though they might take some of it to cover any outstanding costs on your bill.
Case study
"I’ve saved a great deal of money using Uswitch, at least £2,000 across the years. My biggest saving had to be on my energy as I knocked off £35 a month with one switch, saving me £420 on my energy that year alone. The savings I make from switching are definitely enjoyable as I like to treat myself to a well-deserved facial or spa day. I always advise friends and family to use Uswitch to shop around and switch to get the best deals. We all work so hard for our money therefore we need to do what we can to save as much as possible to make our money go further."
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