REASONS TO SWITCH
SOME COMMON QUESTIONS
Do you have any questions on switching your gas & electricity? Here are the answers to some of the most common queries:-
WHAT DETAILS DO I NEED TO SWITCH MY GAS & ELECTRICITY?
Most people can switch using just their postcode and a few basic details - such as how much they spend or how much energy they use (if you don’t have this information to hand you can still switch using our usage estimator).
Please note: if you'd like to switch to a direct debit tariff, you will need to fill out the DD form online with your bank details. Rest assured our web pages are secure, and your details will be encrypted and held securely.
In a very small number of cases you may need to know your gas or electricity meter number, which you can find on an old bill or the meter itself.
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ARE THERE ANY HIDDEN SURCHARGES OR COSTS IN USING HELPYOURMONEY.NET?
No, there are absolutely no hidden surcharges or costs. We show you the best available rates from all suppliers in your area. You are then free to choose the one which is right for you. Switching costs nothing, and will save you money on your energy bills.
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HOW DOES THE PROCESS FOR TRANSFERRING SUPPLIERS WORK?
Check against the suppliers and tariffs shown on the results table, and remember you can search by price, service rating and green credentials.
Once you have chosen a supplier, you provide us with the details to complete your switch application. We'll forward these details securely to your new supplier who will arrange the switch. We'll also send you an email confirming the details of the switch and a contact point for your new supplier.
Within a month you will be given a supply transfer date by your new supplier. On this day you should take a meter reading and submit it to your new supplier. They will contact your old provider so they can arrange a final bill and close your account.
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WILL THERE BE ANY INTERRUPTION TO MY SUPPLY?
No, there will be no interruption whatsoever. There is no need to change any meters, wires or pipes – your new supplier will use the same ones as your old one. The only changes that you will notice will be a lower bill and / or improved customer service from your new supplier.
What are service ratings and how are they calculated?
Our service ratings provide a guide to the level of service a supplier provides and are represented by an easy-to-understand star system:
1 Star - Poor
2 Stars - Below Average
3 Stars - Average
4 Stars - Good
5 Stars - Very Good
Our ratings are calculated from complaint levels received by the independent market watchdog Consumer Focus, and also include call centre hours, availability of suppliers' internet services and special offers. Deductions are made for recent fines from the energy regulator OFGEM.
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DO I NEED TO CONTACT MY OLD PROVIDER TO SWITCH TO A NEW SUPPLIER?
No, your new supplier will organise the entire switching process. You should, however, ensure that your new supplier receives a final meter reading from you so that they can organise a bill and close your existing account.
IF I WANT TO SWITCH TO A DIRECT DEBIT TARIFF DO I NEED TO HAVE MY BANK DETAILS?
No, in some instances you can request a paper DD form which will be sent to you by your new supplier. You can then fill out your bank details and return it to them in your own time. We recommend that you complete Direct Debit forms on helpyourmoney.net as it will save you time, and the details are received and held securely.
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HOW DOES THIS FREE SERVICE MAKE MONEY? SURELY YOU NEVER GET SOMETHING FOR NOTHING?
All electricity and gas price comparison services receive a small commission from suppliers, for finding them a new customer. We are governed and accredited by Ofgem's code of conduct for price comparison websites, which means our commercial relationships with suppliers bears no relationship to what you see on our results table. We show all suppliers regardless of our relationship with them, and will show you the cheapest one for you.
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I WANT TO SAVE AS MUCH MONEY AS POSSIBLE - HOW SHOULD I GO ABOUT IT?
Simple. Find out what you currently pay for your gas and or electricity in a typical year and which tariff you are on with your current supplier. Enter your details into the calculator and submit your search with the default settings. Your cheapest supplier will be returned to you at the top of the results table.
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I'M NOT SURE WHO MY CURRENT SUPPLIER IS - HOW DO I FIND OUT?
Check any recent bills - your supplier’s name will be on there, probably at the top. Otherwise, to find out who your current gas supplier is, you can contact the Meter Point Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524. To find out who your current electricity supplier is, you can contact your landlord or letting agency or your regional electricity supplier eg. London Electricity - you can find their phone number in the phone book, on the web, or from directory enquiries.
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I DON'T KNOW WHAT MY CURRENT SPEND IS - CAN I STILL USE THE CALCULATOR?
Yes. Use the High, Medium and Low usage levels on the input screen. Your usage will roughly equate to the size of your property. Small flats are generally low users, larger flats and houses medium users and large houses high users. If you only use gas for cooking you should enter low user for gas.
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WHAT ARE GAS METER (MPRN) AND ELECTRICITY (MPAN) NUMBERS AND HOW DO I FIND THEM?
Your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) is the unique identifying number of the gas meter at your property. It is a 10 digit number, sometimes referred to as an "M" number, and can be found on your gas bill (generally on the back of the bill). If you can't locate your MPRN on the back of your gas bill or on your meter, you can call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524.
Your MPAN is the unique identifying number of the electricity meter at your property. It is often referred to as a "Supply Number" or "S" number, and it can be found on your electricity bill (generally on the back of the bill). If you can't locate your number, you should contact your current electricity supplier.
If you switch with helpyourmoney.net, we have a system on the site which looks up your meter number automatically in most cases.
WANT TO SEE HOW MUCH YOU COULD SAVE?
CLICK HERE