Check terms before changing energy supplier, Which? survey

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Check terms before changing energy supplier, Which? survey

Mon 2nd Nov 2009

Almost half of consumers changing their energy supplier do not read the terms and conditions first, a Which? Switch survey has found.

Customers are not noticing hidden charges such as late payment penalties or high exit fees for cancelling tariffs. Charges are even been levied for being moved to a more expensive plan when the existing deal expires.

Changing to an internet tariff can help reduce costs. Earlier this year uSwitch.com found that online customers had their bills reduced by 12 per cent so far in 2009, compared to four per cent for standard plan customers.

Alison Morris from Which? Switch said with the largest energy bill of the year looming this winter, now is a good time to change suppliers, but reading the terms was essential "to make sure you're not missing out on the best deals or weighing yourself down with extra costs or clauses".

Many suppliers offer bonus extras too, with free boiler repairs for some consumers from Npower and Scottish and Southern Energy offering a £5 donation to the British Heart Foundation for some of its clients.

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