Which energy supplier is right for you?

Switching energy suppliers is one of the simplest ways to save on your energy bills, but how do you choose an energy supplier?

The differences between energy suppliers may not be immediately obvious. However, by deciding what matters most to you, you can make sure you choose the best energy supplier for your home. 

Here are some of the key things to consider when comparing energy suppliers and their tariffs. 

Who is the most reliable energy supplier?

A major concern for many when shopping for a new energy tariff is securing a reliable energy supply and avoiding power cuts. However, your choice of energy supplier actually has no effect on how many power cuts you will experience, or how long they will last. 

Delivering energy to your home and maintaining your local infrastructure is the responsibility of your energy distributor. Your distributor is determined by where you live, and cannot be changed. 

Instead, your energy supplier is the company from whom you buy gas and electricity. Changing suppliers won’t affect the actual supply of power, but it will determine how much you pay for your energy, how it is generated and what your customer experience is like. 

Finding the cheapest energy supplier

One of the biggest differences between suppliers is the energy tariffs they have available. Your tariff determines how much you pay for each unit of gas and electricity you use, as well as the daily standing charge you pay to access the energy network. 

While looking for the lowest per-unit cost might seem like the best way to choose an energy supplier, there are actually a few factors to consider, including:

• Per-unit cost: How much you pay for each kWh of gas and electricity. If you’re a high-usage household, look for the lowest possible per-unit cost.
• Daily standing charge: A fixed daily charge set by your supplier. Lower consumption households should look for lower standing charges.
• Tariff length and exit fee: Some energy tariffs have a fixed minimum length and an exit fee for switching before the end of this period. If you want to keep your options open, look for a tariff with no exit fee.
• Other promotions and discounts: Many suppliers offer additional discounts to qualifying customers. For example, Octopus Energy offers customers in selected areas free electricity during periods of low usage. 

These different factors make comparing tariffs directly difficult, which is why we recommend using a free utility service such as Please Connect Me to get accurate price estimates for your home and find the best deal for you. 

How to choose an eco-friendly energy supplier

For some customers, finding an environmentally friendly energy supplier is just as important as finding a well-priced tariff. 

Fitting solar panels or a heat pump is a great way to lower your home’s carbon footprint, but if you rent your home or don’t have the disposable income to invest, they are not possible. However, if you choose an energy supplier which sources its energy from renewable production, you can cut your home’s emissions in minutes, all while saving money. 

Look for energy suppliers which buy renewable energy directly from producers and invest in improving renewable production and infrastructure in the UK. 

All energy suppliers use the same energy mix across the national grid. Therefore, the more customers who switch to suppliers committed to buying renewable energy, the greener this energy mix becomes. 

Which energy suppliers have the best customer service?

Is it important to choose an energy supplier with good customer service? While you hopefully won’t have to speak to your energy supplier often, in a stressful situation, great customer service can make all the difference. 

If you are being billed incorrectly for your energy, for example, good customer service will make resolving the issue quicker and easier. When you move home, arranging for final bills and getting refunded for any overpayment can be a simple process or a complicated hassle, depending on the level of service you receive. 

Which? – The independent consumer advice service publishes an annual ranking of all major UK energy suppliers. They use scores given by real customers and their own assessment to determine which companies are the most helpful and offer the best experience. 

For the last eight years, Octopus Energy has been Which?’s recommended UK supplier for customer service. 

How to choose an energy supplier

Choosing the right energy supplier means deciding what to prioritise. Do you want the lowest priced tariff, the most environmentally friendly supply or the best customer service? 

Whether one factor in particular takes priority, or you would like to balance all three, using our free utility concierge service makes the selection process simple. Our Connections Experts will talk you through your best options based on your priorities, and provide personalised quotes for your household. 

Find out more and book your free call today!