When energy prices rise, you should think about changing providers to ensure you receive the cheapest deal. However, switching is about more than money. Sure, cutting costs is vital for home and business owners, yet there is more to a healthy relationship than how much cash you have in your bank account.
As well as not paying over the odds, you want to make sure that you are listened to, and that your concerns are taken into account should you encounter any issues. With this in mind, these are the basics to concentrate on when moving from one provider to another.
Are They Green?
Powering your home is about lowering its carbon footprint while maintaining a steady flow of gas and electricity. With the planet struggling to keep up with consumers’ needs, it’s crucial to do your part and give back to the environment by not wasting its supplies. There are several ways to do your bit, such as offsetting your CO2 footprint to strike a perfect balance between conservation and practicality. Not only should your new supplier invest in green solutions, but it should promote a wide-range of them so that you can find the most suitable service.
Customer Service
Customer service is a foundation of a healthy relationship because it means you can access vital information and benefit from transparent and uncomplicated bills. There are two options. Firstly, you can check review sites to see any significant gripes from current or former customers. For instance, is it easy to contact the firm? Are there big bills at the end of the year? Secondly, you can look for telltale signs that the supplier goes the extra mile. A membership for energy management is an indicator of how an energy company wants to boost its user experience for the sake of its customers.
Dual Tariffs
As the name suggests, a dual tariff is when you get your gas and electricity from a single energy company. It’s often cheaper than paying two separate rates, yet it’s always worth calculating the expenses before committing. What is appealing about this system is that it cuts out the hassle of handling two different accounts. Customers are usually happy to pay the same price to make everything easier, and you are probably the same. In that case, you should inquire about the possibility of combining your energy needs with one provider.
Exit Fees
Switching suppliers should be a walk in the park, but consumers often face nasty surprises that they didn’t factor in when signing on the dotted line. By far the most common is an exit fee. A fee for leaving can be enough to keep shoppers locked into a rate through sheer principle. Therefore, combing through the fine print to check for details that the supplier might not advertise is vital. That way, if you want to leave in the future, all you need is a comparison site and personal information.
What is essential to you from an energy perspective? That’s what you must consider, then.